The Last Outlaw: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Historical Drama

A vintage eight-part radio serial based on the true story of the infamous outlaw and his Kelly gang

Ned Kelly's name has gone down in history as Australia's greatest folk hero. A legendary bushranger and bank robber, he is lauded by many as a Robin Hood-style rebel – and reviled by others as a cold-blooded killer. This thrilling 1963 serial by The Flying Doctor writer Rex Rienits charts his chequered career, from his first hold-up to his dramatic last stand.

1870, and on a lonely road near the township of Greta, 16-year-old Ned Kelly is learning the bandit's trade from a newly released convict. But he soon comes to the attention of the police, and after three stints behind bars, he knows they won't let him go straight. A fateful decision to go into the horse-stealing business sees him forced to go on the run, and soon, the Kelly gang are at all-out war with the law.

When he kills three policemen, Ned signs four death warrants. Proclaimed outlaws, the gang know they could be shot down like mad dogs at any time – and in June 1880, following a string of daring bank heists, it becomes clear that their days are numbered. Encased in bulletproof armour made from ploughshares, they hunker down in the remote settlement of Glenrowan to await the final, ferocious showdown… Lewis Fiander stars as Ned Kelly, with Alister Smart, Lew Luton and Mark Kelly as the other gang members and Wilfrid Thomas as the narrator.

With thanks to Keith Wickham of the Radio Circle for supplying the audio recordings.

Cast and credits
Written by Rex Rienits
Produced by Vernon Harris

Featuring: Wilfrid Thomas, Lewis Fiander, Harry Towb, John Tate, Duncan McIntyre, David Nettheim, Shirley Cameron, John Cazabon, Ed Devereaux, Robert Hewitt, Brian Dent, Morton Smith, Don Mason, John Parker, Sean Scully, Mark Kelly, David Eadie, Kevin Manser, Trader Faulkner, Jack Cunningham, Alister Smart, Lew Luton, Humphrey Morton, Michael Collins, Margaret Roberts, Maurice Travers, Patricia Dallas, Philip Leaver, Russell Napier, Rosemary Miller, David Futcher, Daphne Rogers, Brian Anderson, J. Mark Roberts, Moya O'Sullivan, Ronald Chudley, Bruce Wightwan, Laurel Mather, Ella Milne

First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 18 Jun-6 Aug 1963

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