Australia’s “60 Minutes” returns this Sunday with a pair of reports tackling vastly different subjects: harrowing survival against nature and the unsettling circumstances surrounding the end of a Hollywood icon’s life. It’s a typical juxtaposition for the newsmagazine, pairing visceral human drama with a more enigmatic investigation.
First up, Dimity Clancey examines the story of Mani Zhang in “The Shallows.” Zhang found herself in a terrifying fight for her life after being attacked by a bull shark mere meters from shore. The report looks into the details of the attack, Zhang’s incredible resilience, and the quick thinking of a passer-by whose intervention proved crucial. It’s a stark account of survival against the odds, focusing on the human element rather than just the predator.
Then, Tara Brown turns her attention to a more somber story in “Death of a Legend.” Gene Hackman, the celebrated actor who stepped away from the spotlight two decades ago for a quiet life in New Mexico with his wife Betsy, found himself at the center of a tragedy. Brown investigates the mysterious deaths of the couple, drawing on accounts from friends who paint a picture of Hackman’s final weeks. The suggestion is that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are unusual and warrant closer examination, far removed from the peaceful retirement Hackman sought.
Catch “60 Minutes” on Channel 9 and 9Now this Sunday, April 27, at 8:10 PM AEST.
