About
Author Maurice Gee’s boyhood experiences helped fuel this home front drama, expertly realised by director Peter Sharp (The Fire-Raiser). Rex Pascoe (Milan Borich, later a singer in band Pluto) is a war-obsessed schoolboy who befriends a local Dalmation boy, and reluctantly helps his father with his black-market dealings. Meanwhile American soldiers are making their presence felt. But not all of their attitudes are welcome. Racial tensions will soon be tested by the GI who is set to stay with Rex’s family. Director Peter Sharp writes here about battling tides — and learn where Maurice Gee's script first began.
Key Cast & Crew
SH
Scott Harman
As: Leo Yukich
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Scott Harman (left, as Leo Yukich) and Milan Borich (as Rex Pascoe) in 1989 TV series The Champion.
Photo courtesy of TVNZ
The Pascoe family in 1989 series The Champion: from left to right, Gloria (played by Meredith Braun), Alf (Alistair Douglas), Rex (Milan Borich), and Bernice (Sarah Peirse).
Photo courtesy of TVNZ
Director Peter Sharp during the filming of 1989 TV series The Champion.
Photo supplied by Onfilm magazine
Four of the cast of 1989 TV series The Champion: from left to right, Scott Harman (as Leo), Michael James (as Prvate Jackson Coop), Milan Borich (as Rex), and Louise Perry (as Dawn).
Photo courtesy of TVNZ
Director Peter Sharp and American actor Michael James, during the filming of TV series The Champion.
Photo courtesy of TVNZ
Michael James was chosen from 21 American actors for 1989 TV series The Champion. He plays Private Jackson Coop, who is billeted with a New Zealand family during World War ll.
Photo courtesy of TVNZ
Publicity photo of writer Maurice Gee, who wrote the scripts for 1980s TV dramas The Fire-Raiser and The Champion.
Photo courtesy of TVNZ
Producer Ginette McDonald on the set of 1989 series The Champion. McDonald and director Peter Sharp had previously worked together on award-winner The Fire-Raiser (1986).
Photo courtesy of TVNZ
