The Sullivans told the story of a lower middle class Catholic family during World War 2. As far as it went, it was a decent soap opera - indeed the creative force behind it was quoted as saying it was brilliant: as it was set during world war 2, there was little sex, no drugs, and nothing to offend.
Detail was noticed - it was shot in the Melbourne suburb of Camberwell, in a street which had no television aerials. The Neanderthals knocked this street down. Anyway, Paul cronin played Dave Sullivan, the patriarch. He was a world war one veteran, along with the barman of the local pub, Norm. At the beginning of the War, Norm, and dave's two eldest sons enlist. Lorraine Bayly, who was hitherto best known for her role on Play School, played Grace Sullivan. The two eldest sons see action in Europe, then the pacific, and eventually Terry, the youngest son, signs up. Terry is somewhat of a crook. Other recurring characters included Uncle Harry, a con-man (Graces Brother), played by Michael caton, who later played Daryl Kerrigan in the Castle, Mel Gibson in a very early role (try to find that on his official bio) and Noni Hazlehurst (another Play School Graduate.)
Forgettable, but much better than Neighbours or Home and Away (and more typical of Australian lifestyles, too.)
