Dynasty (ABC 1970-1971, John Tate, Kevin Miles)

Drama series Dynasty focused on media tycoon Jack Mason who finds his business empire being attacked on all sides. Based on a 1969 play of the same name that starred Brian James and Mark McManus which in turn was based on co-creator Morphett’s own novel. A spin-off called Catwalk also appeared. Season one was one of the big hits of Australian TV in 1970 winning a logie award (for best new drama), it was full of boardroom backbiting and manoeuvring with most of the characters having villainous qualities.

The old man of the company Jack Mason would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, his son David was having an affair wirth his brother’s wife.

Season two saw quite a few changes with Jack mason not appearing (having disappeared over Botany Bay somewhere) and crucially the producers moved away from the boardroom and out into the real world.

British scriptwriter Glyn Davies was responsible for assembling the four Australian writers (along with himself) who made up the script team. Glyn claimed in interviews at the time that “the result was the first Australian TV series based on character and dialogue”.

production details
Australia / ABC / 20×60 minute episodes / Broadcast 1970-1971 (Two seasons)

Creators: Tony Morphett, Glyn Davies / Producers: Eric Taylor, Alan Burke

cast
JOHN TATE (1970)
NICK TATE
KEVIN MILES
ANNE HADDY
SERGE LAZAREFF
BEN GABRIEL
MAX MELDRUM
RON GRAHAM
LYN JAMES
OWEN WEINGOTT
PAT BISHOP