Very strong TV movie with an excellent script from Tony Morphett that bewilderingly got poor crits at the time. It's hard to dramatise these stories because there's a lot of dolphining along, as William Goldman put it - Jack Thompson trudging through the rainforest. How he keeps things interesting until then is a notable demonstration of skill. Morphett really brings to life the characters with lovely little moments: pilot Mark Lee asking out aviatrix Sue Lyon and being teased by co pilot Dennis Miller, the salesman spruiking books, the American theatre designer Len Kaserman, the shady Norman Kaye, the uptight Huw Williams, the young Richard Roxborough who just catches the flight.
I like little touches such as them asking what the cricket score was, the banter among the bushies. There is a wonderful harmonica score and some lovely acting. Terrific locations. Jackie Mackenzie makes an early appearance. Esben Storm is fun as a journo who accompanies the rescue expedition.
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