In the late 1970’s and 1980’s Australian Television bolstered its international reputation no end thanks to its many a big budget period set mini-series. One of the first of these was For The Term of His Natural Life.
Starring a mix of international stars such as Anthony Perkins and Patrick MacNee and up and coming Australian names like Robert Coleby and Colin Friels the 3 parter, based on the novel by Marcus Clarke, tells the story of Rufus Dawes (Friels) who, after being accused of murder in England, is sentenced to transportation to Australia’s harsh Van Dieman’s Land for the term of his natural life.
This engaging and intelligent young man is soon butting up against the cruel jailer Lt Maurie Frere and spiritual leader of the settlement Reverend North but when Rufus falls in love with Major Vickers’ (Macnee) daughter it looks like his troubles could just be starting.
production details
Australia | Channel 9 – Filmco – Patrick Payne | 3×120 minutes | 1983
Writers: Patricia Payne, Wilton Schiller
Novel: Marcus Clark
Camera: Ernest Clark
Music: Simon Walker
Producer: Patricia Payne
Director: Rob Stewart
cast
COLIN FRIELS as Rufus Dawes
SUSAN LYONS as Sylvia
ROBERT COLEBY as John Rex
PATRICK MacNEE as Major Vickers
DIANE CILENTO
ANTHONY PERKINS as Rev James North
SAMANTHA EGGAR
PENELOPE STEWART
ROD MULLINAR
ANNA JEMISON
REG LYE
