Riptide (Australian TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Adventure television series |
Riptide is an Australian adventure TV series that premiered in 1969, featuring American actor Ty Hardin in the leading role. Much like the subsequent series The Outsiders, it showcased both an international star and producer. The main cast included Jonathan Sweet and Sue Costin, while guest roles were filled by prominent Australian performers such as Tony Ward, Rowena Wallace, Michael Pate, Bill Hunter, Helen Morse, John Meillon, Norman Yemm, Chips Rafferty, and Jack Thompson. Filming took place on location throughout Australia.
Plot
Moss Andrews (portrayed by Ty Hardin), once a prosperous businessman from the United States, takes time off following the untimely death of his wife. During a sailing excursion along Australia’s coast, he finds peace in the surroundings and opts to remain there. He establishes and operates a charter boat service along the eastern shoreline. Throughout the episodes, Moss encounters various dubious individuals engaged in covert activities, continuously foiling their schemes.
Main/regular
- Ty Hardin as Moss Andrews
- Jonathan Sweet as Neal Winton
- Sue Costin as Judy Plenderleith
Guests/recurring
| Actor | Role | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Alistair Duncan | Harry | 1 |
| Alister Smart | Adam Brockenhurst / Les Duggan / Ted | 3 |
| Ben Gabriel | Fenwick | 1 |
| Bill Hunter | 'Lofty' Smith / Mick Scobie | 2 |
| Carmen Duncan | Professor Karen Shaw / Kate Brett | 2 |
| Carol Raye | Lauriana French | 1 |
| Chips Rafferty | 'Sharky' Hall / Ken Brockenhurst / Major Drysdale | 3 |
| Danny Adcock | Donald | 1 |
| Dawn Lake | 2 | |
| Dennis Miller | Jeff Challis | 1 |
| Enid Lorimer | Dora Binney | 1 |
| Fernande Glynn | Barmaid | 1 |
| Gerard Maguire | Tractor Driver | 1 |
| Gordon Boyd | Blackie / Hamilton Walsh | 2 |
| Harold Hopkins | Harry | 1 |
| Helen Morse | Joanna Decker | 1 |
| Henri Szeps | Des Dawkins | 1 |
| Jack Thompson | Wally / Ted | 2 |
| Jacki Weaver | Liz | 1 |
| Jeanie Drynan | Penny Waring / Val Wells | 2 |
| Jodie Yemm | Jodi Rix | 1 |
| John Gray | Fred Martin / Havelock | 2 |
| John Gregg | Johnny DeBray | 1 |
| John Hamblin | Wallace's Mate | 1 |
| John Meillon | Luke Russell | 1 |
| Ken Shorter | Ross | 1 |
| Kerry McGuire | Freda Phillips / Beryl Winton | 2 |
| Kevin Miles | Brian Clarke | 1 |
| Les Foxcroft | Tom Willett | 1 |
| Lionel Long | Hamilton | 1 |
| Lois Ramsey | Anastasia Burns | 1 |
| Lorrae Desmond | Madge Scobie | 1 |
| Max Cullen | Gus / Chris / Rod | 3 |
| Michael Pate | Captain Bonner / Wes Lowry | 2 |
| Neva Carr Glyn | Ruth Decker | 1 |
| Norman Kaye | Eric Garrow | 1 |
| Norman Yemm | Const. Bob Rix / Andy Mercer | 2 |
| Pat Sullivan | Bimbo Ashton / Rainbow Quilter / Receptionist | 3 |
| Penne Hackforth-Jones | Sally Tennant / Dancer | 2 |
| Penny Ramsey | Sue Sherman | 1 |
| Reg Evans | Assistant Manager | 1 |
| Reg Gorman | Reg / Wal / Charlie | 3 |
| Roger Ward | Sergeant / Denzil Webb | 2 |
| Ron Graham | Chris Bolan | 1 |
| Ron Haddrick | Abraham Decker | 1 |
| Rowena Wallace | Cathy Smith / Xena | 2 |
| Sean Scully | Chuck | 1 |
| Slim De Grey | Carl | 7 |
| Steve Dodd | Jacko | 1 |
| Suzy Kendall | Diana / Kate Russell / Vera Rutland | 3 |
| Tom Oliver | Dave Todd / Bruno / Mike Hallett | 3 |
| Tony Ward | Maurie Anderson / Mike Hagan | 2 |
| Vincent Gil | Conrad Dehn / Constable 1 / Johnny | 3 |
Development
The concept for the series was conceived by American Guy Thayer and further developed by Australian writer Michael Noonan, who was based in London and had previously collaborated with Thayer on The Flying Doctors. Noonan had experience creating British-backed productions featuring American leads set in Australia, such as The Flying Doctor and Whiplash. Thayer’s original proposal centered on a character managing a charter boat along the Barrier Reef, under the working title Charter Boat, with Oliver Reed initially attached as the lead actor. The project was publicly announced in 1966 under this same title.
Financial backing was provided by the Australian company Artransa and the British firm Associated British. The series was officially a joint venture between Trans Pacific Enterprises, Thayer’s company based in Bermuda, and Artransa Park Studios. Copyright ownership was shared among Associated British Pathe, Amalgamated Television Services, and Trans Pacific. The initial plan involved three Australian writers residing in London—Bruce Stewart, Tony Scott Veitch, and Rex Rienits—crafting episodes under Noonan’s guidance. However, after Associated British rejected their scripts, Robert Banks Stewart took over as story editor.
By the end of 1967, five Australian writers had submitted scripts: Bruce Stewart, Michael Noonan, Peter Yeldham, Rex Rienits, and Tony Scott Veitch. Despite these contributions, no scripts from writers living in Australia were utilized, which led to tensions with the Australian Writers Guild.
Ty Hardin was cast in the leading role. The series was filmed in color, and Hardin remarked that production expenses were considerably lower in Australia—approximately $70,000 per episode compared to $200,000 in the United States. Filming commenced on November 29, 1967.
During production, Hardin expressed strong confidence in both his charisma and acting abilities. However, the shoot encountered difficulties; a few months into production, producer Ralph Smart was brought on board and implemented major changes, including the dismissal of two supporting cast members.
Reception
Although the series achieved moderate success in Australia, it did not meet the producers’ expectations. It failed to secure broadcast deals in the United States and received only tepid viewer interest across Australia and Europe. As a result, no continuation beyond the initial season was commissioned.
Episode
- Bound from California (5 February 1969). Written by Robert Bruce Stewart, produced by Ralph Smart, directed by Peter Maxwell. Moss Andrews arrives from America following his wife’s passing, reconnects with an old acquaintance, and becomes embroiled in a conflict involving tug boats. Guest stars include Gordon Boyd, Pat Sullivan, Ron Graham, Fernande Glynn, and John Gray. This episode was the sixteenth to be filmed.