For the Term of His Natural Life

Overall a great adaption to TV of the classic novel. Colin Friels does an admirable job of playing the protagonist, Rufas Dawes, and the chemistry between him and Rod Mullinar (Lt. Frere) is excellent. Whilst the plot remains by and large true to the novel, the writers of this made-for-TV version for some reason felt it necessary to give the movie a 'happily ever after' ending, hence the last hour or so of this lengthy movie is drastically different to the story originally told by Marcus Clarke. None-the-less, worth the watch if you enjoyed the book, or simply for the historical aspect (the Australian convict era). So be prepared to settle down and enjoy the (lengthy) journey!