The Outcasts (Australian TV series)
The Outcasts was a 1961 Australian television serial. A period drama, it was broadcast live, though with some film inserts. All 12 episodes of the serial survive as kinescope recordings. It was a sequel to "Stormy Petrel". Plot. "The Outcasts" told the story of William Redfern and his attempts to build a hospital in Sydney in 1808. Production. "Stormy Petrel", written by Rex Rienits and Colin Dean, had been a big success for the ABC. In November 1960 it was announced Dean and Rienits would reunite for a serial about William Redfern. In March 1961  Dean said "it has not quite the clear, dramatic line of 'Stormy Petrel'. It involves more people, and although it lacks the central issue of the rebellion, much more happens in 'The Outcasts,' which covers from 1808 to 1822. 'The Outcasts' illustrates the change in the colony — Macquarie's policy of building up a settlement rather than administering it as a penal colony." There was a cast of 42. A huge set was built to replicate George Street. Star Ron Haddrick was best known for his theatre work at the time. Reception. Reviewing the pilot episode the Sunday "Sydney Morning  Herald" said "ABN 2 looks as though its done it again... I would say that it has another winner and one that might outclass its predecessor...It hasn't yet got as strong a central figure as Bligh... but, on the other hand , it set the pace and established the theme much more rapidly than the Bligh series which was a little slow to develop." The "Woman's Weekly" said the story "seems closer to present-day Australia in its lasting effects than the Bligh rebellion, with its high life at Government House, its turbulence, and its drama. "The Outcasts  is a quieter story, made up of more of the everyday events of life... The Outcasts" is interesting and excellent TV. I know I'll make great efforts not to miss an episode." The "Bulletin" said "For those who like their historical drama presented in the Alfred Dampier manner, with shouting, weeping, oppression of the weak, all the characters pure-white or pure-black in morals and the dialogue scissored out of volumes seven to ten of the “Historical Records of Australia,” the series is good, clean fun. But viewers should not take them as historical gospel." Sequel. In January  1962 the ABC announced there would be a third series, making it a historical trilogy. It would focus on Darling versus Wentworth.