Who Do You Think You Are?: April 23
Michael Caton learns he has a possible connection with one of Australia’s most celebrated bushrangers, Captain Thunderbolt.
- Published by David Knox
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Michael Caton features on Who Do You Think You Are? this week, strategically airing on SBS just an hour before Packed to the Rafters airs on Seven.
Actor Michael Caton has an iconic place in Australian screen history, however, large parts of his own family history remain unknown. Much of this knowledge was lost with the early death of his father, Septimus, who was killed in a tragic industrial accident when Michael was only two.
After visiting his two older sisters in his hometown of Brisbane, Michael travels to the Queensland outback where Septimus and his six brothers were raised by their mother, Annie. Michael discovers that Annie’s mother died in a shocking suicide when Annie was just 10 years old. He wants to find out what became of his grandmother after the tragedy and whether the family was able to stay together.
Michael then turns his attention to the first Caton to arrive in Australia, his great grandfather Thomas Caton. He recently discovered that Thomas was a convict, transported to Sydney in 1838 from England.
Born into a life of squalor and crime, Thomas’ colourful ways continued in Australia where he flouted the laws of the convict system.
As Michael continues to explore Thomas’ past, he finds a possible connection with one of Australia’s most celebrated bushrangers, Captain Thunderbolt. Looking for proof that Thomas was in fact involved with Thunderbolt, Michael finds the evidence that will answer the question once and for all.
7:30pm Tuesday SBS ONE
David Knox blogs Eurovision for SBS.
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One Response
Thoroughly enjoyed this programme.I remember Michael’s cousin (I think she must have been) in Longreach over fifty years ago when I taught the Acton children whose mother was Lorna Caton.I had relatives in Isisford and was also stationed there as a nun for a short while. I know the outback well even though I grew up in Brisbane. I later married a Ray Conway who was a distant relative of mine.I wonder if Michael ever knew the Conways!!!