Seven Little Australians (TV series)
| Company type | Mini-series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Television drama series |
| Parent | Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) |
Seven Little Australians was a television mini-series consisting of 10 episodes broadcast on ABC Television in 1973. This adaptation was drawn from Ethel Turner's acclaimed novel, Seven Little Australians.
The series closely followed the original narrative, with only slight deviations such as the depiction of Judy, who is shown with a sturdier physique on screen compared to her slender, fragile appearance in the book. Additionally, Meg's hair color differs, appearing long and dark in the series rather than the long blonde described in the novel.
Premise
Captain Woolcot, a widower with seven children, enters into a second marriage. His new wife must navigate the complexities of managing seven lively youngsters.[1][2]
Cast
| Role | Performer |
|---|---|
| Captain John Woolcot | Leonard Teale |
| Judy Woolcot | Jennifer Cluff |
| Esther Woolcot | Elizabeth Alexander |
| The General | Christian Robinson |
| Meg Woolcot | Barbara Llewellyn |
| Pip Woolcot | Mark Clark |
| Nell Woolcot | Anna Hruby |
| Baby Woolcot | Tania Falla |
| Bunty Woolcot | Mark Shields-Brown |
| Martha | Ruth Cracknell |
| Aldith | Judy McBurney |
| Mr. Hassal | Peter Gwynne |
| Doctor | Nigel Lovell |
Production
The ABC developed this project over several years, earning commendation from Head of Television Drama John Cameron, who praised American writer Charles Russell for his script contributions. Russell focused on portraying the father's difficulty in expressing affection toward his children, particularly his eldest daughter.[3]
Financial backing came from Global Television and Twentieth Century Fox.[3][4]
Filming commenced on 2 January 1973 in Sydney, with additional location shoots near Bowral and Canberra.[5] Cameron recounted considerable difficulties during production; some team members even suggested halting the project, but it was eventually completed successfully.[3]
Reception
The Sun Herald hailed the series as "the most moving, beautifully produced, sensitively acted piece of children's drama we have done on television yet."[6] Meanwhile, The Bulletin called it "a joy to watch".[7]
International Broadcast
In the United States, the program was broadcast under the title Seven Little Woolcotts and garnered notable viewership in Sweden.
Accolades
The production earned the prestigious Gold Logie for Best New Drama in 1974, in addition to receiving several Penguin and AFI Awards.
A 2-disc DVD collection is offered in Australia, classified under region 4.
Episode List
- "Fowl for Dinner" – 26 August (Sydney premiere)
- "What Are Fathers For Anyway?" – 2 September
- "Consequences" – 9 September
- "All for the Worst" – 16 September
- "Secrets" – 23 September
- "Tomorrow Do Thy Worst" – 30 September
- "Into the Sun" – 7 October
- "Yarrahappini" – 14 October
- "The Picnic" – 21 October
- "Going Home" (final episode) – 28 October
References
- ↑ Seven Little Australians, retrieved 2019-05-23
- ↑ ""Seven Little Australians"". The Australian Women's Weekly. Vol. 40, no. 48. Australia, Australia. 2 May 1973. p. 18. Retrieved 15 June 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Cameron, John. "Autobiography of John Cameron".
- ↑ "DRAMA The biggest make-believe factory", The Bulletin, 95 (4840), Sydney, N.S.W, 3 February 1973
- ↑ "Teletopics". The Age TV Guide. 21 December 1972. p. 2.
- ↑ "Hankies out for a slice of nostalgia". The Sunday Sydney Morning Herald. 19 August 1973. p. 78.
- ↑ "TELEVISION Multidimensional delight", The Bulletin, 95 (4870–1), Sydney, N.S.W, 15 September 1973