The members of this family refer to the home as Misrule maned after a famous custom in Topsy Turvy land where a child rules the land for one day per year and anything can happen. Esther is convinced she lives in a land of unpredictable life and is always weary of any thing odd or strange.

Ten episodes were made for this mini series and they are all included on this disc. The episodes all open with a diary style narration from Esther and the stories unfold?..

The first episode introduces all the main characters and sees Captain John practicing for his first diner party with his commanding officer. The children have been read the riot act and are on the threat of death for bad behaviour- needless to say it?s not too long before they wreck havoc and ruin the evening with their constant squabbling and bad behaviour. Phillips tops it off with a trip to the dining room and asks for food embarrassing the captain and drawing his wrath.

The next 8 episodes follow the story of Ethel Turner?s very famous book; we see the development of each character, particularly the elder daughter who is sent to boarding school for her antics and unruly behaviour. Judy falls ill and returns from boarding school to misrule in poor health. They family travel to Esther?s parents sunny country property, hoping the hotter weather will be good for Judy, but the happenings on this holiday will change the family forever. Meg has her first affair of the heart and is determined to make her first romance last.

This is a story of winding and twisting plots and many unforeseen events help bring this family closer to each other and makes them realise what is truly important in a family. With the final episode showing that even after the deepest tragedies strong families can continue to grow and love each other and life goes on.

This was a favourite book of mine as a child and it is great to see it faithfully brought to life on the small screen. Despite the age of the production this is still a good quality drama and is as appealing today as it was 30 years ago. The filing and language is somewhat dated and its easy to pick that this was a production made in the 70?s, but the acting is of a reasonable standard and the show makes a great addition any good home collection. This DVD runs for just under 300 minutes and is a great way to while away a lazy afternoon. Available at the ABC shop this DVD is a nice change of pace if you are looking for something different for your kids to enjoy.

THE EXTRAS

Photos of the cast in a gallery style set up-

Memories of Ethel Turner a narrative style quick featurette of Ethel Turner her life and her books.

A 20-minute fill in segment on the filming of the mini series as it was shown on the ABC 30 years ago promoting the mini series and Australian productions made in this era.

All a bit ho hum but considering the age of the film they probably did well to add any bonus features at all.

CONCLUSION

This Mini series originally aired on the ABC a few times in the early 1970?s and was very popular. Set in early Sydney NSW in the 1800?s ?Seven Little Australians? is the story of an army captain who has seven children he lived in Sydney and ruled his home with an iron fist- until a new 20 year old wife named Ester came along and lent her love and guidance to his rigid parenting style. Captain John Wolcott loved discipline an order but his wife children were determined to teach him another way.