Skippy: Australia's First Superstar (ATOM Study Guide)

The film explores how Skippy was created in the cultural wasteland of 1960s Australia and importantly, how it came to represent an entire nation for millions of viewers around the world.

As well as key moments from the series and unseen footage from behind the scenes, the film features interviews with key cast and crew, including Garry Pankhurst (who played Sonny Hammond in the series) who talks for the first time of his experiences as the one-time most famous kid in the world. There is also a world exclusive interview with Skippy herself, whose sardonic wit and lingering ego make for revealing, and at times controversial viewing.

Skippy: Australia's First Superstar also pays an appropriate homage to the every day members of the public who enjoyed the show each week, by talking to them in the street about their memories and stories of Skippy, and discovers why the show holds such a special place in the hearts of so many.

Curriculum links

This study guide is mainly aimed at middle and upper secondary school levels, with relevance to English, Media Studies, History, SOSE/HSIE, Ethics, Psychology, Personal and Interpersonal Development.