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Hero image for Close to Home - First Episode

Close to Home - First Episode

Television (Full Length Episode) – 1975

Pioneering soap opera Close To Home first screened in May 1975. For just over eight years (until August 1983) middle New Zealand found their mirror in the life and times of Wellington’s Hearte clan. At its peak in 1977 nearly one million viewers tuned in twice weekly to watch the series co-created by Michael Noonan and Tony Isaac. This first episode sees the family gathering for Grandfather’s 78th birthday. Vivian (Ilona Rodgers) moans to Tom (John Bach): “you’ve drunk all my cooking sherry”, then tenderises the beef with the empty bottle.

You’ve drunk all my cooking sherry!
– Vivian (Ilona Rodgers) moans to Tom (John Bach) ... before she tenderises the beef with the empty bottle.

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NZ On Screen acknowledges the talent and creatives for allowing NZ On Screen to reproduce this title on this website.

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