''Hills End'' is a children's book by Ivan Southall published in 1962 and later adapted for television.

Plot summary

The story follows seven children and their teacher who are trapped inside a

cave A cave or cavern is a natural void in the ground, specifically a space large enough for a human to enter. Caves often form by the weathering of rock and often extend deep underground. The word ''cave'' can refer to smaller openings such as sea ...

while a fierce cyclonic storm destroys the fictional town of Hills End. They face a struggle to survive as well as having to deal with their loss. A mystery also surrounds ancient aboriginal art found in the cave.

Literary significance and reception

Southall had lost his family farm shortly before the publication of ''Hills End'', but its success established him as a writer both in Australia and internationally. John Rowe Thompson wrote of the book "''Hills End'' is almost a perfect novel of its kind.... The rapid character development and self-discovery of the children under stress are notable." ''Hills End'' is regarded as a classic of Australian children's literature. The book is studied in Australia in the early years of high school both as a work of literature and to aid discussion on the impact of natural disasters.

Television adaptation

The mini-series ''Hills End'' starred

Madge Ryan :''She is sometimes confused with American actress Fran Ryan.'' Madge Winifred Ryan (8 January 1919 – 9 January 1994) was an Australian actress, known for her stage and film roles in the United Kingdom, including London stage productions of ' ...

as Miss Godwin,

John Noble John Noble (born 20 August 1948) is an Australian actor. He is known for his roles as Denethor in the ''Lord of the Rings'' film trilogy, Dr. Walter Bishop on the science fiction series ''Fringe'', Henry Parrish on the action-horror series '' ...

as Ben Fiddler, Peter Gwynne as Frank Tobias, Maree D'Arcy,

Katharine Cullen Katharine Cullen (born 9 June 1975) is an Australian actress, daughter of actors Max Cullen and Colleen Anne Fitzpatrick. Education *NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art). Bachelor of Dramatic Art. *The College of Fine Arts (COFA), Universi ...

as Frances McLeod, Clayton Williamson as Adrian Fiddler, Jason Degiorgio as Paul Mace, Emma Fowler as Gussie Mace, Haydon Samuels as Harvey Collins, Caitlin Procter as Maisie Johnson and Keith Eisenhuth as 'Butch' Buchanan. It originally aired on ABC Television in 1989.

References

1962 Australian novels Australian children's novels Novels set in Australia Australian children's television series 1962 children's books 1980s Australian television miniseries 1989 Australian television series debuts 1989 Australian television series endings Angus & Robertson books {{Australia-tv-prog-stub