This 1985 miniseries from the Australian Nine Network followed the lives of a dozen volunteer Aussie soldiers who served in the 8th battalion of the 1st Australian Imperial Force, part of the Australia & New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served during World War I.
The series moved from the 1915 battle of Gallipoli to the brutal trenches of France during the 1916 Somme battles, the 1917 Arias and Vimy Ridge battles to the 1918 German offensives and the final victory drive.
At close to nine hours, it was a lengthy buddy movie told across five episodes with a large ensemble cast, among them a pre-Crocodile DundeePaul Hogan (pictured), displaying credible dramatic acting skills, away from the comedy he was well known for in Australia.
Between the battle sequences, there was an emphasis on the interpersonal relationships of the men making up the battalion, with themes of kinship and larrikinism – from the Australian term “larrikin” for a young hoodlum or hooligan – pushed to the fore.
The historical accuracy and period detail were to be lauded, and the hefty budget ($6.5m) spent by the Nine Network was very much in evidence on-screen.
Punctuating the character drama, there was momentum and energy to the battle sequences that could be held up against the best Hollywood had to offer.
Anzacs remains one of the most popular and fondly remembered miniseries ever broadcast in Australia.
Capt. Martin Barrington
Andrew Clarke Cpl. Pat Cleary
Paul Hogan Capt. Flanagan
Jon Blake Sister Kate Baker
Megan Williams Pte. Roly Collins
Christopher Cummins Pte. Bill Harris
Jonathan Sweet Lady Thea Barrington
Ilona Rodgers Keith Murdoch
David Bradshaw Rev. George Lonsdale
Robert Coleby Lt. Harold Armstrong
Tony Bonner Sgt. ‘Kaiser’ Schmidt
Shane Briant Pte. ‘Pudden’ Parsons
Alec Wilson Bluey
Peter Finlay Madame
Elaine Lee Marie
Leah Steventon Mrs Baker
Sheila Kennelly Sgt. Tom McArthur
Patrick Ward Pte. ‘Dingo’ Gordon
Jim Holt David Lloyd George
Rhys McConnochie Max Earnshaw
David Lynch Field Marshall Haig
Noel Trevarthen Sir Rupert Barrington
Vincent Ball Gen. Kiggell
Michael Adams Hon. Cyril Earnshaw
Howard Bell Mrs Collins
Diana Greentree Gen. Monash
Bill Kerr Dick Baker
Mark Hembrow Pte. ‘Huddo’ Hudson
Nick Waters Capt. Young
Edmund Pegge Sir Maurice Hankey
Peter Stratford ‘Pompey’ Elliott
Francis Bell Nurse Purvis
Meradith Rodgers
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At close to nine hours, it was a lengthy buddy movie told across five episodes with a large ensemble cast, among them a pre-Crocodile Dundee Paul Hogan (pictured), displaying credible dramatic acting skills, away from the comedy he was well known for in Australia.
Capt. Martin Barrington
