For the Term of His Natural Life (1983)

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Synopsis of For the Term of His Natural Life

For the Term of His Natural Life, Australian novelist Marcus Clarke's epic tale of the hardships and deprivations of his native country in the 1830s, served as the basis for one of the most famous Australian films of the silent era. That was in 1927; 56 years later, Clarke's novel again went before the cameras, this time resulting in a three-part, six-hour TV miniseries. Colin Friels starred as Londoner Rufus Dawes, who thanks to treachery and deceit was arrested on a trumped-up charge and transported to a penal colony in Tasmania, while an impostor laid claim to his birthright. Eighteen years into his incarcaration, Rufus managed to escape, and was subsequently reunited with his sweet Sylvia (Susan Lyons), daughter of the colony's warden. Unfortunately, a happy ending was not in the cards for the hero and heroine. For the Term of His Natural Life aired over Australia's Nine Network in 1983. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

278 mins

Complete Cast of For the Term of His Natural Life

Director(s):

Rob Stewart, Rob Stewart

Writer(s):

Wilton Schiller, Patricia Payne

Producer(s):

Patricia Payne

Categories:

Television

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