From the grand proclamation of the foundation of the colony to the launching of an expedition to cross the Blue Mountains, all the major historical events of the colony’s first 23 years are recreated here in a thoroughly entertaining way.
Mannion, a free settler, is the main villain of the piece. He quickly becomes a landowner in the new colony and uses convict labour to make himself wealthy.Though he remains remote from the day-to-day work of his country property Beltrasna, he allows his overseers to treat the men badly: unsanctioned punishments are tolerated, shackles kept on at all times and poor rations provided. Mannion is dismissive of those of lower social status: he demands his housekeeper Ellen keep her son out of the house but still feels he can sleep with her when it suits him and is even prepared to cast her aside when he finds himself a wife.
Ellen’s son Johnny grows to despise Mannion, blaming him for his lot in life. It is this hatred that causes him to abandon his life for refuge in the mountains and which leads him into plotting revenge. The arrival of Mannion’s bride Conor is complicated by her revulsion at her husband’s treatment of his convicts. Mannion cannot understand her sympathy for them but Conor finds a kindred spirit in Mark Harvey, a cultured Englishman who has arrived to take up the position of tutor to Mannion’s son Patrick.
The series manages to conjure up a feeling that the land itself is the star of the show. The title sequence features a lone Aborigine simply observing the landscape around him and demonstrates how in tune the native population is with their environment. To the British colonists, the untamed landscape represents both their biggest challenge to survival and a lucrative way to potential wealth.
The Timeless Land also has the distinction of being the first ABC series sold to Paramount Pictures Corporation for $1m even before the series had been completed. For an Australian television drama to receive such interest from the United States was unusual and as such is an indication of its quality. As a period piece, the series has not dated and so this quality is still very evident today.
Aussie soap fans will gain extra benefit by being able to enjoy early appearances by their favourite actors. Actors to look out for include Brian Moll (Councillor Muldoon from A Country Practice), Brian Blain (Gordon Hamilton from Sons & Daughters), Peter Cousens (Dennis Harper from Return to Eden) and Genevieve Picot (Caroline from The Sullivans).
The series was shown on Australian television in 1980 and though popular in the ratings and fondly remembered by many, it has remained unavailable until now. It was also shown in many other countries including the United Kingdom where it played on many ITV regions, usually in a primetime slot.
If you missed this one first time around, you should definitely take this opportunity to watch one of the best stories Australia has to offer. If you did see it all those years ago, you are sure to remember it and want to watch it again. They don’t make them like this anymore!
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This DVD is in Region 4 format. Please check your DVD player is compatible.
Martin Mcdowell
