The Last Outlaw (miniseries)

The Last Outlaw is a 1980 Australian four-part television miniseries based on the life of Ned Kelly. It was shot from February to May 1980[2] and the end of its original broadcast, in October–November 1980, coincided with the centenary of Ned Kelly's death.[3][4][5]

The Last Outlaw
Written by
Directed by
Starring
ComposerBrian May
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes4
Production
Executive producers
  • Ian Jones
  • Bronwyn Binns
ProducerRoger Le Mesurier
CinematographyErnest Clark
EditorPhilip Reid
Running time380 minutes (95 min each)
Production companyPegasus Productions
Budget$2 million[1]
Original release
NetworkSeven Network
Release20 October 1980 (1980-10-20)

The complete miniseries has been released on region 4 DVD in Australia by Umbrella Entertainment.[6]

Cast

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Production

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The mini-series was made by Pegasus Productions, the company of Ian Jones and Browyn Binns. They had made the hugely popular mini-series Against the Wind.[7] Jones had long been interested in the story of Ned Kelly and did extensive research. "I recognised the impossibility of his situation in a frontier society," said Jones. "He was the centre of a tragedy which could have been avoided."[8] Jones wanted to make the series in part to make amends for his dissatisfaction with the 1970 film Ned Kelly.[9]

Filming took six months.[1]

Reception

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The mini-series was considered a ratings disappointment.[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Actor John Jarratt to play role of Ned Kelly". The Canberra Times. Vol. 54, no. 16, 138. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 1 December 1979. p. 12. Retrieved 22 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. ^ Ed. Scott Murray, Australia on the Small Screen 1970–1995 (1996), p.210, Oxford University Press.
  3. ^ "Ned Kelly: Misfit or Murderer?". The Australian Women's Weekly. Your TV Magazine supplement. 8 October 1980. p. 24. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  4. ^ "Ned Kelly: Bushranger". The Australian Women's Weekly. Your TV Magazine supplement. 22 October 1980. p. 21. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  5. ^ "Ned Kelly: Bushranger". The Australian Women's Weekly. Your TV Magazine supplement. 5 November 1980. p. 22. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  6. ^ "The Last Outlaw DVD". Umbrella Entertainment.
  7. ^ "Battle for ratings". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2 February 1980. p. 5.
  8. ^ "Ned Kelly". The Sydney Sun Herald. 5 October 1980. p. 58.
  9. ^ "Ne[?]elly[?]isfit or murderer?". The Australian Women's Weekly. Vol. 48, no. 19. Australia, Australia. 8 October 1980. p. 24 (FREE Your TV Magazine). Retrieved 22 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  10. ^ Lewes, Jacqueline Lee (5 June 1983). "Million$ of Viewing". Sydney Sun Herald. p. 47.
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