FIVE MILE CREEK

REVIEWED BY RISSI C.

Our rating: 5 out of 5

Rated:

I was just recently introduced to this series. Loosely based on Louis L’ Amours book titled Cherokee Trail, this series is both heartwarming and exiting. Set and filmed in Australia, this 1983 Disney adventure series is a must see for all families. 

American Maggie Scott (Louise Caire Clark) is following her husband Adam to the wilds of Australia. Adam, who is a dreamer, left for Australia when he heard about the gold rush, telling his family he would send for them once he struck it rich. After Maggie receives a letter from Adam saying he has found gold, she takes their daughter Hannah (Priscilla Weems) and leaves for Australia. Once she arrives, her first encounter with an Aussie is less than pleasant, at least in her mind. She meets Jack Taylor (Rod Mullinar) a schemer who charms his way out of unfortunate situations. After being “rudely” greeted by Jack and in the process getting her “best dress” ruined, Maggie finds her way into town only to learn her husband is at a place called Five Mile Creek. When asking how she can get there, she is directed to Paddy Malone (Michael Caton) a kindly Irish man who works at Five Mile, Maggie convinces Mr. Malone to take them to Five Mile in hopes of being reunited with Adam. 

Once there, Maggie meets Kate Wallace (Liz Burch) a spirited but kind young woman troubled by the sudden departure of her no good brother. Tired after her long journey, Maggie is anxious for news of her husband. Sensing a friend in Kate, Maggie tells her the story about Adam, and Kate regretfully tells informs her that she has neither seen nor heard of an Adam Scott. Seeing that Maggie and Hannah have traveled so far only to find Adam missing, Kate invites them to stay with her until they have more news. Relieved, Maggie finds the wilds of Australia to be both dangerous and beautiful. Meanwhile, another American Con Maddigen (Jay Kerr) has come to Australia in order to start a stagecoach business. With the routes he has planned, Five Mile Creek would be the way station between his runs. Kate, Maggie, Hannah and Paddy are all counting on the profits from this business so they are able to stay.  When the first run comes in to Five Mile Maggie is exasperated to learn that Jack Taylor is Con’s partner!

As time passes, Maggie and Hannah start to become more attached to Five Mile and the people who live there. They begin to care about what happens to the stagecoach and do what they can to help Kate and Paddy. While Maggie gets along with Con and Paddy, Jack is a different story. They forever seem to be at odds with one another, especially when Maggie makes the mistake of asking the local troops for help with the bushrangers. The adventures that await the people of Five Mile are many, not only do they have to convince the always prompt and demanding Mr. Wither’s (Peter Carroll) who is the banker of the profit of the business, they also have many mishaps with the bushrangers and the local government troops!

The scenes that have action or fighting can be a little unreal at times, but this was filmed twenty five years ago and most of the stunts were done without computers or any of the new technology. That didn’t ruin the other positive things in this series though. There is a certain amount of faith portrayed by Maggie and Hannah, many times mentioning God and praying. The content is hardly worth mentioning as it is very minimal. There is some mild western violence, hardly ever resulting in injuries. There is an occasional fist fight and some scenes of main characters in the local bar. The episode titled “gold fever” has mild references made about a pastor who enjoys the company of ladies too much. “Tricks of the trade” has a boy making a passing remark about being chased with a horsewhip. There may be an occasional profanity, but nothing constant. 

I loved this series. While this is billed as adventure/drama, it is not without its comic moments. From Maggie’s first encounter with Jack to the men attempting to keep an upcoming boxing fight a secret from the women to Paddy’s constant grumbling about having too much work, there is never a dull scene. But there are also some sweet and touching instances, and a certain air of mystery involving Maggie’s husband Adam. Coming from someone who has never read Cherokee Trail, I can’t say if it’s similar but my cousin read the book and was disappointed with the differences. The Australian scenery is gorgeous; there are more than one breathtaking shots of the countryside. All the acting is noteworthy. This series normally has a story with in itself and wraps it up by the end of the forty-five minute episode. Although “tricks of the trade” and a few others do leave you wanting to know more, along with Adam Scott’s continuing dragged out tale which doesn’t come to a close until the end of  the first season. But what make these unknown series so enjoyable are the characters. From Maggie’s determination to make a life for her and her young daughter to Kate’s feisty yet kind personality to Charlie Withers fake bravado and how easily he is charmed by a certain American lady, you come to love these characters.

This is a wonderful family series and you can’t find anything like this on TV today which is really sad as we could use a fun family show that we wouldn’t have to worry about the kids watching. I was sorry to read that it ran for only three seasons. Some of the most memorable episodes are; the touching “Annie”, the comic “bang the big drum” that has a peddler passing through, “tricks of the trade” which makes you a little worried about what may happen to a main character but has an upbeat ending, and the unforgettable “thanksgiving." The first series was just recently released on DVD and now I’m just waiting on two and three, as I am anxious to see what happens. If you can find this to rent I would encourage you to introduce your family to the characters of Five Mile Creek.