The True Believers

Season 1

A dramatisation of Australian political life that delves into the history of the Australian Labor Party in the immediate post-WWII period. Focusing on three men - Ben Chifley, Robert Menzies and Herbert 'Doc' Evatt, and their conflicting beliefs.

Where to Watch The True Believers • Season 1

8 Episodes

  • Episode 1
    E1
    Episode 1Just before the end of WWII, John Curtin lays on his deathbed. Who will fill the position? Brilliant legal mind, "Doc" Evatt or unschooled train driver Ben Chifley? With an election to face in 1946, the Labor Party needs to choose wisely.
  • Episode 2
    E2
    Episode 2With a supposed Communist uprising in the coal industry moves are afoot to abolish the party from the Liberal side, but also to nationalise the banks from Labor. The High Court finds that nationalising the banks is not constitutional.
  • Episode 3
    E3
    Episode 3After Chifley wins the election, Evatt spends much time overseas and is elected third President of the United Nations. The Miners' Union gets more concessions, but wants even more. Evatt argues to the Privy Council for bank nationalisation.
  • Episode 4
    E4
    Episode 4Communist demands become so great even the ALP feels the need to oppose them leading to the coal miners' strike of 1949, gaoling of some union members and sending in the army to work the mines.
  • Episode 5
    E5
    Episode 5Menzies is now Prime Minister and starts naming alleged Communists in parliament, subjecting them to gaol and sackings. Chifley's heart is giving up the ghost, and Doc Evatt becomes acting Opposition Leader.
  • Episode 6
    E6
    Episode 6Menzies calls a double-dissolution over his Communist Party prohibition bill in April 1951, which he wins, but loses five seats. On 13 June 1951, Chifley dies following a heart attack in his Canberra hotel room.
  • Episode 7
    E7
    Episode 7Doc Evatt is elected Opposition Leader after Chifley's tragic death, but the odds are stacked against him. Menzies uses the Communist menace as a stick to beat him and milks the Petrov affair for all it's worth.
  • Episode 8
    E8
    Episode 8Following the Petov Affair, Evatt promises pension rises, the abolition of means tests and tax cuts. Noone believes him (even in his own party) and Menzies wins again. Disaffected Victorian ALP members split the party to form the DLP.

Cast of Season 1

  • Ed DevereauxBen Chifley
  • John BonneyRobert Menzies
  • Simon ChilversH.V. Evatt
  • John DerumB.A. Santamaria
  • Graham RouseArthur Fadden
  • Nick TateLes Hayden
  • Gary FilesFred Daly
  • Stuart McCreeryAllan Dalziel
  • Mary-Lou StewartJoanna Malcolm
  • Dorothy St. HeapsElizabeth Chifley
  • Leonie-Martin SmithEthel Casey
  • Hec MacmillanSir William McKell
  • Peter CorbettJohn Dedman
  • Michelle MarzoRosalind Evatt
  • Paul HuntJohn Burton
  • Harold HopkinsEdgar Ross
  • Paul SonkkilaRon Tate
  • Bill YoungJim Cooper
  • Valerie BaderMary Alice Evatt
  • Ray MeagherTom Burke

 

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