The Undertakers (TV play)
The Undertakers is a 1970 Australian comedy TV play. It was a pilot for a series that wasn’t picked up, but it was shown as a stand-alone production. It aired on the Seven Network and runs 30 minutes. The story follows an undertaker who goes into business with his brother, a used-car salesman.
Written by Ken Shadie and Ted Agar, produced by Ken Shadie, and directed by Alan MacKnight. It stars Noel Ferrier as the undertaker and Peter Whitford as his brother.
The project was produced in 1970 and originally released on 30 November 1970. It later aired in Melbourne on 27 January 1971, along with other pilots for potential series.
Reception was mixed by region: Sydney was cool about it, while Melbourne audiences loved it. The Sun Herald called it hilariously funny and the most promising Australian comedy show in 14 years. The Age felt it was derivative of Steptoe and Son but praised Ferrier’s performance.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 04:36 (CET).