Little Olivia gets her start in this TV spin-off

This is an odd little kid's movie that looks more like a 60s TV show. In fact, it is a spin-off of a popular long-running Channel Nine children's program The Adventures of the Terrible Ten (1959-60), which was repeated on the ABC until 1964, and overseas for several more years.

The story involves a group of children living in rural Australia, who embark on several projects to raise money to save their clubhouse, and end up discovering a chemical that can make sheep grow coloured wool.

The film includes several rather smaltzey musical interludes where a number of ring-ins sing uplifting Christmas songs - the film's highlight is a 16 year-old Olivia Newton-John singing 'Christmas Time Down Under', but there is also an unfortunate love-song ('She's the Girl') by Ian Turpie, who serenades two doe-eyed teenagers simultaneously, as well as an uplifting Maori song by Kiwi star Howard Morrison, and a group version of 'Click Go the Shears'.

It may have pleased the under-ten crowd in the 60s, but now it's corny to the max. Apart from the appearance of ONJ, the film does offer some insight into what passed for family entertainment in Australia at the time, given that so few films were made at the time. But it is all a bit contrived and silly to take very seriously. (Admittedly the poor You-Tube version available today may not do it justice)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The family genre features stories specifically created to be suitable for a wide range of age groups within a family. Family-oriented content is designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, often providing entertainment that is wholesome, relatable, and appropriate for all members of a family to watch or experience together.

Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

The musical genre features stories that combine music, singing, dancing, acting, and often spoken dialogue to tell a story or convey a narrative. Musicals incorporate various elements of drama, music, and choreography to create a cohesive theatrical experience that engages audiences on multiple levels.

Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music (1965)

A group of Australian schoolchildren discover a way to create rainbow-coloured goats for wool, hoping to make money for their clubhouse in the process.

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

The Terrific Adventures of the Terrible Ten

Mount Macedon, Central Highlands, Victoria, Australia

The Terrific Adventures of the Terrible Ten (1960)

Olivia Newton-John and Juliet Sorci in A Mom for Christmas (1990)

Noah Reid in Score: A Hockey Musical (2010)

The Christmas Angel: A Story on Ice (1998)

Olivia Newton-John in Funny Things Happen Down Under (1965)

Funny Things Happen Down Under

Photos5

Top Cast20

User reviews1

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed