australian television information archive

Alan Cassell as Harold Fitzwater

Harold Fitzwalter is a gentleman in the true sense of the word. He is also a drunk and a broken shell of a man. Life held so much promise for him — he was a man of vitality, passion and integrity. His original appointment to the Pearl Bay Magistrates court was one of great pride and he envisaged being able to do so much for the town. Then Bob Jelly got the dirt on him.

Alan Cassell is a well-known actor with distinguished credits in theatre, film and television. Born in England, he came to Australia at the age of 22 and decided that with a change of location he would have a change of career. He had been working as a motor trimmer but after attending a play with some friends decided to attend acting classes. During a long and successful career, Alan has worked in all facets of performance. His credits include such stage productions as A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg, for which he received Best Actor of the Year Award, Sweet Bird Of Youth, with Lauren Bacall, and Away, which played in New York. His film credits include Breaker Morant, The Club and Cathy's Child, for which he received Best Actor in a Film Award. In television, he had the leading role in Taurus Rising and Special Squad with guest appearances in most Australian TV series, most recently Blue Heelers. Alan enjoys making furniture and has also taken up fly-fishing, which, he claims, "is an art in itself".

'I like him (Harold). You must like the people you portray, then you can justify them and what they do.' — Alan Cassell.