Sara Dane
| Company type | Television miniseries |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Products | Television drama |
Sara Dane is a 1982 Australian television miniseries that tells the story of a woman wrongly accused and transported from England to Australia.
Original novel
The miniseries draws its narrative from the bestselling 1954 novel by Catherine Gaskin, which was inspired by the real-life account of Mary Reibey, a convict who married an officer during her voyage to Australia and later became a prominent business figure. Since 1994, Reibey's portrait has been featured on the Australian $20 note.
Gaskin's book, her most commercially successful work, sold in excess of two million copies. Although film rights were acquired and a movie adaptation was planned at Elstree Studios in 1956, it never came to fruition. Another proposed film project with Sylvia Syms attached also failed to progress.
1956 radio adaptation
In 1956, the ABC produced a radio version of the novel.
Plot
Sara Dane is unjustly found guilty of theft and transported in 1797 as one of the female convicts to Sydney Town, Australia. During the journey, she becomes a maid for settler James Ryder’s household. Through improved hygiene and clothing, Sara’s intellect and education catch the attention of ship officer Andrew McClay, who marries her and secures her freedom. Despite facing social exclusion and jealousy from servants, Sara dedicates herself to expanding her husband's enterprise, resulting in increased prosperity and temporary acceptance at Government House.
Following McClay’s death amid the Irish Convict Rebellion, Sara experiences renewed isolation. To regain her social standing, she weds wealthy French nobleman Louis de Bourget, becoming the wealthiest woman in the Colony of Australia. After Louis dies in a riding accident, Sara intends to return to England but ultimately decides to remain in Australia as an influential and respected figure.
Cast
- Juliet Jordan as Sara
- Harold Hopkins as Andrew McLeay
- Brenton Whittle as Jeremy Hogan
- Barry Quin as Richard Barwell
- Sean Scully as Louis de Bourget
- Ilona Rodgers as Julia Ryder
- Paul Sonkkila as James Ryder
- Robert Grubb as John Macarthur
- Judy Dick as Annie Stokes
- Peta Toppano as Alison Barwell
- Henry Salter as Ted O'Malley
- Wayne Bell as Mr. Clapmore
- Roger Oakley as Major Foveaux
- Roger Ward as Johnny Pigman
- Damon Herriman as David
- Michael Pope as David
- Cameron Scott as Duncan
- Graham Harvey as Duncan
- Amanda Muggleton as Nell Finnigan
Production
In 1980, the South Australian Film Corporation announced plans for a mini-series adaptation of Gaskin’s novel for Network Ten, initially considering Judy Morris and Sam Neill for leading roles. Ultimately, Juliet Jordan was selected to portray Sara Dane. Author Catherine Gaskin commended Jordan’s performance, highlighting that the television character was depicted with even greater strength than in the book, reflecting the fortitude required for success in early Australian society.
Reception
The mini-series enjoyed considerable ratings success.
Soundtrack
A soundtrack accompanying the series was issued in 1982 by Cherry Pie.
Charts
| Chart (1982) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 86 |
- Articles with short description
- Australian television miniseries of the 1980s
- Original programming by Network 10
- Television series set in New South Wales
- Australian television series that premiered in 1982
- Australian television series that concluded in 1982
- Television productions set during colonial Australia
- Television adaptations of Australian literature
- Historical fiction novels
- Novels with Sydney settings
- Films directed by Rod Hardy
- Australian radio dramas from 1956
- Radio dramas set in colonial Australia
- Australian radio serials from the 1950s
- Network 10 original programming