I have just finished reacquainting myself with this wonderful piece of Australiana after last watching it during its original B&W broadcast back in 1973.
Based on the 1894 novel by Ethel Turner, the story has a timelessness that holds the interest of children and adults alike. The original story was revolutionary for its time in depicting children realistically, something that the TV series also depicts well - typical Aussie kids.
This series has aged quite well with acting and production values as good as most mini series made today.
I have a special affinity for this series as the last three episodes (Yarrahappini, The Picnic & Going Home) were filmed at Lanyon Homestead, literally a 5 minute drive from my home in southern Canberra. I was also married under the Norfolk pines next to the house.
For those interested, 31 years on the area still looks as it does in this series despite the encroachment of Canberra's southern suburbs. Fortunately the heritage listed site is protected from redevelopment and also survived the 2003 bush fires unscathed.
The new ABC DVD, although displaying far from perfect video quality, is an excellent release and I hope the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) will release more programs from this era.
Highly recommended.
Based on the 1894 novel by Ethel Turner, the story has a timelessness that holds the interest of children and adults alike. The original story was revolutionary for its time in depicting children realistically, something that the TV series also depicts well - typical Aussie kids.
This series has aged quite well with acting and production values as good as most mini series made today.
I have a special affinity for this series as the last three episodes (Yarrahappini, The Picnic & Going Home) were filmed at Lanyon Homestead, literally a 5 minute drive from my home in southern Canberra. I was also married under the Norfolk pines next to the house.
For those interested, 31 years on the area still looks as it does in this series despite the encroachment of Canberra's southern suburbs. Fortunately the heritage listed site is protected from redevelopment and also survived the 2003 bush fires unscathed.
The new ABC DVD, although displaying far from perfect video quality, is an excellent release and I hope the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) will release more programs from this era.
Highly recommended.