Living the war through 'The Sullivans' Quiz

Answer: World War II

World War II featured very heavily in this show. Not only did all three sons serve, but Dave and Norm Baker enlisted again after fighting in World War I. Most of the war scenes were filmed around Melbourne with the exception of an extended period in Holland where Tom and Norm were fighting. Action scenes were routinely interspersed with the relative quiet of suburban Camberwell.

Answer: Paul Cronin

Paul Cronin's big acting break came when he turned bit parts on the cop shows 'Division 4' and 'Homicide' into the role of motorcycle police officer Gary Hogan on 'Matlock Police' from 1971 to 1975. These shows were all produced by Crawford Productions, who also made 'The Sullivans' (and many other fine Australian TV shows). Before 'The Sullivans', the popularity of Gary Hogan with the public led to a short spin-off series, 'Solo One'.

After the conclusion of his role as Dave Sullivan, Cronin worked on commercial radio in Melbourne and was heavily involved from 1987-89 with establishing the Brisbane Bears in the expanded Victorian Football League (soon to be Australian Football League).

Answer: John, Tom and Terry

John Sullivan (Andrew McFarlane) was a conscientious objector, who nevertheless joined the Medical Corps. He was lost at sea, presumed drowned, and was missing for over two years before reappearing and convalescing in London.
Tom Sullivan (Steven Tandy) was an enthusiastic soldier and saw action in many theaters of war. He was eventually promoted to an officer after working his way through the enlisted ranks. He served with Dave's mate, Norm.
The youngest son, Terry Sullivan (Richard Morgan), enlisted when he could but then was captured and spent time in Changi prisoner-of-war camp. This had long term repercussions on his mental health. After the war, he was jailed but eventually escaped and was inadvertently partially responsible for the death of his father at the very end.

Answer: The Great Southern

The bar in The Great Southern was the site for menfolk to gather and share stories of the war (and other matters) over a beer. The show's producers went to great lengths to ensure the authenticity of the bar area including scouring the country to find period bar mirrors, other furniture and props including packaged food of that era.

The owner Maggie, played by Vicki Hammond, was an old flame of Dave's. The pub was actually The Retreat Hotel in Nicholson St, Abbotsford.

Answer: He committed suicide

In one of many tragedies portrayed in this show, Kitty's husband, war correspondent Robbie McGovern (Graham Harvey), eventually took his own life after suffering from all the horror he witnessed. Rose, Harry's wife, drowned in the Yarra River and Melina, Norm's first wife, was executed by firing squad in Europe. One of the great strengths of 'The Sullivans' was the willingness to address many of the major issues facing Australian society at that time, including internment of German-born citizens and the dreadful effects of war on both the active combatants and those left behind at home.

However, all of these events paled into relative insignificance when compared to the loss of Grace.

Answer: Grace

'Damn, this war, Grace' was THE standard phrase Dave used to express the sheer frustration, pain and desperation felt in the Sullivan household as bad news kept coming. Grace (Lorraine Bayly) was the rock upon which the family was built.

Answer: Melbourne

Camberwell is a large suburb on the eastern side of Melbourne. Gordon St was fictitious but a lot of filming was done in the Matlock St - Maling Road area of nearby Canterbury. A real, period house was purchased by Crawford Productions for use throughout the entire series.

Answer: His wife

Grace Sullivan had taken the dangerous trip to London to help look after her eldest son John, who had finally been found alive after a torturous two year period of uncertainty. She was killed when a German V1 flying bomb hit the hospital. Her death, subsequent funeral and the aftermath was some of the most moving drama seen on Australian television.

The show's producers were forced to write Grace out after Bayly maintained her desire to leave the show.

Answer: Noni Hazlehurst

Lil Duggan was often neglected by her husband and was widowed when Bert (Peter Hehir) was killed in what actor Steven Tandy called the most moving scene he was involved with. Melbourne born Leonie (Noni) Hazlehurst commenced her TV career in 'The Box' in 1975.

She was an extremely popular host on 'Playschool' from 1978 to 2001. She has had numerous TV and film roles and won an Australian Television Industry Logie Award for her role in 1985 in the mini-series 'Waterfront' and several Australian Film Industry Awards.

Her contributions to both the performing arts and services to children were recognized nationally when she was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1996.

Answer: Hugh Jackman

Well before 'Neighbours' and her singing career, a very young Kylie Minogue played the role of Carla in 'The Sullivans' (the role was later taken up by her sister Dannii). Mel Gibson played naval lieutenant Ray Henderson. Sam Neill was Ben Dawson, an early romantic interest for Kitty Sullivan.

Other well-known actors appearing in the show included Sigrid Thornton, Gary Sweet, John Waters, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell and Gus Mercurio.