Watch Sara Dane

Sara Dane is the story of a young Englishwoman who, after being wrongly convicted of theft, is transported to Australia on board a convict ship in the 19th century. The show, produced by the South Australian Film Corporation, stars Juliet Jordan in the titular role and is a powerful tale of love, betrayal, and survival against all odds.

From the first few minutes of the show, viewers are introduced to a young Sara Dane, falsely accused of a theft she did not commit. Her conviction and subsequent transportation to Australia are harrowing to watch, and the scenes of her confinement below decks on the ship are both claustrophobic and intense.

Once in Australia, Sara finds herself in a harsh and unforgiving world. She is sold into servitude to a plantation owner, Mr. Beaufort (played by Harold Hopkins), and quickly discovers that life as a convict is even more brutal than she had feared. Yet, despite the harshness of her circumstances, Sara remains resilient and strong-willed.

As the show progresses, we see Sara's relationship with Mr. Beaufort begin to change. At first, he is a cruel and vindictive man who treats her no better than a slave. However, as they spend more time together, Sara begins to see a different side to him, and soon they fall in love. Their romance is complicated by society's strict rules and Mr. Beaufort's position of power, but they cannot help how they feel.

Throughout the show, we also see the struggles of other convicts and settlers in Australia. The lawlessness of the time is highlighted, and we see how the authorities struggled to maintain order in a land that was still largely untamed. There are moments of violence and tragedy, but also moments of hope and redemption.

One of the standout performances in the show is Brenton Whittle, who plays the role of a young Irishman named Ned Hanlon. Ned is a charismatic and charming figure who befriends Sara on the ship to Australia. He is instrumental in helping her to survive her early days in Australia and becomes a significant figure in her life. Whittle's performance is nuanced and powerful, and his character adds a touch of levity to the otherwise bleak story.

Visually, the show is stunning. The Australian landscape is breathtaking, with sweeping shots of the countryside and shots of the cities and towns that give the viewer a real sense of the time and place. The sets and costumes are also impeccably designed, and the attention to detail is impressive.

Ultimately, Sara Dane is a compelling and engaging show that tells a powerful story of survival and love in a harsh and unforgiving land. It is a tribute to the strength and resilience of the human spirit and an accurate depiction of the challenges faced by early settlers in Australia. With outstanding performances and powerful storytelling, it is easy to see why it is considered a classic of Australian television.

Sara Dane is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between January 1, 1982 and on The South Australian Film Corporation