australian television information archive

I Can Jump Puddles

Producer: John Gauci
Writers: Sonia Borg, Cliff Green, Roger Simpson
Directors: Kevin Dobson, Keith Wilkes, Douglas Sharp

Aired: June - August, 1981 (ABC)

Born in the country town of Turalla, Victoria in the early 1900s, Alan Marshall had not long started school when he contracted the crippling disease poliomyelitis. However the story of his childhood is not sad. Alan never saw himself as disabled and his indomitable character enabled him to overcome any obstacles. Instead, his absolute determination to play, climb, fight, swim, ride and laugh with his friends has become a classic Australia story of perseverance and courage. This series is based on the three autobiographical books I Can Jump Puddles, This Is The Grass and How Beautiful Are Thy Feet which trace his life from 11 to 31 years of age, and is truly a celebration of the human spirit. (9x48min)