Watch A Fortunate Life

A Fortunate Life is a television mini-series produced by PBL Productions in 1986, based on the autobiography of the same name by Australian author Albert Facey. The series stars Bill Kerr and Dorothy Alison in leading roles, along with a cast of talented Australian actors.

The story follows the life of Albert Facey, who was born in Western Australia at the end of the 19th century. Despite being orphaned as a young child, Facey overcame considerable adversity to lead an extraordinary life. The series takes viewers through Facey's childhood, his experiences during World War I, his marriage and family life, and his later years in old age.

One of the most striking elements of A Fortunate Life is its ability to convey the harsh realities of early 20th century Australian life in a way that is both authentic and engaging. The series effectively captures the poverty, hardship, and social divisions that characterized much of Australia at that time, while also conveying the strength of character and resilience that enabled people like Albert Facey to succeed against the odds.

Despite the often bleak subject matter, the series also has a strong sense of optimism and hopefulness. This is largely due to the central character of Albert Facey, who is portrayed as a man of great moral courage and compassion. His experiences in the trenches of World War I, in particular, are portrayed with a sense of profound emotional depth and sensitivity.

In terms of the performances, the cast of A Fortunate Life is uniformly excellent. Bill Kerr delivers a standout performance as the older Albert Facey, imbuing his character with a sense of wry humor and quiet dignity. Dorothy Alison is equally impressive as his wife, providing a counterpoint of warmth and affection to the more stoic Facey. The supporting cast is also strong, with a number of notable performances from actors such as Kevin Miles and Harold Hopkins.

Overall, A Fortunate Life is a well-crafted, emotionally resonant drama that serves as a powerful tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Australian people. With its lush, evocative cinematography and compelling performances, this series is sure to remain a beloved classic for years to come.

A Fortunate Life is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on March 8, 1986.