The Flying Doctor - Selected Episodes: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Drama Series
"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
©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"
Rex Rienits (Author), Bettina Dickson, Bill Kerr, Full Cast, Geoffrey Miller, Harry Towb, James McKechnie, June Brunell, Lesley Jackson, Rosemary Miller (Narrator)
Audiobook
