AustLit

MemorableTV.com succinctly describes Oz 81 as a 'Strange show in which Australian eccentrics were interviewed by show business personalities. Based on a US show called Real People, cancelled after two episodes although 13 were planned.'

In an interview that producer and creator Digby Wolfe gave prior to the show's debut, he said that 'With one or two exceptions, Australian TV still prefers to imitate American TV. I want to break new ground'. The article continues:

Oz 81 will do just that, for according to his description it is unlike any other format we've seen.

'It falls somewhere between journalism and showbusiness,' he said. 'It's as Australian as you can get. We have a go at the unfair things, laud the good things, and encourage enterprise.'

So we'll see the stories of the former boat refugee who came sixth in the State in the HSC results, the man who learned to crochet in jail and on his release set up a fashion business, and the footballer who doubles as a striptease artist at all-women gatherings.

Source: MemorableTV.com (http://www.memorabletv.com/australia/tvao.htm). Sighted: 3/11/2011

Source: Sydney Morning Herald 1 February 1981 (p.25)