1 9 7 3 (Australia)
4 x 30 minute episodes
Set in the outback of Australia toward the end of the 19th century, this ABC miniseries told the story of two families – the austere Quiggs and the liberal Lovetts – who own isolated sheep stations.
For years the families have lived as disinterested and isolated neighbours but when Helen Quigg (Kate Fitzpatrick) leaves her husband Matthew and goes with Phillip Lovett to his property, the two families are thrown into open conflict.
In the centre of the conflict are the two family heads, Pryor Lovett (John McCallum) and Simeon Quigg (Alfred Sandor). Both take a stand which almost provokes the violence they try to prevent.
Kate Fitzpatrick is superb as the wife who deserts her husband and seeks refuge with the rival family.
The title, Serpent In The Rainbow, refers to the Bolong, the huge snake which, according to Aboriginal legend controls man’s destiny.
Helen Quigg
Kate Fitzpatrick
Paul Lovett
Lionel Long
Pryor Lovett
John McCallum
Simeon Quigg
Alfred Sandor
Adam Quigg
Alister Smart