The Damnation of Harvey McHugh

The Damnation of Harvey McHugh is a television miniseries made by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The series consists of 12 episodes and was first broadcast on the ABC in 1994.

Overview

Cast and crew

The series was created by John Misto and co-written by Misto, Graeme Koetsveld & Ray Kolle

It was produced by Penny Chapman and the episodes were variously directed by Michael Carson, Robert Klenner, Geoffrey Nottage and Amanda Smith

The series starred Aaron Blabey as Harvey, Monica Maughan as his mother, Mrs McHugh and
Philip Quast as "the Minister", Michael Muldoon. [ [http://www.abc.net.au/abccontentsales/s1168910.htm ABC Content Sales] ] .

The supporting cast included:
*Ronald Faulk (Dr. Voysner)
*Richard Piper (Gordon Robertson)
*Roger Oakley (Bernard)
*Daniel Rigney (Frank)
*Jane Borghesi (Georgina)
*Bruce Myles (Father Healy)
*Emma Strand (Diane)
*Michael Burkett (Morris) [ [http://members.tripod.com/capitan/Minister.htm The Damnation of Harvey McHugh - fan website] ]

This sharp black comedy, with strong elements of political satire, follows the misadventures of a naive young clerk, Harvey McHugh, as he tries to secure a permanent position in the Australian Public Service. As his quest progresses, Harvey gains many startling insights into how the Australian government and bureacracy operates behind the scenes, especially through his dealings with the powerful and manipulative politician, Michael Muldoon -- invariably referred to simply as "The Minister" -- who heads the department where Harvey is employed.

The production of the series received considerable coverage in the press at the time it was being made. After production had begun, the ABC took the unusual (and costly) step of scrapping several completed episodes, because it was felt that the mood was too 'dark'.

The series was well-received by critics. Quast was widely praised for his portrayal as the Minister, and Blabey was nominated for a Logie award and won the 1995 AFI Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Harvey. [ [http://www.abc.net.au/mda/behind/aaron2.htm ABC-TV, "MDA"] ]

References