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.
Ep 1 - 28 May, 25 Jun - "The New Governor" - starts in September 1808, former convict William Redfern is friends with Macquarie
Ep 2 - 4 June, 2 July - "Bond and Free" Macquarie and Marsden argue over whether to invite Redfern to dinner. The invitation ipresses Edward Willis, a wealthy settler who did not approve of Redfern and his daughter.
Ep 6 - 2 July, 30 July - "Barrier Breached" - the Blue Mountains are crossed
Ep 7 - 9 July, 6 Aug - "Another Lachlan" - a son for Governor Macuarie is born
Ep 8 - 16 July, 13 Aug - "The Trouble Makers" - Redfern and Sarah move into their new hospital
Ep 9 - 23 July, 20 Aug - "The Exile's Return" - MacArthur Returns to the Colony
Ep 10 - 30 July 27 Aug - "The Showdown" - Macquarie's Administration Investigated
Ep 11 - 6 August, 3 Sept "The Final Challenge" - Gilbert's Appointment Opposed"
Ep 12 - 13 Aug 10 Sept - "Victory"
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.
Reception
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.
