Australians (TV series) explained

Australians (also known as Michael Willesee's Australians) is a thirteen part anthology documentary drama series which screened on the Seven Network in 1988.[1]

A lavishly illustrated spin-off coffee table book was released the same year. It was written by Roger McDonald and published Bantam Books.[2]

The series was not the idea of Willesee's, but his company, Transmedia was involved.[3]

Episodes

The episodes focused on famous individuals (with one exception covering soldier settlers):

Ep One – Les Darcy

March 1, 1988. Written by John Upton, directed by Kevin Dobson.[4]

Cast

Reception

The Age called it "a thumbnail sketch".[5]

Ep Two – Private John Simpson

March 8, 1988. Written by Roger McDonald. Directed by Henri Safran.

Cast

Ep Three - Vivian Bullwinkle

March 15, 1988. Written by Anne Brooksbank. Directed by Rod Hardy.

Cast

Ep Four - Mary MacKillop

March 22, 1988. Written by John Misto. Directed by Mark Callan.

Cast

Ep Five - Lottie Lyell

March 29, 1988. Written by Anne Brooksbank. Directed by Ben Lewin

Cast

Ep Six - Lola Montez

April 5, 1988. Written by Tony Morphett. Directed by Ian Gilmour.

Cast

Ep Seven - Clyde Fenton

April 12, 1988. Directed by John Power.

Cast

Ep Eight - Jack Davey

April 19, 1987. Written by Geoffrey Atherden. Directed by George Whaley.

Cast

Ep Nine - Betty Cuthbert

April 26, 1988. Written by Denise Morgan. Directed by Kathy Mueller.

Cast

Ep Ten - Gordon Bennett

May 3, 1988. Written by John Misto.

Ep Eleven - Soldier Settlers

May 10, 1988. Directed by George Ogilvie.

Ep Twelve - John Norton

May 17, 1988.

Cast

Ep Thirteen - Errol Flynn

May 24, 1988. Written by John Lonie. Directed by Michael Carson.

Cast

See also

References

  1. Web site: Australian Television: Michael Willesee's Australians: Episode guide.
  2. News: A selection of lively, multifaceted Australians . . 63 . 19,417 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 4 December 1988 . 27 November 2020 . 23 . National Library of Australia.
  3. News: Bicentennial Drama: It's a Knockout. Sydney Morning Herald. 29 February 1988. 68. Robin. Oliver.
  4. News: 29 February 1988. Peter. Corris. Mike Wilessee's Australians Less Darcy. Sydney Morning Herald. 75.
  5. News: The Age. 14. 1 March 1988. Telescope. Barbara. Hooks.

External links