Dynasty (Australian TV series)


Dynasty is an Australian TV series that aired from 7 October 1970 to 6 October 1971, based on the 1967 Tony Morphett novel of the same name which had been previously adapted as a television play.

1969 TV play

The novel was first adapted as a television play produced by the Australian Broadcasting Commission, and broadcast in October 1969 as one installment of an anthology series of unrelated plays under the title Australian Plays. The project was written by Morphett based on his novel, and directed in Melbourne by Oscar Whitbread.

Plot

Inventor Jim Richards seeks financial backing from the Mason Corporation for his new machine. He finds himself in the middle of a power struggle for control of the corporation, including a family dispute. David Mason uses his affair with his sister-in-law Kathy to his advantage.

Cast

The Sydney Morning Herald called the play "the best thing the ABC has done in a long, long time."

TV series

Following the success of the TV play, a regular TV series was produced with a largely different cast. Premiering in July 1970, the first series consisted of 10 episodes, and the second and final series consisted of 13 episodes.

Plot summary

Dynasty follows media mogul Jack Mason and his grasping sons John, David and Peter.

Cast

Twenty-three episodes were produced.

Series 1

Series 2