Over Here Over There

1939. Small town, Western Australia. As the world slides into war, Dorothy and Mick's marriage slides into deeper and deeper trouble. Even the welcome arrival of a child can't save the situation and eventually, with no options left, Dorothy takes her daughter and moves back in with her parents.  

For Mick, the failed marriage is a catalyst for him to escape a lonely exile by enlisting in the Australian Army. He finds the swell of patriotism sweeping the nation grants him equal plaudits of admiration for his courage and sympathy for his family situation. Dorothy, returned to her domineering Father's abode, is eyed by her neighbours. She is expected to be an exemplary mother, a dutiful daughter and step up to fulfil the requirements and demands of a country at war. She must be seen to be faultless.  

As Mick is sent overseas and into the hell of the North African Campaign, from the siege of Tobruk to the victory at El Alamein, Dorothy is seconded by the War Effort Manpower act to work within the Western Australian lunatic asylum.  

From the North African desert to Jungle Warfare training in readiness for the nightmares of New Guinea and Borneo, and from small town attitudes to the living torture of the asylum, the war years will test the resilience of all.  

For love, courage, despair or happiness have no regard for rank or status, and neither will circumstances grant wish-upon-a-star moments. What matters is your ability to cope with what life brings; be that over here, or over there.  

An Australian saga of love, war, family, friendships, darkness and light

and one woman's ability to survive it all.