Mini series exploring the transportation to Australia of Jewish refugees living in London, a group that the British government feared might include enemy agents. Imprisoned in a prisoner-of-war camp in New South Wales, the refugees were released in 1942, largely to make way for the first Japanese prisoners of war.
According to Moran, in his Guide to Australian TV Series,
In particular, the series follows Austrian cafe and concert hall violinist Alex Engelhart, who escapes from Nazi-occupied Austria to London. There he lives as he can and has a brief relationship with a young Jewish girl, Naomi Mendellson, a fishmonger's daughter. At the outbreak of war Alex is rounded up, as are many other refugees. Naomi's brother, born and bred in London, is also herded into the group who leave for Australia aboard the Dunera. After an unpleasant trip the group is sent to Hay. The Australian officer in charge, Colonel Alan Bury, relaxes camp conditions and the refugees, guards and even townspeople become a community. Meanwhile, after her father's death, Naomi follows Alex and brother Morrie to Australia. Alex teaches Morrie to play the violin while Alan learns the piano. However, a new guard inadvertently shoots and kills Morrie. Naomi arrives at the local railway station as the refugees are waiting for the incoming train.
Moran notes that the series attracted some criticism (on the grounds of inaccuracy, particularly the harshness of conditions on the voyage to Australia) from surviving members of the original 'Dunera Boys', but notes that 'the tone of The Dunera Boys is more celebratory than accusatory. The series concentrates on the incredible range of resources, skills, artistic accomplishments, religious beliefs, and intellectual capital that the group brought to Australia.'
