Young Ramsay (Channel 7 1977-1979, John Hargreaves, Serge Lazareff)

Drama series Young Ramsay told stories of rural vet Peter Ramsay. The show really only came about because Crawfords were looking for a family vehicle and amongst the possibilities for the lead role in the shows initial stages were Tom Richards and Wendy Hughes. Ramsay had been working in Sydney dealing mainly with racehorses before becoming disillusioned and wanting a change. He moved to the country town of Jindarra, near to the Victorian coast to join the practice of Jack Lambert, Hack’s daughter Julie acted as their receptionist.

Hargreaves and Lazareff would often improvise to a small degree with some of their scenes. Ray Turner was heavily involved as wildlife officer for the area.

The show was filmed on the Mornington Peninsula at Tooradin and also Healesville. Guest stars included the likes of Sam Neill, Sigrid Thornton, Rod Mullinar, Peter Sumner, Briony Behets and Penne Hackforth Jones. The character of Jack Lambert died at the end of season one and for the second season (made almost 2 years later) a new main character in the form of Cassie McCallum (taking the place of Julie Lambert) was added to the cast. The series was heavily supported by the Victorian Ministry for Wildlife and Conservation.

production details
Australia / Channel 7 – Crawfords / 26×60 minute episodes/ Broadcast 1977 and 1979 2 seasons

Producers: Henry Crawford, George Miller, Kevin Dobson

cast
JOHN HARGREAVES as Peter Ramsay
BARBARA LLEWELLYN as Julie Lambert (season one)
LOUISE HOWITT as Cassie McCallum (season two)
VIC GORDON as Jack Lambert (season one)
SERGE LAZAREFF as Ray Turner