The True Believers

The True Believers

1988 · War & Politics, Drama · 1 Season · 8 Episodes · 7.0

Award winning mini-series about the men and events that shaped Australia's post war history from 1945 1955. The series focuses on three men: Ben Chifley, Robert Menzies and H. V. "Doc" Evatt, and shows how the fabric of Australian democracy was almost wrecked by the idealism of good but troubled men.

Episodes

E11. Episode 160m · 1988-06-28Just before the end of WWII, John Curtin lays on his deathbed. Who will fill the position? Brilliant legal mind, "Doc" Evatt or unschooled train driver Ben Chifley? With an election to face in 1946, the Labor Party needs to choose wisely.E22. Episode 260m · 1988-07-05With a supposed Communist uprising in the coal industry moves are afoot to abolish the party from the Liberal side, but also to nationalise the banks from Labor. The High Court finds that nationalising the banks is not constitutional.E33. Episode 360m · 1988-07-12After Chifley wins the election, Evatt spends much time overseas and is elected third President of the United Nations. The Miners' Union gets more concessions, but wants even more. Evatt argues to the Privy Council for bank nationalisation.E44. Episode 460m · 1988-07-19Communist demands become so great even the ALP feels the need to oppose them leading to the coal miners' strike of 1949, gaoling of some union members and sending in the army to work the mines.E55. Episode 560m · 1988-07-26Menzies is now Prime Minister and starts naming alleged Communists in parliament, subjecting them to gaol and sackings. Chifley's heart is giving up the ghost, and Doc Evatt becomes acting Opposition Leader.E66. Episode 660m · 1988-08-02Menzies calls a double-dissolution over his Communist Party prohibition bill in April 1951, which he wins, but loses five seats. On 13 June 1951, Chifley dies following a heart attack in his Canberra hotel room.E77. Episode 760m · 1988-08-09Doc Evatt is elected Opposition Leader after Chifley's tragic death, but the odds are stacked against him. Menzies uses the Communist menace as a stick to beat him and milks the Petrov affair for all it's worth.E88. Episode 860m · 1988-08-16Following the Petov Affair, Evatt promises pension rises, the abolition of means tests and tax cuts. Noone believes him (even in his own party) and Menzies wins again. Disaffected Victorian ALP members split the party to form the DLP.

Cast

B.A. Santamaria

Stuart McCreery

Mary-Lou Stewart

Dorothy St. Heaps

Elizabeth Chifley

Leonie-Martin Smith

Sir William McKell