Robert Muldoon: The Grim Face of Power - Part One

The first part of this controversial, no-holds-barred portrait of Robert Muldoon — the dominant figure of 20th century NZ politics — traces his rise to power. In one of the show’s most contentious themes, Neil Roberts and Louise Callan explore the effect that the death of Muldoon's father from syphilis may have had on his political career. Interviews with colleagues and family members cover his childhood, war service, early years as a husband and father, his immersion in the National Party and the relentless, divisive style that saw him become Prime Minister in 1975.

You have to hand it to the canny folks at Communicado. They know how to take a slightly unhealthy Kiwi obsession and turn it into a slickly packaged television product.

– Listener reviewer Diana Wichtel, 14 May 1994

Key Cast & Crew

Neil Roberts

Co-Director, Writer, Producer

Robin Scholes

Executive Producer

Louise Callan

Co-Director, Writer, Research, Producer

Glen Molesworth

Editor

Jean-Louis Lods

Editor

Geoff Steven

Network Executive Prodcuer