Author Alan Marshall's 3 autobiographical books are placed onto the screen with perfection. Covering his life between the ages of 11 and 31, you will be drawn into the story as this indomitable character overcomes every obstacle put in his way.
Alan contracted polio soon after starting school. Surrounded by a loving family and friends in a small country town, it wasn't until he went out looking for work in the 'big smoke' that Alan came up against the prejudices facing anyone with a debilitating disease in the first half of the 20th century. Not that Alan regarded himself as such! Lewis Fitz-Gerald is totally believable as the devil-may-care hero of this well made ABC mini-series. Lewis IS Alan, supported by a large cast showcasing Australia's great range of fine circa-1981 actors. Sigrid Thornton appears as one of the workers in the shoe factory.
For some viewers, the story may take a while to develop but like a good wine, matured over the decades, it's well worth the wait.
Alan contracted polio soon after starting school. Surrounded by a loving family and friends in a small country town, it wasn't until he went out looking for work in the 'big smoke' that Alan came up against the prejudices facing anyone with a debilitating disease in the first half of the 20th century. Not that Alan regarded himself as such! Lewis Fitz-Gerald is totally believable as the devil-may-care hero of this well made ABC mini-series. Lewis IS Alan, supported by a large cast showcasing Australia's great range of fine circa-1981 actors. Sigrid Thornton appears as one of the workers in the shoe factory.
For some viewers, the story may take a while to develop but like a good wine, matured over the decades, it's well worth the wait.
