Set in the 1950s (featuring a background score filled with pop standards from the period), this handsome Australian soap opera series centers on Sarah Adams (Marta Dusseldorp), who after spending two decades in Europe, meets the members of the wealthy Bligh family while earning her way back to her homeland by serving as a nurse on the ship transporting them all Down Under. During the voyage, she not only catches the eye of widower George Bligh (Brett Climo), but also prevents his troubled son James (David Berry)—returning home with new bride Olivia (Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood)—from jumping overboard. Her knowledge of James's suicide attempt earns Sarah the enmity of George's imperious mother and family matriarch, Elizabeth (Noni Hazlehurst), who is determined to drive Sarah back to Europe for fear that she will air the Blighs' dirty laundry (and marry George). Other characters introduced along the way include a doctor who hires Sarah but is pressured by Elizabeth to fire her, Sarah's nosey landlady, James's sister Anna (who falls for a poor local farmer's son whom the Blighs consider an unsuitable marital prospect), and George's sister-in-law Regina (whom Elizabeth enlists to dig up dirt on Sarah, a task made easier by the fact that Sarah has secrets). While the plot twists are pretty predictable in this series that is reminiscent of old American primetime soaps, it's also a nicely mounted production featuring a strong cast. Compiling all 13 episodes from the 2013 debut season, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)
A Place to Call Home: Season 1
Acorn, 4 discs, 591 min., not rated, DVD: $59.99 Volume 30, Issue 3
A Place to Call Home: Season 1
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