Original classification rating: PG.
This clip chosen to be G
Clip description
When Ken failed first year university, he became a lost soul, unemployed, often on the dole and finally wandering the world to try to find himself. He returned to Australia to begin his studies again as a primary teacher.
Curator’s notes
This is an example of how good but unobtrusive interviews can produce very personal, revealing material. The simple camerawork effectively makes us feel involved.
Both young men have turned out very differently from their promise of the original 1972 program. Pat looked set to become one of those who move unhappily from one unsatisfactory job to another because they haven’t got the qualifications to get started, while Ken seemed sure to sail through university and into the teaching role he’d always wanted. Finding them nearly 30 years later is proof that life rarely follows the path we expect. Surprisingly, Ken became a lost soul after failing first year university, while Pat repeated his School Certificate and settled down to an apprenticeship and a career path through the firm.
The updated program offers an optimistic message for those parents and students who feel there is only ever one course to follow. When Ken was forced to spend a number of years coming to terms with his failings and trying to remake his life, he became a much better person as a result and no doubt a much better teacher. If he’d simply gone in a straight line from school to university and into teaching, he may never have found the peace and contentment he now feels with his life.
The long-term study documentary is endlessly fascinating because we’re naturally fascinated with the outcomes of other people’s lives. The British series 7 Up has now become 49 Up and there’s even a Russian 21 Up, while Gillian Armstrong’s original Smokes and Lollies had two follow-up programs as the years progressed, and these have become an Australian classic of the genre.
Thanks to the generosity of the rights holders, we are able to offer A lost soul from the television program Chequerboard Revisited – Episode 6: That One Piece of Paper as a high quality video download.
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Downloadable Video – FOR EDUCATIONAL CRITICISM AND REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY
This clip is available for download for the limited purpose of criticism and review in an educational context. You must obtain permission from editorial@aso.gov.au for all other purposes for use of this material.
Terms & Conditions
australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described here and elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.
All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. ALL rights are reserved.
You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before downloading this clip:
When you access ABC materials on australianscreen you agree that:
- You may download this clip to assist your information, criticism and review purposes in conjunction with viewing this website only;
- Downloading this clip for purposes other than criticism and review is Prohibited;
- Downloading for purposes other than non-commercial educational uses is Prohibited;
- Downloading this clip in association with any commercial purpose is Prohibited;
The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.
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