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person or book cover
John Hargeaves as Peter Ramsay in the opening credits for Young Ramsay (screen cap)
form y separately published work icon Young Ramsay series - publisher   film/TV   adventure   children's  
Issue Details: First known date: 1977-1980... 1977-1980 Young Ramsay
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

Young Ramsay follows the adventures of a Sydney-based vet who becomes disillusioned with his work on the racecourse circuit, and moves to the small, fictional town of Jindarra, where he starts work with the veterinary practice of Jack Lambert (who is semi-retired on the grounds of ill health). It was conceived as family entertainment: neither violent nor explicit, but sufficiently exciting to keep the attention of both children and adults. Ramsay is supported by Julie Lambert (Jack's daughter, nurse, and receptionist) and Ray Turner (local park ranger).

The program begins in media res, with Ramsay already established in Jindarra, and unfolds his background and past experiences slowly, over a number of episodes. According to Don Storey, in Classic Australian Television, Ramsay is 'Not a super-cool type who never puts a foot wrong, but rather a well-rounded personality with successes and failings. He is a very competent vet; sometimes he makes a fool of himself or confuses names but he always makes good under pressure or in an emergency'.

Series one was followed by a two-year hiatus, and significant changes were made to the program for series two, including the re-casting of Ramsay's receptionist (Julie Lambert having been said to have left Jindarra after her father's death) and a stronger focus on happy endings.

According to Moran, in his Guide to Australian Television Series, 'Young Ramsay had a heavy stress on good ecological practices and was actively supported by the Victorian Ministry for Wildlife and Conservation'.

Notes

  • The first episode of Young Ramsay is available to watch on YouTube, beginning with part one, available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck2dw2oxBl8 (Sighted 14/10/2011)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

    • Melbourne, Victoria,: Crawford Productions , 1977-1980 .
      person or book cover
      Title screen for Young Ramsay (screen cap)
      Extent: 26x60 min. episodes; two seriesp.
      Description: Produced on film; colour
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