The Damnation of Harvey McHugh
Encyclopedia
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.
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.
The supporting cast included:
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 bureaucracy 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 of the Minister, Blabey won the 1995 AFI
Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Harvey and Monica Maughan
won a Silver Logie and an AFI Best Actress Award for her performance.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly referred to as "the ABC" , is Australia's national public broadcaster...
. The series consists of 12 episodes and was first broadcast on the ABC in 1994.
Cast and crew
The series was created by John Misto and co-written by Misto, Graeme Koetsveld and Ray KolleIt was produced by Penny Chapman
Penny Chapman
Penny Chapman is an Australian television producer. Her work includes Brides of Christ and RAN Remote Area Nurse. and the award winning My Place -References:...
and the episodes were variously directed by Michael Carson, Robert Klenner, Geoffrey Nottage and Amanda Smith
The series starred Aaron Blabey
Aaron Blabey
Aaron Blabey is an Australian actor, artist and children's writer. He played the title role in the 1995 television drama The Damnation of Harvey McHugh for which he won an Australian Film Institute Award.-History:...
as Harvey, Monica Maughan
Monica Maughan
Monica Maughan was an Australian actor with notable and well-known roles in film, theatre, radio and television.-Early life and education:...
as his mother, Mrs McHugh and
Philip Quast
Philip Quast
Philip Quast is an Australian actor perhaps best known for his role as Inspector Javert in the stage musical version of Les Misérables, or for appearances in numerous Australian soap operas including Sons and Daughters, The Young Doctors and Police Rescue.-Personal life:Quast was born in 1957 in...
as "the Minister", Michael Muldoon.
The supporting cast included:
- Ronald Faulk (Dr. Voysner)
- Richard Piper (Gordon Robertson)
- Roger Oakley (Bernard)
- Daniel Rigney (Frank)
- Jane BorghesiJane BorghesiJane Borghesi is an Australian actress. Television appearances include Full Frontal , The Damnation of Harvey McHugh, Phoenix, Embassy and Janus. Film: Metal Skin, The Sound of One Hand Clapping...
(Georgina) - Bruce Myles (Father Healy)
- Emma Strand (Diane)
- Michael Burkett (Morris)
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
Australian Public Service
The Australian Public Service is the Australian federal civil service, the group of people employed by federal departments, agencies and courts under the Government of Australia, to administer the working of the public administration of the Commonwealth of Australia...
. As his quest progresses, Harvey gains many startling insights into how the Australian government and bureaucracy 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 of the Minister, Blabey won the 1995 AFI
Australian Film Institute
The Australian Film Institute was founded in 1958 as a non-profit organisation devoted to developing an active film culture in Australia and fostering engagement between the general public and the Australian film industry...
Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Harvey and Monica Maughan
Monica Maughan
Monica Maughan was an Australian actor with notable and well-known roles in film, theatre, radio and television.-Early life and education:...
won a Silver Logie and an AFI Best Actress Award for her performance.