Never Tell Me Never is a 1998 Australian biopic TV film about cross-country skier Janine Shepherd.
Plot
Following the road to recovery of cross-country skier Janine Shepherd after she was hit by a car.
Cast
Claudia Karvan - Janine Shepherd
Michael Caton - Max Shepherd
Diane Craig - Shirley Shepherd
John Howard - Uncle Darryl
Paul Bishop - Scott
Malcolm Kennard - Tim Blake
Robert Mammone - Dr Adrian Cohen
Joel Edgerton - Pab
Justine Clarke - Anna
Mouche Phillips - Meredith
Gosia Dobrowolska - Nurse Anne
Harold Hopkins - Neville
Carole Skinner - Dusty
Tina Bursill - Virginia
Bill Young - Noel
Peta Toppano - M.C
Jason Chong - Jason
Production
The movie, made hoping for a cinema release, was filmed over an eight-week shoot with Karvan at times wearing Shepherd's own clothes. Screenwriter John Cundill worked closely with Shepherd's on the script.
Reception
Never Tell Me Never won it's time slot in the ratings, beating out French Kiss, Our Mutual Friend and Under Siege 2.
Andrew L. Urban of Urban Cinefile wrote " I can't say how accurate the details are, nor how well the film captures the essence of the characters, but seen as a stand alone drama it is effective in every department." The Sun-Herald's Rachel Browne gave it 5 stars finishing "This telemovie has strong family appeal with laughter, tears, romance and aerobatic stunts."
Awards
1998 AFI Awards
Best Mini-Series or Telefeature - nominated
Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama - Claudia Karvan - nominated 1999 Logie Awards Most Outstanding Actress - Claudia Karvan - nominated