| The Great Bookie Robbery | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Philip Cornford |
| Directed by | Marcus Cole Mark Joffe |
| Starring | John Bach Catherine Wilkin Gary Day |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 3 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Ian Bradley |
| Cinematography | Ellery Ryan |
| Running time | 6 hours |
| Original release | |
| Network | Nine Network |
| Release | 15 September – 17 September 1986 |
The Great Bookie Robbery is a 1986 Australian mini series about a 1976 crime known as the Great Bookie Robbery.[1] It aired over three consecutive nights from the 15th to 17 September.
Plot
Cast
- John Bach as Mike Power
- Catherine Wilkin as Carol Power
- Gary Day as Col Reynolds
- Bruno Lawrence as Cracka Park
- Andy Anderson as Tony Lott
- Gary Sweet as Chicka White
- Candy Raymond as Sonya Reynolds
- Madeleine Blackwell as Anne Marks
- George Spartels as Jaffa Davis
- Paul Sonkkila as Merv Temple
- Frank Gallacher as Inspt. Castleway
- Dennis Miller as Edwards
- Tim McKenzie as Det. Ross
- Margie McCrae as Wendy Lott
- Conor McDermottroe as Red Collins
- Peter Cummins as Father Moore
- Feon Keane as David Power
- Denis Moore as Rusee Lockhart
- Frank Wilson as Winton Bathurst
- Alan David Lee as Det. Sgt. Townsend
- Scott Burgess as Robbo Robbins
- Ray Meagher as Bob Temple
Reception
The series got modest ratings figures but won its timeslot over the three nights, peaking at 22, 21 and 20 respectively.[2] The series won best mini-series and best direction at the 1987 AFI Awards.[3]
Anthony Dennis of The Sydney Morning Herald wrote a mixed review stating "It is smartlymade with spotless acting, the mandatory gratuitous violence (done with a degree of style), and a thoughtful use of the mundane urban locations. However, it does lack the intrigue involved in the planning of the crime. There's a feeling that reading press clippings from the day is more compelling than watching the series."[4] Richard Coleman also of The Sydney Morning Herald gave it a positive review concluding "We've seen some excellent cop shows this year in Widows and Edge of Darkness. The Great Bookie Robbery was in the same class."[5]
Awards
- 1987 AFI Awards
- Best Mini-Series - Ian Bradley - Won
- Best Direction in a Mini Series - Marcus Cole, Mark Joffe - Won
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini Series - Catherine Wilkin - Nominated
- Best Mini-Series Screenplay - Philip Cornford, Ian Bradley - Nominated
References
- ↑ Morris, Joan (5 April 1986), "Bright light for a perfect crime", The Canberra Times
- ↑ Watson, Bronwyn (26 September 1986), "The bookies' loss is Channel 9's gain", The Sydney Morning Herald
- ↑ Byrnes, Paul (10 October 1987), "Teenage love sweeps AFI Awards", The Sydney Morning Herald
- ↑ Dennis, Anthony (15 September 1986), "The sweetest of foul deeds - The great bookie robbery", The Sydney Morning Herald
- ↑ Coleman, Richard (20 September 1986), "Real cops and robbers speak in monosyllables, eschew car chases.", The Sydney Morning Herald