Bastard Boys

Watch Bastard Boys

  • Not Rated
  • 2007
  • 1 Season
  • 8.4  (123)

Bastard Boys is a powerful and thought-provoking four-part series that tells the story of one of the most controversial events in Australian industrial history. It explores the lives and actions of the men at the centre of the 1998 waterfront dispute and the extraordinary power struggle that led to the biggest confrontation on Australian shores since the Second World War.

The cast of Bastard Boys is a veritable who's who of Australian acting talent. Jack Thompson plays John Coombs, the leader of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), while Daniel Frederiksen plays the role of the head of the stevedoring company, Chris Corrigan. Justin Smith plays MUA member John Cummins, and Anthony Hayes plays the role of PM John Howard. Others in the cast include Geoff Morrell, Rhys Muldoon, Francis Greenslade, Anna Lise Phillips, Helen Thomson, Kevin Harrington, Jeremy Kewley, Justine Clarke, Caroline Craig, Steady Eddy, Deborah Kennedy, Colin Friels, Lucy Bell, and Daniel Wyllie.

The series begins with the MUA meeting to discuss the new workplace agreement proposed by Patrick Stevedores, the company owned by Chris Corrigan. The MUA members are outraged by the proposed agreement, which they believe is an attempt to crush the union and reduce their wages and conditions. Shortly after, a dispute breaks out between the MUA and Patrick Stevedores, leading to a 24-hour sit-in at the docks.

As tensions escalate, both sides begin making inflammatory statements, and the dispute quickly becomes a national issue. The series explores the way in which the media covers the story, highlighting the role of the Herald Sun's editorial stance in creating a hostile public atmosphere towards the MUA. It also examines the political context in which the dispute is taking place, with the Howard government taking a hard line against the MUA and implementing a range of legislative measures to break the union's power.

The episodes follow the main players on both sides of the dispute, showing how they navigate the increasingly tense situation. The series explores the personal relationships between the characters, including Coombs' relationship with his wife, and the strained relationship between Cummins and his brother, who works for Patrick Stevedores. The series also touches on the complex issues of class and privilege, with the wealthy, powerful Corrigan pitted against the working-class MUA members.

Bastard Boys is an emotionally charged series that asks important questions about the nature of power and conflict in modern Australia. It portrays the real-life events of the 1998 waterfront dispute with honesty and sensitivity, challenging viewers to think deeply about the implications of the conflict. The performances are excellent, and the writing is taut and compelling. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Australian history or industrial relations, and indeed anyone who appreciates quality television drama.

Bastard Boys is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on May 13, 2007.

Bastard Boys
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Seasons
Chris's War
4. Chris's War
May 3, 2007
Chris Corrigan (Geoff Morrell) is the Managing Director of Patrick Stevedores. He pits his will, strength and determination against the full resources of the labour movement, the media, the banks and, increasingly, the public, as Australian sentiment swings in behind the Union. The Federal Court brings down its finding in favour of the Union and Patrick Stevedores must reinstate its sacked workers as soon as possible. Corrigan finds himself cornered - his wife Valerie (Helen Thomson) and family are receiving obscene and threatening phone calls and he is forced to stay under constant security surveillance, and to travel only in the security of a laundry van. He appeals against the decision. The full bench of the Federal Court hears the appeal. For the first time in history, the decision of the Court is televised live around the country, as Justice Wilcox announces in favour of the Union. Corrigan appeals, this time to the highest court in the land. With everything hanging on this outcome, the High Court of Australia rules for the Union. Corrigan has no choice but to attempt to reach a negotiated settlement with the Union. The MUA workers return triumphantly to work. In the eyes of the public, the story is all over. But out of the media glare, Corrigan, Coombs, Combet and their teams fight to the death over the terms of the settlement. Life on the docks will be forever changed.
Sean's War
3. Sean's War
May 27, 2007
Dock worker Sean McSwain (Anthony Hayes) is elected as the State Representative for the MUA, just as scab labour begins working on Berth 5 at Patrick's Webb Dock in Melbourne. It becomes his responsibility to run the protest at the Melbourne docks. It is a mission that will test everything he has as an organiser, a mate, and a man. This forces Sean directly up against Tony Tully (Jack Thompson), a second-generation wharfie, who is used to the Union's old ways of fighting. Angry at the no-violence rule, he and his son Brendan (Daniel Wyllie) are not the only ones who believe the Union's gone soft. But secretly, Tony is scared of the changes looming. Fear makes him lash out... with dire consequences.
Josh's War
2. Josh's War
May 20, 2007
Josh Bornstein, a young up-and-coming lawyer is outraged by the events on the docks of Melbourne and offers his services pro-bono to Greg Combet and the union movement. Josh is amazed that Greg has no sort of legal strategy yet and urges him to go for a radical new approach - don't wait to be attacked. Attack first.
Greg's War
1. Greg's War
May 13, 2007
In November 1997, the National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) John Coombs gets a phone call warning him of a top secret plan to remove union members from their jobs on the waterfront. Assistant Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), Greg Combet, is called on for support to fight this injustice. They suspect somehow the government is involved and devise a three-pronged strategy to fight back - the union wins round one! Then, the wharfies are locked out of Melbourne's Webb Dock. Johns is in Sydney, so Greg must try to handle the unfolding events. It will be a long hard fight ahead.
Description
Where to Watch Bastard Boys
Bastard Boys is available for streaming on the ABC TV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Bastard Boys on demand at Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    May 13, 2007
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (123)