All Saints (TV series)

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All Saints
All Saints Medical Respons Unit Intertitle.png
2009 title card
Genre Drama
Format Medical drama
Created by Jo Porter
Di Drew
MaryAnne Carroll
Starring Judith McGrath
Georgie Parker
John Howard
Tammy MacIntosh
Erik Thomson
Martin Lynes
Mark Priestley
Allison Cratchley
Andrew Supanz
Christopher Gabardi
Jolene Anderson
John Waters
Opening theme Matteo Zingales @ Supersonic
Country of origin Australia
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 12
No. of episodes 494 (List of episodes)
Production
Producer(s) Bill Hughes
Location(s) Sydney, New South Wales
Running time Approx. 1 hour
(with ads)
Production company(s) Red Heart Entertainment
Broadcast
Original channel Seven Network
Picture format 576i (SDTV),
1080i (HDTV)
Audio format Dolby Surround
Original run 24 February 1998 – 27 October 2009
External links
Website

All Saints (also known as All Saints: Medical Response Unit) is an Australian medical drama which first screened on the Seven Network. The series debuted on 24 February 1998 and concluded its run on 27 October 2009. It had been one of Australia's highest rating dramas and also achieved popularity overseas in many countries including United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, and Iran.

Contents

The Show [edit]

All Saints has featured popular Australian actors such as Georgie Parker, Erik Thomson, Libby Tanner, Tammy MacIntosh, Judith McGrath, John Howard, John Waters, Chris Vance and Natasha Beaumont. Judith McGrath was the only original cast member to continue the show's entire run.

In February 2002 nine cast members from All Saints participated on The Weakest Link: All Saints Special to mark the first anniversary of The Weakest Link in Australia. In this episode, Erik Thomson won A$43,000 for his chosen charity, which was CARE Australia.

Ward 17 (1998–2004) [edit]

The series was set in a fictional Sydney suburban hospital called All Saints Western General Hospital. The stories originally focused on the nursing staff of Ward 17, which was also known as the 'garbage ward' because it took the overflow of patients. Ward 17 was led by Nursing Unit Manager Terri Sullivan (Georgie Parker). Ward 17 was closed in April 2004 and the doctors and some nurses moved to the Emergency Department.

Emergency Department (ED) (2004–2008) [edit]

In April 2004, producers drastically overhauled the series to improve ratings. The focus shifted from Ward 17 to the Emergency Department, led by Frank Campion (John Howard). A new set was established, some characters left and new characters were introduced. With this change, the series came to focus more on the lives of the doctors, as well as the nurses it had in the past.

Emergency Department (ED) and Medical Response Unit (MRU) (2009) [edit]

In February 2009 the series introduced the Medical Response Unit which includes a helicopter that delivers doctors to rescues and brings patients to the Emergency Department. The series was retitled All Saints: Medical Response Unit and featured an increased focus on external locations outside the hospital.

On 9 July 2009, the Seven Network announced the series would cease production in August due to budgetary constraints. The last episode of its 12th and final season, episode 493, aired on 27 October 2009. The series ended with the ED and MRU teams having a dinner to farewell the last remaining original character, Von Ryan (Judith McGrath), on her final day at All Saints.

Cast [edit]

Main cast [edit]

Main article: List of All Saints characters
Actor Role Duration Episodes Number of Episodes
Judith McGrath Yvonne 'Von' Ryan 1998–2009 001–493 493
Georgie Parker Therese 'Terri' Sullivan 1998–2005 001–313 287
Martin Lynes Dr. Luciano 'Luke' Forlano 1998–2004 001–266 260
Ben Tari Jared Levine 1998–2003 001 – 235 235
Libby Tanner Bronwyn Craig 1998–2003 001 – 218 210
Brian Vriends Ben Markham 1998–2003 001–218 189
Jeremy Cumpston Connor Costello 1998–2001 001–158 156
Kirrily White Stephanie Markham† 1998–2000 001 – 106 108
Andrew McKaige Dr. Peter Morrison 1998–1999 001–053 51
Sam Healy Jazmina Hillerman 1998–1999 001–052 50
Erik Thomson Dr. Mitchell 'Mitch' Stevens † 1999–2003 045–221 176
Celia Ireland Regina Butcher 1999–2000, 2002–2005 058 – 101, 208 – 306 121
Belinda Emmett† Jodi Horner 2000–2001 118–162 43
Conrad Coleby Scott Zinenko 2001–2004 126–286 153
Natasha Beaumont Rebecca Green 2001–2003 152–235 64
Josh Quong Tart Matthew Horner 2001–2002, 2003 162–204, 221-246 67
Jenni Baird Paula Morgan 2001–2004 166–266 101
Paul Tassone Nelson Curtis 2001–2006 168–349 182
Tammy MacIntosh Dr. Charlotte Beaumont 2002–2009 184–493 286
Fletcher Humphries Alex Kearns 2003-2004 218-269 52
Henry Nixon Sterling McCormack 2003–2004 221- 272 52
Christopher Gabardi Dr. Vincent Hughes 2003–2007 224 – 396 155
Rachel McNamara Francis Regan 2003 228-253 26
Wil Traval Dr. Jack Quade 2004–2008 256–455 192
John Howard Dr. Frank Campion 2004–2009 265–493 229
Natalie Saleeba Jessica Singleton 2004–2006 265–344 78
Alexandra Davies Cate McMasters 2004–2007 270 – 410 134
Mark Priestley† Dan Goldman 2004–2008 278–455 170
Chris Vance Dr. Sean Everleigh† 2005–2007 334–393 55
Jolene Anderson Erica Templeton† 2006–2008 345–448 104
Andrew Supanz Dr. Bartholomew 'Bart' West 2006–2009 349–493 137
John Waters Dr. Miklos 'Mike' Vlasek 2006, 2007–2009 350–361, 379–493 123
Virginia Gay Gabrielle Jaeger 2006–2009 353–493 139
Allison Cratchley Dr. Zoe Gallagher 2006–2008 359–436 78
Jack Campbell Dr. Steven Taylor 2007–2009 401–493 90
Alix Bidstrup Amy Fielding 2008–2009 442–493 49
Kip Gamblin Dr. Adam Rossi 2008–2009 452–493 42
Ella Scott Lynch Claire Anderson 2008–2009 453–493 41
Mirrah Foulkes Jo Mathieson 2009 457–493 37
Jonathan Wood Dr. Elliott Parker 2009 485–493 9

Supporting cast [edit]

Actor Role Duration
Justine Clarke Samantha O'Hara 1998–1999
Elizabeth Maywald Sophie Williams† 1998–1999
Jake Blundell Tony Hurst† 1999–2000, 2001
Joy Smithers Rose Carlton (Stevens)† 1999–2003
Peter Whitford Russell Woods 1999
Rochelle Whyte Cara Windom 2001–2003
Alan Flower Morris The Florist† 2000–2003
Rachel McNamara Francis Regan 2003
Katie Methorst (aka Kate Avery) Rachel Suffolk 2001 - Kim Hillas Joan Marden 1998–2004, 2009
John Noble Dr. John Madsen 1998–2004
Melissa Tkautz Andrea Stuart 2001–2002, 2004
Jack Rickard Max Morgan 2002–2004
Nicole da Silva Sasha Fernandez 2005
Guy Edmonds Stuart Mapleton 2005
Troy Planet Dennis Pool 2003–2006
Elizabeth Alexander Dr. Alison Newell 2003–2006
Jaime Mears Kerry Lytton † 2004–2006
Trilby Beresford Kathleen Campion 2004–2006
Peter Phelps Dr. Doug Spencer 2005–2006, 2007
Alexandra Fowler Eve Ballantyne 2006–2007
Robert Jago Luke Goldman 2006–2008
Lucy Bell Sonia Moore 2007
Wendy Strehlow Lorraine Tanner 2005–2008
Mike Smith Heath Velaga 2007–2009
Celeste Barber Bree Matthews 2005–2009
Ben Wood Troy Sanders 2009
Peter Whitford Walter Elliott 2009

Deceased cast members [edit]

Production [edit]

The external shots, including sweeping views of the skyline and hospital, were filmed at the Concord Repatriation General Hospital. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital in Sydney was also used for external filming and for some interior locations such as the operating theatres.

2004 revamp [edit]

In reaction to a ratings drop, following the departure of Dr. Mitch Stevens played by Erik Thomson, the producers decided to shift the focus of the series from Ward 17 to the emergency department (ED) of All Saints Western General Hospital. These changes first appeared on screen in April 2004. This relocation allowed the producers and writers to explore different and more adventurous storylines and allowed the introduction of additional characters. With the relocation, which was dubbed All Saints' emergency surgery,[1] the show also shifted its focus from the lives of the nurses to including the lives of many doctors as well. This revamp in 2004 proved a success and ratings increased considerably.

Four All Saints regular cast members departed from the show permanently. These included Jenni Baird, who played Nurse Paula Morgan, Martin Lynes, who played Dr. Luke Forlano, Fletcher Humphrys, who played probational paramedic Alex Kearns, and Henry Nixon, who played Nurse Sterlo McCormack.[2][3][4] SeaChange star, John Howard, was also introduced in this revamp as E.D. director, Frank Campion.[2][3][4]

2009 revamp and finale [edit]

In 2009, the Medical Response Unit was introduced, which featured a helicopter and a four wheel drive that can go where ambulances cannot. The Emergency Department was still a large part of the show, with the MRU on-site scenes combined. The MRU would also bring their patients into the ED for treatment. A new paramedic was also introduced, played by Mirrah Foulkes.

The final episode 493 was filmed on 26 August 2009 and aired on 27 October 2009. The finale saw Von having her last day at All Saints Western General Hospital, with the show's final scenes at a surprise farewell dinner where both the ED and MRU teams say goodbye to her. The series ended with everyone sitting at a table in the restaurant and Von making one final speech:

"I don't know what to say, really. I spent a lot of time at All Saints and memories and, I'd just like to thank you all for your loyalty, your support and love. Oh bugger this, here's to us.

After a short montage video plays looking back at the show, Von looks at Frank as he looks back at her, their glasses raised to each other. The viewers have one last glimpse of Von as she smiles as the screen fades black. The final episode was watched 1.505 million viewers, the third most watched show for the week.[5] All Saints was the longest-running medical drama in Australia and the third longest-running drama series after Blue Heelers and Homicide.[6]

Awards [edit]

Logie Awards [edit]

The show received numerous Logie Award nominations in both the popular and outstanding categories, the awards are:[7]

Year Nominee Award Result
1999 Georgie Parker Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Nominated
Georgie Parker Most Popular Actress Nominated
All Saints Most Popular Program Nominated
Libby Tanner Most Popular New Female Talent Nominated
2000 Georgie Parker Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Nominated
Georgie Parker Most Popular Actress Nominated
All Saints Most Popular Program Nominated
All Saints Most Outstanding Drama Series Nominated
2001 Georgie Parker Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Won
Georgie Parker Most Popular Actress Won
All Saints Most Popular Program Won
All Saints Most Outstanding Drama Series Nominated
Georgie Parker Most Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Nominated
Libby Tanner Most Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Nominated
2002 Georgie Parker Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Won
Libby Tanner Most Popular Actress Won
All Saints Most Popular Program Won
Libby Tanner Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Nominated
Erik Thomson Most Popular Actor Nominated
Conrad Coleby Most Popular New Male Talent Nominated
All Saints Most Outstanding Drama Series Nominated
Georgie Parker Most Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Nominated
Libby Tanner Most Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Nominated
2003 Erik Thomson Most Popular Actor Won
Libby Tanner Most Popular Actress Won
All Saints Most Popular Australian Program Won
All Saints Most Outstanding Drama Series Nominated
Georgie Parker Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Nominated
Libby Tanner Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Nominated
2004 Georgie Parker Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Nominated
Erik Thomson Most Popular Actor Nominated
All Saints Most Popular Australian Program Nominated
All Saints Most Outstanding Drama Series Nominated
2005 Georgie Parker Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Nominated
All Saints Most Popular Drama Series Nominated
Wil Traval Most Popular New Male Talent Nominated
Natalie Saleeba Most Popular New Female Talent Nominated
2006 All Saints Most Popular Drama Series Nominated
All Saints Most Outstanding Drama Series Nominated
John Howard Most Outstanding Actor Nominated
2007 John Howard Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Nominated
John Howard Most Outstanding Actor Nominated
Jolene Anderson Most Popular New Talent Female Nominated
Andrew Supanz Most Popular New Male Talent Nominated
All Saints Most Popular Drama Series Nominated
Judith McGrath Most Outstanding Actress In A Drama Series Nominated
2008 John Howard Most Popular Personality On Australian Television Nominated
John Howard Most Popular Actor Nominated
Jack Campbell Most Popular New Male Talent Nominated
All Saints Most Popular Australian Drama Series Nominated
2009 Mark Priestley Most Popular Actor Nominated
2010 Mirrah Foulkes Best New Female Talent Nominated
All Saints Best Drama Nominated

Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards [edit]

All Saints has won two AFI Awards from the Australian Film Institute and has been nominated for various others.

Year Nominee Award Result
1998 Ep. 6: Give and Take Best Episode in a Television Drama Series Nominated
Ep. 20: Revelations Best Episode in a Television Drama Series Nominated
1999 Ep. 58: Head to Head Best Episode in a Television Drama Series Won
2000 Valley of the Shadow Best Episode in a Television Drama Series Won
Dead on Time Best Episode in a Television Drama Series Nominated
2002 All Saints Best Television Drama Series Nominated
Peter Fisk (ep. 169: Opening Night) Best Direction In A Television Drama Nominated
Belinda McClory (ep. 169: Opening Night) Best Guest or Supporting Actress in Television Drama Nominated
2005 All Saints Best Television Drama Series Nominated
2006 All Saints Best Television Drama Series Nominated
John Waters Best Guest or Supporting Actor in Television Drama Nominated
2007 All Saints Best Television Drama Series Nominated
Mark Priestley Best Guest or Supporting Actor in Television Drama Nominated

Australian TV ratings [edit]

Aus tv.svg
Television ratings
in Australia
1996 · 1997 · 1998 · 1999
2000 · 2001 · 2002 · 2003
2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2007
2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
2012
Television in Australia
Year Average
Weekly Audience		 Average
Weekly Rank		 Peak
Weekly Audience
2001 1,591,000 14 2,023,000
4–10 November
2002 1,514,190 15 1,687,000
11–17 August
2003 1,360,756 26 1,544,000
15–21 June
2004 1,280,000 25 1,424,000
7–13 November
2005 1,280,750 25 1,559,000
11–17 September
2006 1,416,550 15 1,660,000
7–13 March
2007 1,383,250 14 1,603,000
15–21 April
2008 1,245,481 25 1,603,000
20–26 July
2009 1,150,000 16 1,505,000
26 October – 1 November

DVD release [edit]

For further information on each individual DVD release, see its respective season page

Seasons 1 to 5 were released by EMI Australia in 2005 through 2007. EMI lost the DVD rights in 2007, therefore seasons 1 to 5 are no longer in print. Universal Pictures Australia were later awarded DVD rights to the show, releasing seasons 8 to 12 in 2009 and 2010. Seasons 6 and 7 were released on 2 March 2011. It has been confirmed by Universal Sony Pictures Home Entertainment that the first five seasons of All Saints will not be re-released. Listings of each episode in each box set can be found at List of All Saints episodes.

See also [edit]

References [edit]

  1. ^ Enker, Debi. "All Saints gets an extreme makeover", The Age, 19 February 2004.
  2. ^ a b Byrne, Fiona. "Four All Saints stars dumped", Herald Sun, 23 November 2003.
  3. ^ a b "All Saints' transfusion", The Daily Telegraph, 24 November 2003.
  4. ^ a b Miller, Kylie. "Saints' emergency surgery", The Age, 27 November 2003.
  5. ^ http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/10/week-44-2.html
  6. ^ http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/08/last-day-for-all-saints.html
  7. ^ ninemsn.com, TV Week Logie Awards Page

External links [edit]

All Saints
Characters
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