The Far Country is a 1972 Australian mini-series based on the novel of the same name by Nevil Shute. The novel was adapted for television on the ABC, consisting of six episodes. It started on 9 February 1972.[1]
| The Far Country | |
|---|---|
| Genre | drama |
| Based on | The Far Country by Nevil Shute |
| Screenplay by | David Whitaker |
| Directed by | Eric Tayler |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Eric Tayler |
| Camera setup | Lloyd Sheils |
| Running time | 45 mins |
| Production company | ABC |
| Original release | |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | 9 February – 15 March 1972 |
Premise
editJennifer Morton travels from England to Australia where she stays with some distant relatives. She falls in love with Czech miner Carl Zlinter who works at a neighbouring lumber cap.
Cast
edit- Bernadette Hughson as Jennifer Morton
- Graham Corry as Carl Zlinter
- Peter Gwynne as the grazier Jack Morton
- Betty Dyson as Jane Morton
- Georgina West
- Peter Corbett
- Edmondo Falzone
- John Meillon
- Ben Gabriel
- Stewart Ginn
- Colin Hughes
- David Whitaker as Dr Wilkinson
Production
editDirector Eric Tayler had made the mini series Dead Men Running for the ABC the year before. Shooting of the six-episode series took place in Bandaleer Downs, Tarana, Sofala, Vittoria, Mullion Creek Orange and Bathurst, and at the ABC's Gore Hill studios.[2][3]
The scripts were written by English writer David Whitaker who also appeared in a small role.[4][5]
Remake
editA new version of the series (sometimes broadcast as a TV film) was produced in 1986 with the actor Michael York playing the character of Carl Zinter.[6]
Episodes
edit- 9 February 1972
- 16 February 1972
- 23 February 1972
- 1 March 1972
- 8 March 1972
- 15 March 1972
Reception
editThe Age said "the serial successfully evokes the parched pastoral poetry of a remote sheep station in 1951. Eric Tayler shepherds the show's actors, and animals, with laconic skill... performances... attest to a growing expertise in Australian teledrama." The critic also praised the camerwork although felt it "wasted on a love and jealousy tale so naive and sudsy."[7]
Another critic for the same paper thought it "has plenty of good outdoor shots and fresh air, yet somehow lacks robustness and enough zing to hold the interest. A fault could be... not enough liberty has been taken with a story too telegraphic for television."[8]
References
edit- ^ Marshall, Valda (16 January 1972). "ABC announces a big line up in 72". Sydney Sun Herald. p. 95.
- ^ "What city folk think of the rural recession". The Canberra Times. 7 February 1972. p. 13. Retrieved 8 August 2013 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "NEVIL SHUTE STORY ON TV". The Australian Women's Weekly. Vol. 39, no. 38. Australia, Australia. 16 February 1972. p. 9. Retrieved 2 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ Ed. Scott Murray, Australia on the Small Screen 1970–1995, Oxford Uni Press, 1996 p193
- ^ "Role for adaptor". The Age. 3 February 1972. p. 29.
- ^ Panorama newspaper TV guide; 23/11/1987; page 16
- ^ Pinkney, John (11 February 1972). "Tariff men fiddle, film men burn". The Age. p. 4.
- ^ Televiewer (24 February 1972). "Teletopics". The Age TV Guide. p. 2.