memorable tv           

SONS AND DAUGHTERS

7 Network-Grundys / 972x30m-e / 1982-87

Drama series. the intertwined lives of two families - the working class Palmers and the well off Hamiltons. When the show began young Angela Hamilton had just fallen for John Palmer (this was a terrible mistake as it turned out they were brother and sister - their father David having had an affair with mother Patricia, after the birth of the twins David had John whilst Patricia took Angela.
Through John and Angela's actions David and Patricia were brought together again even though both were married (David to Beryl and Patricia to businessman Gordon). Other major players in the series included David's other son Kevin and Patricia's stepson the ruthless Wayne Hamilton but it was Patricia who emerged as the star of the series quickly becoming the JR of the show.
As time went on the cast changed quite a bit with both the lead couples  going through divorces (Patricia frequently tangled with Gordon's new wife Barbara). A new family the O'Briens were also brought in. Rowena Wallace who played Patricia then decided to leave the show, the producers not wanting to lose the character of Patricia decided to use a strange plot device of having another actress play Patricia but with the twist that Patricia had undergone plastic surgery and was now calling herself Alison Carr. Later as the show neared the end of its run Beryl got married to Gordon and Rowena Wallace returned briefly as Patricia's twin sister. 

With:- ROWENA WALLACE as Patricia Hamilton / TOM RICHARDS as David Palmer / BRIAN BLAIN as Gordon Hamilton / ALLY FOWLER as Angela Hamilton/Palmer/Keegan / IAN RAWLINGS as Wayne Hamilton / LEILA HAYES as Beryl Palmer / PETER PHELPS as John Palmer / ANN HENDERSON-SHIRES as Susan Palmer/Todd / STEPHEN COMEY as Kevin Palmer / ANTONIA MURPHY as Lynn Hardy/Palmer / PAT McDONALD as Fiona Thompson / KIM LEWIS as Jill Taylor / NOEL HODDA as Rob Keegan / MARK FERGUSON as Paul Shepherd / ANNE HADDY as Rosie Andrews

SOUNDS LIKE US

ABC / x30m-e / 1970 (First Episode Broadcast: Thursday 26 February / 8.00pm)

Variety series headlined by singer Jeff Phillips and regulars were the Sounds Like Us singers and dancers and the ABC Melbourne Show Band (conducted by Brian May).

SOUTH PACIFIC ADVENTURES

Grundy / x100m-e / 1990

Producer: Philip East / Executive Producer: Roger Mirams

Children's adventure series in which a group of kids find themselves never far away from intrigue and mystery. Their tales included being whisked away to a strange island and tangling with pirates and also having to deal with The Phantom Horseman. The four stories were Wilde Love, Pirates Island, The Phantom Horsemen and Mission Top Secret. Their was a $4 million budget for the series. Mission top secret became a secret.

With:- BETH BUCHANAN as Charlotte / BRIAN ROONEY as Toby / BRYAN MARSHALL as Tremayne / JAMES COATES / VIOLETA BRAVO CELA 

SPECIAL SQUAD

Ten-Crawfords / 43x60m-e / 1984-85

Executive Producers: Hector Crawford, Ian Crawford, Terry Stapleton / Associate producer: Ross Jennings / Producer: Raymond Menmuir / Theme Music: Graeme Lyall / Stunt Co-ordinator: Chris Anderson 

Action adventure series. Cases of the Special Squad - a crack team of crime fighters with specialist skills. The Boss of the squad was Don Anderson who brooked no nonsense, his team was Greg Smith and Joel Davis and the Squad worked with major crime.

With:- John Diedrich as Joel Davis / Alan Cassell as Det Insp Don Anderson / Anthony Hawkins as Greg Smith  
 

SPELLBINDER

SPELLBINDER II: Land of the Dragon Lord

SPIT MacPHEE

THE SPOILER 

SPORTING CHANCE 

cast
RAY BARRETT as Robbo / LIDDY CLARK as Jo / RICHARD MOIR / BRIAN BLAIN 

SPRING AND FALL

ABC / 10x50 minute episodes . 1980 and 1982

Executive Producer: Sandra Levy

An anthology series of one off dramas focusing on life in modern day Australia. There were six stories in the first batch and four in the second. Actors taking part included the likes of Steve Bisley, Judy Morris, Barry Otto, Max Gillies, Michele Fawdon and Robyn Nevin. The series won 12 awards and one of them in particular Cold Comfort won a logie for best one off drama.

SPYFORCE

9 Network-Roger Mirams-Paramount Pictures Co-Prod. / 42x60m-e / 1971-72

Creators:Roger Mirams, Ron McLean, Brian Wright /  Producer: Roger Mirams / Music: Brian Rangott, Geoff Harvey 

Wartime drama series. Exploits of a group of soldiers, specialists in espionage, as they work deep undercover behind enemy lines performing acts of sabotage. The series, although relatively high of budget, made ample use of stock footage, sometimes to its own detriment. 

One interesting fact is that Russell Crowe made his debut on the show at the age of six (his parents were caterers on the set).

With:- JACK THOMPSON as Erskine / KATY WILD as Lt French / REDMOND PHILIPS as Colonel Cato / PETER SUMNER as Gunther Haber

STARK

ABC-BBC2-Cascade / 3x55m-e / 1993 

Writer: Ben Elton / Music: Colin Towns / Titles: Bob Cosford / Design: Laurence Eastwood / Costume: Kerri Barnett / Producers: David Parker, Michael Wearing,Timothy White / Director: Nadia Tess

Drama serial. In the near future when it looks like the world is on the brink of asphyxiation, a group of the worlds richest men (who have helped to bring about the current situation) are plotting to escape into outer space, Englishman C.D (Colin Dobson) teams up with the love of his life Rachel (who isn't the slight bit interested in CD) and a pair of ageing hippies to try and delay the coming of armageddon.  

With:- BEN ELTON as C.D / COLIN FRIELS as Sly Morgan /  JACQUELINE McKENZIE as Rachel / DERRICK O'CONNOR as Zimmerman / BILL WALLIS as Walter / DEBORA LEE-FURNESS as Chrissie / FIONA PRESS as Karen

STAR STRUCK

9 Network / x60m-e / 2001

A talent show hosted by Jay Laga'Aia featuring the best in young Oz talent, there was a cash prize for best of series of some $50,000.

STARTING OUT

9 Network-Grundy / 85x30m-e / 1983 (First Episode: 18 April / Shown weekdays 6.00pm)

Executive Producer: Reg Watson / Producer: Sue Masters

Soap style drama series about a group of young medical students attending Thornleigh University and all living in the same boarding house. Also involved was college tutor Dr John Rivers. Produced in Melbourne, the show was planned as a successor to The Young Doctors but ratings decided otherwise. 

With:- TOTTIE GOLDSMITH / NIKKI COGHILL / JILL FORSTER / JOHN HAMBLIN / GERARD MAGUIRE / MARIE REDSHAW / JOHN HIGGINSON / MAURIE FIELDS / DAVID REYNE / COLIN VANCAO / PAUL WILLIAMS / PETER O'BRIEN  

STATE CORONER

Crawfords-Harvey Taft / 28x60m-e / 1997-99

Script Editor: Susan Hore / Producers: David Taft, Michael Harvey

Crime drama series. Cases of the staff of a State Coroners office looking into unnatural deaths. 

With:- WENDY HUGHES as Kate Ferrari / BOB BAINES as Clive Trimble / ELAINE SMITH as Julie Travers / CHRIS GABARDI as Daniel Ferris / NICK CARRAFA as George Cardillo / ELISE McCREDIE as Sharon / KRISTIAN PITHIE as Paul / ASHER KEDDIE as Claire Ferrari /CHRISTOPHER STOLLERY as Dermot McLeod (season one) / ANDREW CLARKE as Colin Decker (season two)

STEEL CITY

ABC / 1x60m-e / Thursday 26 October 2000 / 9.30pm

Documentary looking at the closing of BHP's Newcastle steel works after 84 years, focusing on effect the closure had on the steel workers and their families. Filmed over the last month of the works being open.

STEPFATHER OF THE BRIDE

ABC - Essential Viewing / 1x90 minute episode / Broadcast Sunday 12 November 2006 @ 8.30pm 

Writer: Geoffrey Atherden / Producers: Rosemary Blight, Kylie Du Fresne, Ian Collie / Director: Roger Hidgman 

Comedy drama. Skye and Lachlan are in love and they're getting married. Their parents belong to the generation who married, divorced and married again, or who, in the case of Skye's father, married, divorced, married, divorced and married again. But Skye and Lachlan know they're not like that. 

They both agree that the way to demonstrate their love for each other is to make their wedding a big one. What could go wrong? Skye's grandmother being rushed to hospital doesn't help. And neither does her parents panic about the size of the wedding. In fact it looks like the wedding may not even take place at all.

cast 
WILLIAM McINNES as Daniel / NONI HAZLEHURST as Sophie / ALEX DIMITRIADES as Jack / GARRY McDONALD as Ari / LUCY TAYLOR as Skye / LEON FORD as Lachlan / GEORGIE PARKER as Catriona / FRANK GALLACHER as Ian / KATE RITCHIE as Nicole / LARA COX as Natasha / LESLIE DAYMAN as Bob / ZOE HOUGHTON as Lesley / KERRY WALKER as Elaine / ANNIE BYRON as Stephanie / ALLY FOWLER as Pamela / REBECCA MASSEY as Fiona 

STINGERS

9 Network - Beyond-Simpson Le Mesurier / 110x60m-e / 1998-2002

Producers: Roger Simpson, Roger Le Mesurier, John Wild  / Executive Producers: Mikael Borglund, Kris Noble

Crime drama series. The cases of a group of undercover cops. Each season generally consisted on 22 episodes. Stingers was almost cancelled after season two because of the perceived lack of character development but this changed with season three and the show has gone from strength to strength. Former NSW undercover cop Guy Wilding provided the inspiration for Stingers and is the shows technical consultant. Each episode took six days to complete four of them on location in Melbourne and two of them in the building known as The Crimplex which serves as the hub of the Stingers world.  The show is seen in over 15 countries.

With:- JOE PETRUZZI as Det Senior Sergeant Bernie Rocca / ANITA HELGH as Det Sgt Ellen McKenzie / PETER PHELPS as Senior Constable Peter Church / JESSICANAPIER as Constable Kaye Kelso / IAN STENLAKE as Constable Oscar Stone / KATE KENDALL as Constable Angie Piper / ANGIE MILLIKEN as Susan Abbott / LAURA LATTUADA as Lucy Rocca

STOP LAUGHING - THIS IS SERIOUS

ABC / 1x40m-e / Wednesday 16 December 1970 / 10.40pm

Writer/Producer/Director: John Power

A documentary in which Australian cartoonists Emile Mercier, Les Tanner, George Molnar, Bruce Petty and Martin Sharp talk about their craft. Narrated by Frank Legg.

STORMY PETREL

ABC / 12x30m-e / 1960 First Episode: 15 May black and white

Writer: Rex Rienits / Design: Douglas Smith / Producer?Director: Colin Dean

Period drama serial. How William Bligh (of Mutiny on the Bounty infamy) became Governor of New South Wales and often found himself at loggerheads with Captain John MacArthur. This deservedly popular serial was in fact based on a 1959 ABC radio serial of the same name, the following year also saw a sort of follow up with The Outcasts.

With:- BRIAN JAMES as William Bligh / ANNETTE ANDRE / ALASTAIR DUNCAN / RICHARD PERRY / RIC HUTTON / MARGO LEE / DELIA WILLIAMS / OWEN WEINGOTT / NAT LEVISON / NIGEL LOVELL / MURIEL STEINBECK / CHARLES McCALLUM

THE STORY OF PETER GREY

ATN-7 / 164x15m-e / 1961-62 (First Episode 10 October 61) black and white

Writers: Kay Keavney, Richard Lane / Producer: Brett Porter /Director: Ken Hannam

Early soap style drama series detailing episodes in the life of clergyman Peter Gray, being an early show the sets and the majority of the 'action' were strictly limited.

With:- JAMES CONDON as Peter Grey / DIANA PERRYMAN / STEWART GINN / LOU VERNON / LYNNE MURPHY / GORDON CHATER / WALTER SULLIVAN / THELMA SCOTT

THE STRANGER

ABC / 12x30m-e / 1964-65 black and white

Writer: G.K. Saunders / Design: Geoffrey Wedlock / Producer: Storry Walton

A pair of scifi drama serials. In the first three teenagers Bernie and Jean Walsh and Peter Cannon help an alien stranger who is seeking a new home for his people from the planet Soshuniss. In the second serial the kids have to seek the help of the Aussie PM when Peter is kidnapped by the alien and taken to their planet.

With:- JOHN FRASER as Mr Walsh / JESSICA NOAD as Mrs Walsh / BILL LEVIS as Bernard Walsh / JANICE DINNEN as Jean Walsh / MICHAEL THOMAS as Peter Cannon / RON HADDRICK as Adam 'The Stranger' Suisse / REGINALD LIVERMORE as Varossa / OWEN WEINGOTT as Professor Mayer  

STREETMATE

7 Network / x30m-e / 2000 - (First Episode Broadcast: Sunday 25 June / 7.00pm)

Dating game show in which Anna Pinkiss travels the country looking to matchmake various single people she encounters on the street. Based on a UK original.

A STREET TO DIE

Beyond / 1x90m-e / 1986

Writer/Producer/Director: Bill Bennett

The true story of Colin Turner, the first person to win :compensation for injuries caused through exposure to Agent Orange; how he discovered the link between Agent Orange and his cancer, and the fight that ensued with a bureaucracy that refused to admit liability. The film tells the emotional - at times humorous - story of  how .'' Colin and his wife battled to prove a point: that Agent Orange was responsible for his cancer. They created an historic precedent.

STRINGER

ABC-Xanadu / 8x50m-e / 1988

Creator: Steve Wright / Music: Martin Armiger / Producer: John Edwards

Comedy drama series. A worn out war correspondent retires to Sydney hoping for some peace and quiet only to get mixed up in the expploits of a dodgy Greek taxi driver.

With:- DERRICK O"CONNOR / NICHOLAS PAPADEMETRIOU / SUE LYONS / LYNETTE CURRAN / DOROTHY ST HEAPS / JOY SMITHERS

STUDIO 22

ABC / x30m-e / 2001 (First Episode Broadcast: Thursday 26 April / 11.00pm)

Music. A showcase for the best in Australian non mainstream musical acts featuring the likes of David Bridie, Mental as Anything and Tex Perkins.

THE SULLIVANS

9 Network-Crawford / 1114x30m-e / 15 November 1976 - March 1983

Creators: Jack Blair, Ian Jones 

Period soap style drama series. In a Melbourne suburb, the Sullivans and their friends and relatives cope with the hardships of the second world war. Set and filmed in Melbourne with Canterbury being the main location because of its proximity to Abbotsford which is where production company Crawfords were based. The pub featured in the series is The Retreat Hotel in Abbotsford. Episode one was a 90 minute special. There was a tv movie spin off The John Sullivan story focussing on that characters war exploits.

With:- PAUL CRONIN as David Sullivan / LORRAINE BAYLY as Grace Sullivan / ANDREW McFARLANE as John Sullivan / STEVEN TANDY as Tom Sullivan / SUSAN HANNAFORD as Kitty Sullivan / RICHARD MORGAN as Terry Sullivan / INGRID MASON as Anna Kaufman / LEON LISSEK as Hans Kaufman / KYLIE MINOGUE as Carla / CHANTAL COURI / JOHN WALTON(1978-79) / VIVIEN GRAY / IONA RODGERS (1979-82)

SUMNER LOCKE ELLIOTT'S EDEN'S LOST

ABC-Central-Margaret Fink / 3x60m-e / 1989 28 February - 14 March 

Writer: Michael Gow / Novel: Sumner Locke Elliott / Camera: Geoffrey Simpson / Costume: Jennie Tate / Design: Janet Patterson / Music: Alan John / Producer: Margaret Fink / Executive Producers: Ted Childs, Sandra Levy / Director: Neil Armfield

Drama serial. Teenager Angus is drawn into the machinations of a wealthy family following the death of his guardian.

With:- JULIA BLAKE as Eve / BRUCE HUGHES as Angus / LINDA CROPPER as Stevie / ARTHUR DIGNAM as Heath / VICTORIA LONGLEY as Bea / JENNIFER CLAIRE as Cissie / MELANIE SALOMON as Lesley-Ann / FIONA PRESS as Liesl / YVES STENING as Tip / ANDREW TIGHE as Bill Seward / PATRICK QUINN as Corey / PHILIP SAYER as Marcus / BETH CHILD as Hilda 

SUMNER LOCKE ELLIOTT'S WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE

10 Network-Shotton Productions / 9x60m-e / 1980

Writers: Eleanor Witcombe, Michael jenkins / Novel: Sumner Locke Elliott / Camera: Dan Burstall / Design: Logan Brewer / Costume: Bruce Finlayson / Producer: John McRae / Executive Producer: Andrew Wiltshire / Director: Igor Auzins

Period drama serial. The lives of a group of people (especially that of young Neil and Carrie) intertwine during the years 1932 and 1948. The budget for the serial was %1.5 million and the setting was Sydney. The plot focused on the Mazzini family especially Neil and his relationships with the women in his life. 

With:- ROBYN NEVIN as Shasta / DAVID CAMERON as Neil / JUDY DAVIS as Carrie Mazzini / ROWENA WALLACE as Honor Mazzini / JACKI WEAVER as Maggie McGhee / ROD MULLINAR as Don Brandywine / LINDEN WILKINSON as Ila Flagg / JAN HAMILTON as Geraldine Flagg / RALPH COTTERILL as Mr Flagg / PETA TOPPANO as Uke / SEAN SCULLY as Pete / FRANK GALLACHER as Luigi Mazzini / PENELOPE SHELTON as Chauncey

SUNDAY AFTERNOON WITH PETER ROSS

ABC / 1986

Afternoon magazine show hosted by Peter Ross (hence the title).

SUNDAY SPECTRUM

ABC / x150m-e / 1979-80 and 82-83

An umbrella title for a mixture of different programming including documentaries, music etc. There were visiting guests and the whole thing was presented by Tanya Halesworth. When the show return in 1982 hosts were Robert Page and then Sonia Humphrey.   

SUNDAY SUNRISE

7 Network / 1997

Early Sunday morning (broadcast at 8am) news review, current affairs show hosted by Chris Bath.

SUNNYSIDE UP

HSV 7 / x55m-e / 1960-66 black and white

Producer: Alf Spargo

Variety show based on a popular radio show. Broadcast mainly in Melbourne and also known as "The Happy Gang". Regulars were Bill Collins, Frank Rich, Neil Williams, John Gilbert, Rae Morgan, Syd Heylen and Syd Hollister.

SUN ON THE STUBBLE

6x60m-e / 1996

Novels: Colin Theile

Period drama serial. In the 1930's a German Immigrant farming family attempt to start a new life in South Australia.

With:- JAMIE CROFT as Bruno Gunther / SOPHIE HEATHCOTE as Lottie / DON BARKER as Uncle Gus / JEREMY SCHWERDTS / PHILIP HOLDER / CHRISTIAN KOHLUND / SUSAN LYONS

SUPERMARKET SWEEP
9 Network-Grundy / x30m-e / 1992-94

Quiz show set in a fake supermarket in which three pairs of contestants (chosen from the studio audience) compete to win a shopping spree style end game which involved finding the hidden clues to win a cash prize. Set originally in a Coles supermarket but later an un-named one. Host was Ian Turpie and the announcers were Col Mooney and Alan Glover.

SUPERQUIZ

10 Network-Grundy / x30m-e / 1989

Revival of the show Ford Superquiz and basically using the pick-a-box format. Hosted by Mike Walsh

SUPERSLEUTH

9 Network-Crawford / 1x96m-e / 1984

Writer Jeffrey / Producers: Jeremy Cornford, Peter Cox, Director: David C. Wilson

Typical who-dunnit style murder mystery of people being bumped off one by one in a country house with the twist that several different endings were filmed allowing the viewers at home to decide the outcome.

With:- CARMEN DUNCAN / STEVEN GRIVES / PATRICK WARD / JOHN EWART / JAMES CONDON / JAMES HEALEY / ELAINE LEE / MEGAN WILLIAMS / SUSAN STENMARK / ALLAN PENNEY

SURF SOUND

7 Network / x30m-e / 1964-66 black and white

Teen music show with the emphasis firmly on surf music. Hosted by Rob E.G.

SURPRISE CHEF

7 Network / x30m-e / 2001 (First Episode Broadcast: Sunday 10 June / 7.00pm)

Lifestyle. Chef Aristos Papandroulakis visits a supermarket to grab an unsuspecting shopper to prepare a surprise meal for them, Aristos could only use ingredients from the person's trolley or once at their home from their fridge and pantry. Also on hand were Ian Hemphill and Flip Shelton. There was a celeb special broadcast Sunday 25 November 2001 at 6.30pm, it guest starred Jackie O, Ernie Dingo and Sara-Marie Fedele (from Big Brother).

SURPRISE SURPRISE

9 Network / x60m-e / 2000

Entertainment. Hidden camera show hosted by Jay Lagga'aia in which various celebs like Eric Bana and Paul Cronin are played elaborate practical jokes on. The show has the same title but different format to a UK show hosted by Cilla Black. This show is more like Candid Camera. 

SURPRISE PACKAGE

9 Network-Grundy / 13x30m-e / 1961 black and white

Producer: Reg Grundy

SURVEY

ABC / x40m-e / 1967-74 black and white

Producer: Brian Adams

SURVIVAL WITH JOHNNY FARNUM

ABC / 12x25m-e / 1977

SURVIVOR

9 Network / x60m-e / 2002 (First Episode: Tuesday 12 february / 7.30pm)

Hosted by Lincoln Hawes this Australian version of the US reality game show of the same name pitted 16 contestants against the elements and a series of hazardous games in South Australia (Whalers Way, Port Lincoln). The two tribes were called Kadina and Tipara - named after boats that sank in the area. The series was preceded on the 12th of Feb by a special, hosted by Ben Dark, looking at audition tapes made by the contestants, plus ones that didn't make it.

SWAMP CREATURES

ABC / 1x75m-e / 1960 black and white

Writer: Alan Seymour / Producer/Director: Raymond Menmuir

SWAP SHOP

ABC / 42x30m-e / 1988-89

SWEAT

SWEAT OF THE SUN - TEARS OF THE MOON

ABC / 8x50m / 1985

SWEET AND SOUR

ABC / 20x30m-e / 1984 weeknights 6.30pm

Title Song: Sharon O'Neill / Music: Martin Armiger / Creators: Tim Gooding, Johanna Pigott / Producer: Jan Chapman

Drama series. A rock band, The Takeaways, try to make the big time. (The group actually went on to have a real life hit single).

With:- DAVIDREYNE / ARKY MICHAEL / TRACY MANN / RIA HERBERT / ROBIN COPP / SANDRA LILLINGTON

SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON

WAM / 30x30m-e / 1998

Period action adventure series. The Robinson family are shipwrecked on a desert island.

With:- RICHARD THOMAS as David Robinson / MARGO GUNN as Elizabeth Robinson / KEIREN HUTCHISON as Ernsy Robinson / CHARLOTTE WOOLANS as Joanna Robinson / MIA KONING as Christina Robinson / CHANTELLE YEE as Emily Chan / JUNIOR CHILE as Billy Cobb / K.C. KELLY as Jed Parson / GARETH HOWELLS as Ben Thomas

SWITCHED ON SET

ABC / x30m-e  /1972-73 black and white

Producers: Beverley Gledhill, Ric Burch

Youth news and current affairs show hosted by Ken James, Lex Marinos and Anne Stone. 

SWORD OF HONOUR

7 Network-Simpson Le Mesurier / 4x120m-e / 1986

Writers: Roger Simpson, Kathy Mueller, Peter Kinloch, Tom Hegarty / Camera: David Connell / Design: Bernard Hides / Costume: Jane Hyland / Music: Greg Sneddon / Producer: Roger Le Mesurier / Executive Producer: Roger Simpson / Directors: Pino Amenta, Catherine Millar

Period drama serial. During the 1960's the life of Esse Rogers (as she goes to university and campaigns against the Vietnam War) contrasts with that of her childhood sweetheart Tony Lawrence (who fights in the war and wins the military award The Sword of Honour). Had a budget of $5 million and was filmed in Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland as well as South-East Asia.

With:- ANDREW CLARKE as Tony Lawrence / TRACY MANN as Esse Rogers / NIKKI COGHILL as Viv Lawrence-Vittorio / PAULINE CHAN as Tam / ALAN FLETCHER as Frank Vittorio / ANDREW SHARP as Jo Hale / JULIA BLAKE / LINDA NEWTON / WYN ROBERTS / DOUG BOWLES / MARK MITCHELL / GEORGE MALLABY / TOM RICKARDS 

SYLVANIA WATERS

ABC-BBC / 12x30m-e / 1992 (21 July - 6 October / Tuesdays)

Producer: Paul Watson

A fly on the wall look at the 'typical Aussie' focusing on the lives of the Donaher family, mother Noeline, stepfather Laurie and children Paul, Mick and youngest Michael (aged 16). The show caused a certain amount of controversy thanks to some of the views espoused by Noeline and her family, she later published a book (also called Sylvania Waters) putting across her side of the story as she felt she had been misrepresented. Noeline and Laurie had both been married before and Laurie was stepfather to Paul whilst Noeline (originally from New Zealand) was stepmother to Mick.