I Can Jump Puddles
We follow the life of Alan Marshall who was struck down by Polio as a child and it shows how he overcame the crippling effects of the disease. It traces his life from childhood into early adulthood. Based upon his trilogy of autobiographical books "I can Jump Puddles", "This is the Grass" and "In Mine Own Heart".
- 1981-1981
- 1 season
- Drama
We follow the life of Alan Marshall who was struck down by Polio as a child and it shows how he overcame the crippling effects of the disease. It traces his life from childhood into early adulthood. Based upon his trilogy of autobiographical books "I can Jump Puddles", "This is the Grass" and "In Mine Own Heart".
Season 1 Episode Guide
9 Episodes 1981
Episode 1
Run Like the Wind
Young Alan comes down with a fever after a day's outing and is diagnosed as having Poliomyelitis - infantile paralysis. Starring: Adam Garnett as Alan Marshall, Tony Barry as Father, Julie Hamilton as Mother, Ann Henderson as Mary, David Clencie as Joe, Sally Ann Bourne as Maggie, Jason Donovan as Freddy, Darren McDonald as Steve, Debra Lawrance as Nurse Conrad, Lesley Baker as Matron, Bruce Kerr as Dr. Robertson, David Ravenswood as Dr. Crawford, Rob Steele as Angus, John Larking as Mick, Harold Baigent as Daddy, Cliff Ellen as Drunk, Alex Porteous as McPherson, Brendon Lunney as Finlay, Betty Hargraves as Mrs. Carruthers, Liz Stevenson as Night Sister, Lewis Fitz-Gerald as Narrator.
Episode 2
The Weight of Air
With the aid of crutches and a wheelchair, young Alan is able to attend school, where he makes new friends and confronts the class bully.
Episode 3
Starlight
Young Alan adapts quickly to walking on crutches and goes on to the new challenge of horseback riding.
Episode 4
Crutches Are Nothing
An interest in writing is awakened by Alan's experiences on his first trip away from home.
Episode 5
Bona Fide Traveller
Nineteen-year-old Alan travels to Melbourne in search of a job and finds that few employers are eager to hire a handicapped person.
Episode 6
Getting Your Breath
Alan receives word that Australia's leading literary magazine is preparing to publish his first story.
Episode 7
Take It or Leave It
Because of his handicap, Alan is forced to work for half pay. Meanwhile, he travels the streets of Melbourne in search of material for his stories.
Episode 8
Boots, Boots, Boots
The year 1929 finds Alan working as an accountant in a boot factory, and falling in love for the first time.
Episode 9
Walk Into Paradise
The Depression takes its toll on the boot industry, so Alan helps his employer meet the payroll, and ultimately attempts to save the factory.