Ruth Cracknell

Mother and Son

Maggie Beare

Mother and Son was a multiple Logie Award-winning Australian television sitcom produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from 16 January 1984 until 21 March 1994. The show stars Ruth Cracknell, Garry McDonald, Henri Szeps and Judy Morris. It was created and written by Geoffrey Atherden AM. Its classic theme song features the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, playing to I Want a Girl, a jazz standard which was recorded by Al Jolson in the 1920s.

The Dismissal

Margaret Whitlam

The sensational dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's Labor Government by the Queens representative in Australia, the Governor General, Sir John Kerr on November 11, 1975.

Emerald City

Elaine Ross

A couple move to Sydney from Melbourne, and soon become lured by the bright lights of the big city. Colin, the scriptwriter husband, is corrupted by his editor and then falls for the girlfriend of his writing partner, while Colin's wife Kate begins to lose sight of her ideals in a new world of hustlers and cynics.

Joey

Sylvia Vanderberg

Billy is a boy who is trying to save a baby kangaroo called Joey when it is caught and taken to Sydney. Linda, the young daughter of the U.S. Ambassador is helping Billy in his task.

The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith

Mrs. Heather Newby

The true story of a part Aboriginal man who finds the pressure of adapting to white culture intolerable, and as a result snaps in a violent and horrific manner.

Lilian's Story

Lilian Singer

For forty years Lilian Singer has been locked up in a 'loony bin' by her father. Her release is eventually secured by her eccentric Aunt Kitty and her brother, John. Lilian starts to carve out a place for herself. As she explores Sydney and the people who live and work around her she sees others looking for love. Lilian shows us it is never too late to change your life and that even unusual choices can bring contentment.

Spider and Rose

Rose Dougherty

A young ambulance driver befriends an elderly woman.

The Night, the Prowler

Doris Bannister

Felicity Bannister is a young woman living in the shadow of her overpowering mother. Her oppression is her worst enemy until the day she is attacked by an intruder who breaks into her bedroom and forces Felicity into action. The tables are suddenly turned and Felicity transforms from the helpless victim into a ruthless renegade in search of trouble, driven by the anarchic thrill of malevolence.

The Best of Friends

Iris

The Best of Friends is a 1982 Australian romantic comedy about two best friends who have an affair one night, resulting in the woman becoming pregnant.

The Singer and the Dancer

Mrs. Bilson

An older woman relives the bitter memories of her past, through her friendship with a younger girl who is experiencing a very insecure relationship with her boyfriend.

Molly

Mrs. Reach

After Dan collapses at a train station, he enlists Maxie to watch his beloved dog, Molly. Maxie develops a soft spot for her new furry companion - a dog which has a unique ability to sing in tune.

That Lady from Peking

Fortune Teller

Max Foster (Carl Betz), an American newspaper reporter, is in Hong Kong to assist a defecting Russian diplomat. In return for arranging an escape, the diplomat must turn over to Foster a diary revealing the true events taking place in China. While making his escape, the defector is killed ant the diary vanishes. The reporter sets off on a search for it, from Hong Kong to Australia. The chase ends in an action-filled climax, with the journalist finally meeting up with "That Lady from Peking" (Nancy Kwan) - the diplomat's daughter.

Smiley Gets a Gun

Mrs Gaspen

The happy-go-lucky young Smiley gets into more strife as he attempts to prove himself a responsible citizen by helping others - all so he can earn a new gun from Sergeant Flaxman.

Kokoda Crescent

Alice

The grandson of a war veteran is found dead from an overdose of heroin. He and his old army buddies swing into action and stake out the drug dealer, only to discover a web of police corruption surrounding the drug dealing. Given police complicity in the matter, they take the law into their own hands.

The Nights Belong to the Novelist

This documentary explores the imaginative world of Australian novelist Elizabeth Jolley. It combines readings, dramatised segments, and witty and playful interviews in which Jolley talks about the craft and practical problems of writing, and her fictional treatment of old age, women's relationships, exile and displacement. Dramatic sequences bring to life Jolley's unforgettable characters. We see the funny, sad and bizarre worlds created in 'Woman in lampshade', 'Milk and Honey', 'Miss Peabody's Inheritance', 'Mr Scobies' Riddle' and 'Palamino'.

The Maitland & Morpeth String Quartet

Narrator

Maitland and its sleepy neighbour, Morpeth, are never quite the same again, all due to a middle-aged couple and their hobby of violin playing. This animated film is a delight to both eye and ear. Victoria Robert’s quirky cartoons are perfect complements for Nick Enright’s cleverly constructed poem, while Ruth Cracknell’s reading of all parts adds wit and charm. An animated film by Jollification.