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The Ferals – An Explosion of Talent (1994)

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Meet the Ferals

Original classification rating: G. This clip chosen to be G

Clip description

Opening titles introduce the Ferals. Modigliana the cat (voiced and operated by Mal Heap) and Rattus (voiced and operated by David Collins) are fighting again. Mixy (voiced and operated by Emma De Vries) the rabbit interrupts to ask why. Derryn (voiced and operated by Terry Ryan) the 'dopey dog’ arrives and delivers the shocking news that ‘someone’s moving into the house’.

Curator’s notes

Refreshingly politically incorrect, The Ferals features disrespect for authority, cartoon-style characters and stylised violence. For example, this clip uses cartoonish violence to illustrate the dysfunctional relationship between the two main characters. When a mallet-wielding Modigliana attacks Rattus, who hits back with a baseball bat, the violence is funny rather than disturbing because it doesn’t extend to the other characters and they don’t hurt each other. The animated stars that appear when one character strikes the other recall violence in cartoons.

Director David Evans uses a crash zoom at the end of this clip to alert the audience, who are entering the Ferals’ world for the first time, that someone moving into the house is a big deal.

The acidic dialogue, witty insults and Rattus’s aside to camera (‘I have to put up with this all the time’) are entertaining for older viewers. Evans credits the rudeness and irreverence as big factors in the show’s popularity.

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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.

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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.

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When you access ABC materials on australianscreen you agree that:

  1. You may download this clip to assist your information, criticism and review purposes in conjunction with viewing this website only;
  2. Downloading this clip for purposes other than criticism and review is Prohibited;
  3. Downloading for purposes other than non-commercial educational uses is Prohibited;
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