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The Group (Australian TV series)

From Alfawiki
Cash Harmon Television
IndustryTelevision production
FounderDon Cash, Bill Harmon
ProductsTelevision series

The Group was a situation comedy from Australia that aired on the Seven Network. It was produced by Cash Harmon Television with scripts penned by David Sale. The pilot episode premiered on 25 January 1971, competing among four Australian series being evaluated for full production. Viewers were encouraged by the network to share their opinions on which show they preferred.

Synopsis

The narrative focused on five young adults—three males and two females—cohabiting primarily due to economic and practical considerations. Much of the humor derived from their attempts to evade the suspicions of their landlord, who believed they were involved in questionable conduct. This premise served as a precursor to the 1973 British sitcom Man About the House.

Each episode opened with freeze-frame introductions of the characters accompanied by brief labels such as 'MARK the medical student', 'JENNIFER the student', 'BOB the accountant', 'JEREMY he's something in television', and 'TINTO the landlord'.

Laura Bent, depicted as an innocent brunette model unaware of her own charm, was the central character driving most plots. Her caption changed weekly and often became the episode title, examples being "and LAURA this week she's on a diet" or "This Week She Travels."

Critics praised the pilot for its refined studio production and energetic cast ensemble, calling it "a cheery, friendly, viable show."

Regular

  • Ken James portrayed Mark Sebel
  • Jennee Walsh played Jennifer
  • Gregory Ross appeared as Bob
  • Gregory de Polnay took on Jeremy
  • Terry O'Neill acted as Tinto
  • Roslyn Wilson featured as Laura Bent

Guests

Roslyn Wilson was cast as Laura Bent shortly before filming after original actress Wendy Hughes departed to star in Butterflies are Free. Although Wilson’s background was in amateur theatre and singing, she was employed as a secretary at an advertising firm when selected. Producer Don Harmon commended her for embodying "the same quality of innocence that Marilyn Monroe used to have."

Production personnel

Produced by Don Cash and Bill Harmon, the series concept was created by Anne Hall and written by David Sale, who would later co-create the successful soap opera Number 96. Despite initial favorable reception, The Group concluded after its initial run of thirteen half-hour episodes without renewal.

Several performers from The Group, including Bettina Welch, Elisabeth Kirkby, and Tom Oliver, subsequently became prominent cast members in Number 96.

See also

Notes


External links

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