The Coastwatchers | |
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Directed by | Roger Mirams |
Written by | John Sherman |
Produced by | Roger Mirams |
Starring |
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Cinematography |
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Production company | Pacific Film Productions |
Distributed by | ABV-2 (Melbourne) |
Release dates | 25 April 1962 (Melbourne, Brisbane)[1][2] |
Running time | 65 mins[3] |
Country | Australia |
Language | English |
The Coastwatchers was a docudrama television film about coastwatchers made in 1959 by producer Roger Mirams for Pacific Films. It starred Ken Goodlet and Kevin Colson and was written by John Sherman and directed by Mirams.[4]
It was a backdoor pilot for a TV series that did not eventuate. However Mirams later used the ideas for the series in Spyforce (1971–72).[5]
The pilot was entitled "Operation Plum Pudding".[6]
During World War Two, Australian coastwatcher Don Marshall operates on a small island off New Guinea. He is entrusted with relaying information to Allied headquarters and the evacuation of three civilians by destroyer.
As the Japanese advance, Marshall learns that two civilians have not been evacuated. He knows that both are aware of his coastwatching activities, and that one of them - a German born planter - may betray him.When he learns that the daughter of one of the civilians has remainded he must evacuate them.
The Japanese arrive on the island with dogs to track down Marshall. Marshall's radio batteries are running flat and to re-charge them he must use a noisy charger.[2]
Roger Mirams had worked for a number of years in New Zealand. He moved to Australia to cover the 1956 Olympic Games and decided to stay. He established an Australian subsidiary of Pacific Films in Melbourne, in partnership with Chris Stewart Jim Davies. Pacific's first Australian series was The Coastwatchers.[7]
Mirams shot two half hour pilots for the series. Shooting took place on location in New Guinea. Mirams sought finance to make 26 episodes but was not successful.[8] Jimmy Okhi was an American born Japanese. Other non whites were played by various Chinese students from Hong Kong and Malaya. The series did not screen until 1962.[1]
It was made with the co operation of Naval Intelligence and the Royal Papuan Constabulary.[2]
Famous coastwatcher Reg Evans, who helped save the life of John F. Kennedy, was shown a preview and said the show was "authentic in detail and an excellent portrayl of how things were for coast watching service."[2]