| Genre: | Drama |
| Producer: | Harry Dearth |
| Starring: | Brian James |
| Country: | Australia |
| Language: | English |
| Num Episodes: | 20 |
| Runtime: | 30 minutes |
| Budget: | £3,500 per episode[1] |
| Network: | ATN-7 |
Jonah is an Australian television drama series which aired for 20 episodes starting from 15 October 1962 on the Seven Network. Produced during an era when commercial television in Australia produced few dramatic series, Jonah was a period drama, and was inspired by the success of ABC's period drama mini-series like Stormy Petrel.[2]
Eponymous actor Brian James had been the star of Stormy Petrel. The episodes still exist.[3]
The National Film and Sound Archive describes the series as a "historical drama series about Jonah Locke, a merchant trader in the early Australian colony".[4] Jonah lived in Sydney between 1840 and 1850. He would encounter historical figures.
In March 1962 it was announced ATN would make the series with Michael Plant to be writer and story editor, Harry Dearth to produce and David Cahill to direct.[5] By July the lead actors had been cast. It was shot at Artransa Park Studios. Michael Plant was the writer and script editor.[6] [7]
The episode cost around £3,500 each. They sold to the Australian networks for £1,500 an episode and then to Britain for £1,000 an episode. There were disputes with Actors Equity over how much the actors should be paid.
One review called it "splendid".[8]
The Australian Women's Weekly called it "fast, action packed entertainment".[9]
Filmink wrote Plant "was a first-rate writer: the stories proceed logically and dramatically, scenes are focused and to the point, characters are well-rounded and their behaviour is consistent."[10]