IMDb > "A Fortunate Life" (1985)

"A Fortunate Life" (1985) More at IMDbPro »TV mini-series

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Overview

User Rating:
7.5/10   19 votes
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Up 4% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Writer:
Ken Kelso (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for A Fortunate Life on IMDbPro.
Genre:
Drama more
Plot Keywords:
User Reviews:
A below-average adaption of a great biography more (2 total)

Cast

  (Series Cast overview, first billed only)
Bill Kerr ... Narrator (1985) (voice)
Dominic Sweeney ... Bert (18 years)
Dorothy Alison ... Grandma Carr
Benedict Sweeney ... Bert (14 years)
Anthony Richards ... Bert (9 years) (part I: 'Starting Out' (1897-1905))
Scott Bartle ... Bert (5 years) (part I: 'Starting Out' (1897-1905))
Pat Bishop ... Alice McCall
Paul Sonkkila ... Archie McCall
John Ley ... Eric Facey
Dale Randall ... Roy Facey
Jeffrey Rhoe ... Jock McKay
Maurie Ogden ... Cop / Sergeant (parts I and II)
Ray Meagher ... Bad Bob (part I: 'Starting Out' (1897-1905))
Carole Skinner ... Shalagh Phillips (part II: 'Bush Schooling' (1905-1908))
Martin Vaughan ... Frank Phillips (part II: 'Bush Schooling' (1905-1908))
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Additional Details

Runtime:
95 min (4 episodes)
Country:
Australia
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Certification:
Iceland:16 (part 4) | Iceland:L | Australia:PG
Filming Locations:
Western Australia, Australia
Company:
Nine Network Australia more

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User Reviews

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4 out of 4 people found the following review useful.
A below-average adaption of a great biography, 18 December 2007
3/10
Author: twotonepictures from Adelaide, Australia

'A Fortunate Life' is based on the classic Australian autobiography of the same name, written by A.B. Facey. It is considered to be one of Australia's most beloved novels, telling the story of an ordinary man who experiences an extraordinary life of hardship, loss, friendship and love. Unfortunately, the 1985 mini-series doesn't do the book justice. Poor casting, slow direction and a clumsy script hamper the production, and while it remains very faithful to the book, it fails to capture the rich characters and emotion portrayed in Facey's writing. Occasionally, there are some good period details, but one can't help being distracted by the awkward acting and dull pace. Granted, it was made for television in 1985 (no doubt on a tight budget) - but 20 years on it has dated significantly. It's a shame, because Facey's story is quite fascinating, very touching and deserves quality storytelling.

I never like to say 'the book is better than the film' - because the two are distinctly separate mediums. But if you want to learn about this iconic Australian man, I recommend you read the novel... at least until a updated version is made of this marvelous story.

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