| Genre: | drama |
| Based On: | novel by Nevil Shute |
| Screenplay: | David Whitaker |
| Director: | Eric Tayler |
| Country: | Australia |
| Language: | English |
| Num Seasons: | 1 |
| Num Episodes: | 6 |
| Producer: | Eric Tayler |
| Camera: | Lloyd Sheils |
| Runtime: | 45 mins |
| Company: | ABC |
| Network: | ABC |
The Far Country is a 1972 Australian mini-series based on the novel of the same name by Nevil Shute. The novel was adapted for television on the ABC, consisting of six episodes. It started on 9 February 1972.[1]
Jennifer Morton travels from England to Australia where she stays with some distant relatives. She falls in love with Czech miner Carl Zlinter who works at a neighbouring lumber cap.
Director Eric Tayler had made the mini series Dead Men Running for the ABC the year before. Shooting of the six-episode series took place in Bandaleer Downs, Tarana, Sofala, Vittoria, Mullion Creek Orange and Bathurst, and at the ABC's Gore Hill studios.[2] [3]
The scripts were written by English writer David Whitaker who also appeared in a small role.[4] [5]
A new version of the series (sometimes broadcast as a TV film) was produced in 1986 with the actor Michael York playing the character of Carl Zinter.[6]
The Age said "the serial successfully evokes the parched pastoral poetry of a remote sheep station in 1951. Eric Tayler shepherds the show's actors, and animals, with laconic skill... performances... attest to a growing expertise in Australian teledrama." The critic also praised the camerwork although felt it "wasted on a love and jealousy tale so naive and sudsy."[7]
Another critic for the same paper thought it "has plenty of good outdoor shots and fresh air, yet somehow lacks robustness and enough zing to hold the interest. A fault could be... not enough liberty has been taken with a story too telegraphic for television."[8]