1 9 7 8 (Australia)
12 x 60 minute episodes
This twelve-part series from the ABC was supposed to portray the lifestyle of a tough breed of men, the transport drivers who hurtle their huge semi-trailers across Australia’s vast distances between capital cities and major country towns.
The loneliness of a long-distance driver and the marital stress imposed by his broken home life was reflected in the gradual growing apart of the two central characters, Chris (who has just purchased his first truck, a big Volvo called ‘Maggie D’) and his wife Carol (played by pop singer Colleen Hewitt in her first dramatic role). John Wood co-starred as Stokey.
Shot on location in and around Melbourne, The Truckies drew considerable criticism from Australian trucking organisations for the unrealistic image portrayed in the show.
Presenting a glamorous picture of life on the road was probably done to gain higher ratings, but ultimately damaged the public’s perception of the average truckie.
The Truckies was plagued by artificial storylines and did not rate well despite being action-packed with wonderful stunt work and a hard working, high-profile cast.
It featured excellent camera work, some of it filmed on the highway at the BP Pine Hill roadhouse service station near Lilydale. The crew were assisted through filming by the Victorian State Police who escorted the trucks and even closed roads upon request.
The theme song, Maggie, (by Ken Brumby) provided an entertaining backdrop to the production.
Chris
Michael Aitkens
Stokey
John Wood
Carol
Colleen Hewitt
Jeff
Michael Carman
Wally
Frank Wilson
Spanner
John Ewart
Dora
Lois Ramsey
