Luke's Kingdom (1976)
Synopsis
In 1829, a recently widowed Englishman brings his children to New South Wales to claim land and begin a new life, only to find it already occupied. Forced to settle as squatters, the family faces mounting challenges from colonial authorities, rival settlers, and the harsh conditions of the frontier.
First Air Date: 1976-03-31
Last Air Date: 1976-06-23
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 13
Created By: E.V. Timms
Networks: ITV1, Nine Network
Top Cast
- Oliver Tobias as Luke Firbeck
- Helen Morse as Journal Extracts Read By/Kate
- Gerard Maguire as Samuel Firbeck
- James Condon as Jason Firbeck
- Les Foxcroft as Morgan
- Willie Fennell as Shepherd
- Elizabeth Crosby as Jassy Firbeck
- Shirley Cameron as Innkeeper
- Joseph Fürst as Storekeeper
- Bettina Kenter as Anna-Louise
Seasons
Miniseries (1976)
In 1829, a recently widowed Englishman brings his children to New South Wales to claim land and begin a new life, only to find it already occupied. Forced to settle as squatters, the family faces mounting challenges from colonial authorities, rival settlers, and the harsh conditions of the frontier.
Episodes:
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Ep. 1: A Sort of Gentleman
It's 1829, Jason Firbeck, a retired naval Leiutenant, recently widowed arrives with his family - Samuel, his elder son, Luke, his second son and Jassy his daughter - in NSW, where land granted by influential friends, supposedly awaits him.
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Ep. 2: The Land Lovers
Jason Firbeck, shocked to discover land assigned to him is occupied by another, tries to sort out the legal aspects of ownership.
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Ep. 3: The Bait
Luke has taken control of the family and has occupied land in the wilderness. The family have thus become 'squatters'.
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Ep. 4: A Man Worse Than Cormac
In squatters territory it is law of the strong that prevails and Cormac Doyle, an English-hating Irishman, sets his sights on occupying Luke's kingdom
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Ep. 5: A Woman Waiting
In New South Wales in the 1830s convicts were granted "Tickets to Leave" to find employment on their own account. However one mistake, the slightest misdemeanor, and the ticket could be withdrawn.
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Ep. 6: The Man from Home
The Firbecks have been squatters for two years. The building of a timber homestead is finished and an area of land cleared. The arrival of an uninvited guest causes complications for Luke because of an association he builds up with Jassy.
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Ep. 7: The Surveyor
For Jassy, life as a housekeeper to her squatting family has become unbearable. Jason watches anxiously as with each day she grows more tired, more depressed, and more listless.
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Ep. 8: The King's Gentleman
The Governor has set up a committee to inquire into squatting and the possible granting of Tenancy Rights to the squatters.
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Ep. 9: The Dam and the Damned
It has not rained for four months. Sheep and cattle are dying and settlers are facing ruin. Luke, taking advantage of the dry state of the river bed, is struggling to build an immense dam. However his ambitious plan is plagued by tragedy.
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Ep. 10: The Hypocrites
In common with all squatters, Luke is finding the aboriginals troublesome. His sheep are being speared and anger against the aboriginals is growing.
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Ep. 11: Devil's Man
In Lieutenant Elliot's command is a veteran corporal about to retire from the army
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Ep. 12: An Enemy Too Many
Luke has shot a bushranger, leaving his pregnant lover swearing vengeance upon him.
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Ep. 13: The Prisoner
Luke's brooding restlessness is apparent to all who know him with, perhaps the exception of his family who are accustomed to ignoring his many moods.
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