Never Tell Me Never

Never Tell Me Never is a 1998 Australian biopic TV film about cross-country skier Janine Shepherd.

Plot
Following the road to recovery of cross-country skier Janine Shepherd after she was hit by a car.

Cast

 * Claudia Karvan - Janine Shepherd
 * Michael Caton - Max Shepherd
 * Diane Craig - Shirley Shepherd
 * John Howard - Uncle Darryl
 * Paul Bishop - Scott
 * Malcolm Kennard - Tim Blake
 * Robert Mammone - Dr Adrian Cohen
 * Joel Edgerton - Pab
 * Justine Clarke - Anna
 * Mouche Phillips - Meredith
 * Gosia Dobrowolska - Nurse Anne
 * Harold Hopkins - Neville
 * Carole Skinner - Dusty
 * Tina Bursill - Virginia
 * Bill Young - Noel
 * Peta Toppano - M.C
 * Jason Chong - Jason
 * Rachel Gordon – Angela

Production
The movie, made hoping for a cinema release, was filmed over an eight-week shoot with Karvan at times wearing Shepherd's own clothes. Screenwriter John Cundill worked closely with Shepherd's on the script.

Reception
Never Tell Me Never won it's time slot in the ratings, beating out French Kiss, Our Mutual Friend and Under Siege 2.

Andrew L. Urban of Urban Cinefile wrote " I can't say how accurate the details are, nor how well the film captures the essence of the characters, but seen as a stand alone drama it is effective in every department." The Sun-Herald's Rachel Browne gave it 5 stars finishing "This telemovie has strong family appeal with laughter, tears, romance and aerobatic stunts."

Awards

 * 1998 AFI Awards
 * Best Mini-Series or Telefeature - nominated
 * Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama - Claudia Karvan - nominated
 * 1999 Logie Awards
 * Most Outstanding Actress - Claudia Karvan - nominated