Valley of the Sky is a 1937 Australian novel by Tarlton Rayment that was based on the life of Angus McMillan.
According to one magazine "This is perhaps the first occasion in which Australian natives have figured so prominently in a novel other than children’s books or native fairy-tales. Prologue and epilogue belong entirely to the aborigines."
The novel won a British Empire prize, was translated into a number of other languages, was assigned as a school text, and the film rights were sold to Warner Bros, an American company.
It was adapted for radio in 1939 by Edmund Barclay.
Premise
The story of Angus McCallan, a pioneer farmer.
1939 radio adaptation
The novel was adapted for radio in 1938. Then it was broadcast again in 1939.
It was part of an increasing number of Australian written scripts on the ABC.
According to a press release "Dealing with the efforts of early Gippsland pioneers to wrest a livelihood from a virgin country, this story should find ready appeal with listeners. Based on historical facts, it has a well-drawn character in Angus Mac Allan for its central figure. Forest aborigines, who are qiven very sympathetic treatment by Rayment, play a moving part in the development of the serial. Apart from its deft characterisation and quiet humor, the story is full of quick moving action."
Wireless Weekly said " I have never spoken to an aboriginal.But I venture to suggest that certain players in the National serial, “Valley of the Sky,” were a little too cultured in their portrayals of Australian natives. “Valley of the Sky” is a good, solid story, and one that should do well as a radio play."