AUSSIE RULES: Australian films to TV series

As Picnic At Hanging Rock continues (9pm, BBC2), we take a look at how some famous Australian productions have successfully transitioned from big to small screen…

Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975) The first adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s 1967 novel is a 1975 film from Peter Weir. The TV series opens out the drama to six episodes, offering more layers of detail to the mystery. Rachel Roberts stars as Mrs Appleyard (above) in the film, the role taken by Natalie Dormer in the current series.

Romper Stomper (1992)

Launching the career of a then unknown Russell Crowe (below), this hard-hitting drama about neoNazis in Melbourne has been updated. Recently on BBC2 and now on iPlayer, the series is set 25 years after the film, and follows clashes between far-left and far-right groups. Wolf Creek (2005) Known for its grisly violence, this outback slasher film stars John Jarratt as serial killer

Mick Taylor (right). The film inspired not only a sequel, but also two seasons of a TV series, which has fared well with critics, who commend its visual flair – and the fact that the protagonist of series one, US tourist Eve, turns the tables on Mick in pursuit of revenge.

Animal Kingdom (2010)

Acclaimed crime drama inspired by real criminal family the Pettingills. When adapted for TV, the action was moved from Oz to the US, where Ellen Barkin has taken over the role of matriarch Smurf, played by Jacki Weaver in the original. (Seasons 1-3 are on Amazon Prime.)