The Stranger (Australian TV series) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Stranger |
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| Created by | G. K. Saunders |
| Starring | Ron Haddrick |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| No. of series | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 12 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) |
| Original release | 26 April 1964 – 25 July 1965 |
The Stranger was an exciting Australian science fiction TV show for kids, first shown on the ABC from 1964 to 1965. It was made by the Australian Broadcasting Commission. This show was special because it was Australia's very first science fiction TV series made in the country. It was also one of the first Australian TV shows ever sold to other countries!
Story of The Stranger
The story begins when a school principal finds a young man who has passed out on his doorstep. The principal takes him in and cares for him. Soon, a strong friendship grows between this mysterious stranger and the principal's children, Bernard and Jean, along with their friend Peter.
The kids soon discover the stranger's big secret: he is an alien from another planet! He was sent to Earth to find a new home for his people. The stranger's name is Adam. Later, another alien named Varossa joins him. On their home planet, people don't use books; they remember everything instead.
In the second part of the series, things get even more exciting. Peter is kidnapped by the aliens! The children have to ask the Australian Prime Minister for help. (The Prime Minister is the leader of the country's government.) Many tricky events happen, and the kids eventually travel to the aliens' home planet, called Soshuniss.
Episodes Guide
| Series | Episodes | Originally aired | |||
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| First aired | Last aired | Network | |||
| 1 | 6 | 26 April 1964 | 30 May 1964 | Australian Broadcasting Commission | |
| 2 | 6 | 20 June 1965 | 25 July 1965 | ||
Series 1 (1964)
The first series introduces Adam, the mysterious stranger. The children, Bernie, Jean, and Peter, slowly uncover his alien origins and his mission to find a new home for his people. They even travel to the aliens' moon! Earth authorities become involved, leading to Adam and Varossa being arrested.
| No. overall |
No. in series |
Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 26 April 1964 | |
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A mysterious stranger, Adam, appears at the Walsh family home. The children find a strange device among his things.
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| 2 | 2 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 2 May 1964 | |
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The children follow Adam and discover a flying saucer and another alien, Varossa.
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| 3 | 3 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 9 May 1964 | |
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Adam reveals he is an alien from Soshuniss. He takes the children to his people's Mothership.
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| 4 | 4 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 16 May 1964 | |
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The children meet the alien leader, Soshun, on their moon. Back on Earth, Adam and Varossa are arrested.
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| 5 | 5 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 23 May 1964 | |
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The children escape in the saucer. The RAAF gets involved. The aliens want to settle on Earth.
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| 6 | 6 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 30 May 1964 | |
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Professor Mayer tries to help the aliens. Adam and Varossa escape and are sent to New York.
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Series 2 (1965)
In the second series, the aliens' presence becomes public. Peter is kidnapped, and the children must work with the Australian Prime Minister to resolve the conflict. They learn about the aliens' secret weapon and try to find a peaceful solution for them to live on Earth.
| No. overall |
No. in series |
Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 20 June 1965 | |
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News of the aliens leaks. A new alien leader wants to come to Earth. Peter is kidnapped.
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| 8 | 2 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 27 June 1965 | |
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A rich man tries to profit from the aliens. Peter is held hostage on the alien moon. Varossa is shot.
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| 9 | 3 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 4 July 1965 | |
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Adam escapes. The aliens send a letter to the Prime Minister. The Parkes Radio Telescope tracks the alien moon.
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| 10 | 4 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 11 July 1965 | |
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Jean finds Adam. Peter is returned in a coma. The aliens threaten Earth with their power.
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| 11 | 5 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 18 July 1965 | |
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A villain tries to steal Adam's device. Professor Mayer is shot. Adam reveals the aliens have a secret weapon.
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| 12 | 6 | Gil Brealey | G. K. Saunders | 25 July 1965 | |
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The aliens' "weapon" is revealed to be their moon. A peaceful agreement is reached, and the aliens are welcomed to Earth.
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Book Version
More than ten years after the TV show was made, G. K. Saunders wrote a book based on The Stranger. It was published in 1978 by Whitcombe & Tombs.
