The Flying Doctor - Selected Episodes

A selection of episodes of the iconic radio show about the Australian flying doctor service

Listen now to this delight from the archives. A timeless and exciting drama series giving a fictional insight into the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Adapted from the TV series, The Flying Doctor was a huge radio success in the 1950s and 60s, influencing the image of Australian in the minds of the British public and becoming a cultural icon.

Pilot Tommy O’Donnell, played by the British-Australian actor Bill Kerr best known for his regular appearances in Hancock’s Half Hour and star of the 1955 war movie, Dam Busters, flies Doctor Chris Rogers in and out of the fictitious Wollumboola base. The action follows him and his 'doctor' colleague bringing reprobates to justice in the outback. In these six sensational episodes the duo must rush to a myriad of calamities and help with problems big and small. In The City Orchard, an opal miner is in trouble and time is running out. The team must support a father in SOS for Baldy, who’s son is gravely injured and rescue hunters lost in the Outback in Wally’s Last Shot. In The Dook Comes Through, a pub fight leaves a man unconscious and in need of assistance. Finally, in The Stick Up there are deadly consequences when an armed robbery leaves several men wounded, will Tommy and the Doc be able to get there in time?

This is a gem from the archive and not to be missed. A nostalgic listen that celebrates a long-gone era of adventure and action the Australian Outback. If you’re a fan of vintage treasures such as The Harry Worth Collection, Ballylenon or A Life of Bliss, then you will love this collection from The Flying Doctor.

Cast and credits

Written by Rex Rienits

Produced by Vernon Harris

The Comeback

Dr Chris Rogers - James McKechnie
Tommy O'Donnell - Bill Kerr
Mary West - Rosemary Miller
Sally MacAndrew - Bettina Dickson
Ulrich Stanislaus - Paul Martin
Oiaf Stanislaus - Gerik Schjelderup
Sergeant Fianner - Ken Wayne
Tom Gosper - David Nettheim
Joe Gregson - Robert Reardon
Mrs Gregson - Lesley Jackson

First Broadcast BBC Light Programme 10th March 1959

The City Orchid

Dr Chris Rogers - James McKechnie
Tommy O'Donnell - Bill Kerr
Jane Hudson - June Brunell

Anna Granger - Rosemary Miller
Sally MacAndrew - Bettina Dickson

John Granger - Leon Peer
First Broadcast BBC Light Programme 17th March 1959

SOS for Baldy

Dr Chris Rogers - James McKechnie
Tommy O'Donnell - Bill Kerr
Jane Hudson - June Brunell

Sally MacAndrew - Bettina Dickson

Frank Watson - Kenneth Warren

Andy Watson - Paddy Turner

Baldy Murdoch - Ed Devereaux

Paddy - Harry Towb

Steve - John Stacy

Mrs Blackburn - Paula Green
First Broadcast BBC Light Programme 24th March 1959

Wally’s Last Shot

Dr Chris Rogers - James McKechnie
Tommy O'Donnell - Bill Kerr
Jane Hudson - June Brunell

Sally MacAndrew - Bettina Dickson

Wally Cooper - John Warwick

Joey - Leila Blake

Mrs Allison - Lesley Jackson

First Broadcast BBC Light Programme 24th March 1959

The Stick up

Dr Chris Rogers - James McKechnie
Tommy O'Donnell - Bill Kerr
Jane Hudson - June Brunell

Sally MacAndrew - Bettina Dickson

Sam - Kenneth J Warren

Larry - Ian Maitland

Pete - David Ryder

Charlie Brown - Robert Reardon

Sergeant Flannery - J Mark Roberts

Gosper - David Nettheim

Clarrie Toweens - Leon Peers

Constable Miller - Allen Paton

First Broadcast BBC Light Programme 7th April 1959

The Dook Comes Through

Dr Chris Rogers - James McKechnie
Tommy O'Donnell - Bill Kerr
Jane Hudson - June Brunell

Sally MacAndrew - Bettina Dickson

The Dook - Geoffrey Lewis

Jim Morgan - Russell Napier

Constable Miller - Allen Paton

First Broadcast BBC Light Programme 14th April 1959

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