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Homicide (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Homicide was an Australia
n television
police
drama series made by Crawford Productions
for the Seven Network
between 1964 and 1977.
The series dealt with the homicide squad of the Victoria
police force and episodes revolved around the various cases the detectives are called upon to investigate.
Repeat screenings of the series continued through the 1970s, and ended in the early 1980s. Since then, only seven episodes have been screened:
In 2004 the episodes "Flashpoint" (ep. 56) and "Stopover" (ep. 504) were screened by Melbourne Cinematheque
, finally giving "Stopover" a cinema screening.
In August 2010, WIN Television, following on from the completion of weekly repeats of Matlock Police
, commenced sequential repeats of Homicide starting with episode 1. This ceased in early 2011 for unknown reasons at episode 28, being replaced by repeats of colour episodes from Matlock Police.
With occasional exceptions, the filmed segments did not have synchronised sound and so featured little dialogue, concentrating more on dramatic shots of cars pulling in, gun battles, and fist fights.
Dialogue for the film scenes was done "post sync". This means that the dialogue was recorded on location but, due to the often low quality of audio recorded in this manner, the actor was required to record the dialogue in a sound-proof studio in the standard filmmaking process known as Additional Dialogue Recording. Location recordings were used infrequently, and usually limited to brief dialogue snatches in enclosed spaces, such as the interior of a car. Sound effect
s would be also dubbed onto the location-shot footage. Both pre-recorded sound effects recordings and the work of Crawford's foley artist
would be used.
Episode 56, "Flashpoint", which first aired on 19 April 1966, was shot entirely on location on film, and most of the dialogue of this episode was post-synched. Over the years the ratio of film to videotape was increased, and synchronised sound became the norm. When the series switched from black and white to colour in 1973, it necessitated shooting entirely on film, as the HSV7 studios were yet to be converted to colour video production.
If a script was amended, a Crawford Productions staff member who lived near the actor concerned, would be required to deliver the new script to their house. Quite often this new dialogue had to be memorised for filming the next day.
. The story involved an international rock band who was held at the airport following the fatal overdose of a band member. The overdose was later suspected to be murder of Deniz Akin. Guest stars included Jon English
as the band's lead singer, and Tony Bonner
as the band member who overdosed. The film never received a cinema release but was shown on television as a special in 1976. It is officially listed as episode 504, with episodes 502 and 503 also being feature-length.
Lawson, White, Deegan and Redford are the detectives in the film.
and British
imports. In 1964, any Australian-made product tended to be quiz shows and one-off plays, with local drama production sporadic at best. Foreign imports were preferred because they were both cheaper and (especially for US series) more plentiful than local productions. Homicide proved that that there was a market for home-grown programming and was highly successful from the start - its initial ratings were in the 30s, and regularly rated in the high 40s and even low 50s (modern cop show ratings tend to be in the 20s at best). In addition, the series was produced at a tenth of the cost of an overseas program and easily outrated them.
The series also proved itself to be a virtual training ground for Australian television and film production. During its 11-year run, almost everyone in the business - actors, directors, scriptwriters, producers, camera crew, etc. - worked on the series at some point in their careers, and guest roles were filled by a veritable Who's Who of the Australian entertainment - both established and newcomers:
For these reasons, as well as for inspiring a series of popular cop dramas that followed, it remains one of the most important programmes in the history of Australian television.
In 2007, Homicide was chosen for a 50 cent stamp to celebrate 50 years of television in Australia.
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
police
Police
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
drama series made by Crawford Productions
Crawford Productions
Crawford Productions is an Australian television production company founded by Hector Crawford; the present incarnation of the company, Crawfords Australia, is now a subsidiary of the WIN television corporation.-History:...
for the Seven Network
Seven Network
The Seven Network is an Australian television network owned by Seven West Media Limited. It dates back to 4 November 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Melbourne and Sydney.It is currently the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach...
between 1964 and 1977.
The series dealt with the homicide squad of the Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
police force and episodes revolved around the various cases the detectives are called upon to investigate.
Broadcast history
The first episode aired at 7:30 p.m Tuesday October 20, 1964. The debut episode was not the first episode filmed; the pilot episode was hastily slotted in prior to the departure of Lex Mitchell from the series three episodes later. 504 episodes aired between then and June 1976. The remaining 6 produced episodes were aired in December 1976 and January 1977.Repeat screenings of the series continued through the 1970s, and ended in the early 1980s. Since then, only seven episodes have been screened:
- ep. 376 - "Initiation", as part of the HSV-7 nostalgia program "Those Were The Days"
- episodes 379 ("The Last Way Out"), 385 ("The Friendly Fellow"), 394 ("Patterns & Stripes Don't Mix"), 410 ("Bill"), and 463 ("The Life & Times Of Tina Kennedy") as part of the program's 30th anniversary celebration in 1994
- ep. 383 - Assassin, shown in November 2005 as part of HSV-7's 50th year celebrations.
In 2004 the episodes "Flashpoint" (ep. 56) and "Stopover" (ep. 504) were screened by Melbourne Cinematheque
Melbourne Cinematheque
The Melbourne Cinémathèque is a non-profit film society screening programmes year-round, dedicated to presenting the history of world cinema on the big screen in carefully curated retrospectives. It started out as Melbourne University Film Society in 1948 and changed its name to Cinémathèque in 1984...
, finally giving "Stopover" a cinema screening.
In August 2010, WIN Television, following on from the completion of weekly repeats of Matlock Police
Matlock Police
Matlock Police was an Australian television police drama series made by Crawford Productions for the 0-10 Network between 1971 and 1975....
, commenced sequential repeats of Homicide starting with episode 1. This ceased in early 2011 for unknown reasons at episode 28, being replaced by repeats of colour episodes from Matlock Police.
Technical specifications
Early episodes were in black and white with the bulk of material recorded on videotape in the studios of HSV7 using a Multicamera setup. Each episode also featured about ten minutes of location footage shot on 16 mm film. Total time per episode was 47 minutes.With occasional exceptions, the filmed segments did not have synchronised sound and so featured little dialogue, concentrating more on dramatic shots of cars pulling in, gun battles, and fist fights.
Dialogue for the film scenes was done "post sync". This means that the dialogue was recorded on location but, due to the often low quality of audio recorded in this manner, the actor was required to record the dialogue in a sound-proof studio in the standard filmmaking process known as Additional Dialogue Recording. Location recordings were used infrequently, and usually limited to brief dialogue snatches in enclosed spaces, such as the interior of a car. Sound effect
Sound effect
For the album by The Jam, see Sound Affects.Sound effects or audio effects are artificially created or enhanced sounds, or sound processes used to emphasize artistic or other content of films, television shows, live performance, animation, video games, music, or other media...
s would be also dubbed onto the location-shot footage. Both pre-recorded sound effects recordings and the work of Crawford's foley artist
Foley artist
Foley is the reproduction of everyday sounds for use in filmmaking. These reproduced sounds can be anything from the swishing of clothing and footsteps to squeaky doors and breaking glass. The best foley art is so well integrated into a film that it goes unnoticed by the audience. It helps to...
would be used.
Episode 56, "Flashpoint", which first aired on 19 April 1966, was shot entirely on location on film, and most of the dialogue of this episode was post-synched. Over the years the ratio of film to videotape was increased, and synchronised sound became the norm. When the series switched from black and white to colour in 1973, it necessitated shooting entirely on film, as the HSV7 studios were yet to be converted to colour video production.
If a script was amended, a Crawford Productions staff member who lived near the actor concerned, would be required to deliver the new script to their house. Quite often this new dialogue had to be memorised for filming the next day.
Stopover
Late in the show's run - sometime between episodes 470 and 480 - a feature length episode was filmed. This film was entitled Stopover, with the title Homicide not used at all, and was shot entirely on film on new sets and on location at Melbourne AirportMelbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport , also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the primary airport serving the city of Melbourne and the second busiest in Australia. It was opened in 1970 to replace the nearby Essendon Airport. Melbourne Airport is the sole international airport of the four airports serving the...
. The story involved an international rock band who was held at the airport following the fatal overdose of a band member. The overdose was later suspected to be murder of Deniz Akin. Guest stars included Jon English
Jon English
Jonathan James "Jon" English is an Australian rock singer, musician, actor and writer. English emigrated to Australia with his parents in 1961...
as the band's lead singer, and Tony Bonner
Tony Bonner
Tony Bonner is an Australian television, film and stage actor and singer. Bonner became famous in the 1960s children's television series Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, later moving on to lead roles in the dramas Cop Shop and Skyways.-Early life:Bonner was born in Manly, a northern beach suburb of Sydney...
as the band member who overdosed. The film never received a cinema release but was shown on television as a special in 1976. It is officially listed as episode 504, with episodes 502 and 503 also being feature-length.
Lawson, White, Deegan and Redford are the detectives in the film.
Records
- Homicide ran for 12 years and 6 months, making it the longest-running Australian weekly primetime drama in history.
- With 510 episodes produced (the last episode is numbered 509, but the pilot episode was numbered with an 'A' suffix, making a total of 510), for many years it held the record for most episodes produced in an Australian weekly primetime drama. When it ended in 2006 Blue HeelersBlue HeelersBlue Heelers is an Australian police drama series which depicted the lives of police officers stationed at the fictional Mount Thomas police station in a small town in Victoria.- Overview :...
equalled this record. However, "Homicide" ran on-air for longer than "Blue Heelers", and had a greater cumulative running time due to five "feature-length" episodes.
Significance
Homicide was the first major television series to be produced in Australia, the domestic television market having been previously dominated by AmericanUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
imports. In 1964, any Australian-made product tended to be quiz shows and one-off plays, with local drama production sporadic at best. Foreign imports were preferred because they were both cheaper and (especially for US series) more plentiful than local productions. Homicide proved that that there was a market for home-grown programming and was highly successful from the start - its initial ratings were in the 30s, and regularly rated in the high 40s and even low 50s (modern cop show ratings tend to be in the 20s at best). In addition, the series was produced at a tenth of the cost of an overseas program and easily outrated them.
The series also proved itself to be a virtual training ground for Australian television and film production. During its 11-year run, almost everyone in the business - actors, directors, scriptwriters, producers, camera crew, etc. - worked on the series at some point in their careers, and guest roles were filled by a veritable Who's Who of the Australian entertainment - both established and newcomers:
- Ian TurpieIan TurpieIan "Turps" Turpie is an Australian television celebrity, best known for hosting the long-running game show The Price Is Right before being replaced by Larry Emdur.-Early life:...
(the series' first victim) - John DerumJohn DerumJohn Derum is an Australian actor for stage, film and television. He has also directed and produced for theatre companies throughout Australia and for television...
- Terry NorrisTerry Norris (actor)Terry Norris is an Australian actor who interrupted his career for 10 years with a stint in state politics.-Acting career:...
- Tommy DysartTommy DysartTommy Dysart is a Scottish-born actor, currently resident in Australia. Dysart has been a regular fixture on Australian television for several decades, frequently appearing in guest-starring roles in drama series and comedies, and in character roles in films and miniseries.High-profile early roles...
- Lynette CurranLynette CurranLynette Curran is an Australian actress best known for her roles in Australian television series and films. Between 1967 and 1974 she was a regular in soap opera Bellbird. She also acted in the film version of the serial, Country Town ....
- Syd Conabere
- Anne CharlestonAnne CharlestonAnne Charleston is an Australian actress currently based in Galway, Ireland and the UK. She is known for her roles as Madge Bishop in the Australian soap opera Neighbours and Lily Butterfield in Emmerdale.-Early career:...
- Queenie AshtonQueenie AshtonEdith "Queenie" Ashton AM was an English-born Australian soprano and character actress who had a long career primarily on radio, although she was also a renowned theatre actress, who also added television and film performances to her impressive repertoire...
- Maurie FieldsMaurie FieldsMaurie Fields was an Australian actor, vaudeville performer and stand-up comedian. He became a well-known face on television thanks to his dramatic roles in Bellbird, The Box, Prisoner and The Flying Doctors...
- Sheila FloranceSheila FloranceSheila Florance was an Australian film and television actress.After working in theatre in London and appearing on Australian television, Florance played small roles in several Australian films of the 1970s, including Mad Max...
- Martin Vaughan
- Gerard KennedyGerard Kennedy (actor)Gerard Kennedy is an Australian actor and two-time Gold Logie winner. He played six different characters in guest appearances in Homicide, all in 1966...
(his television debut - later a series regular in Division 4Division 4Division 4 was an Australian television police drama series made by Crawford Productions for the Nine Network between 1969 and 1975 for 300 episodes....
) - Val JellayVal JellayVal Jellay born 25 September 1927 is an Australian actressHer career began with dance lessons in 1931 when she was four years old and continues to this day applauded by hundreds of fans in Europe, Britain, Scandinavia and Australia....
- Reg GormanReg GormanReg Gorman is an Australian actor and comedian who shot to fame playing the role of Jack the barman in popular Crawfords' soap, The Sullivans. He stayed with the series for its entire six year run.-External links:...
- Terry GillTerry GillTerry Gill is a British-born actor who carved a nichè in Australian television playing police officers.He was a recurring cast member in the women's prison drama Prisoner as Det. Insp. Jack Grace, a regular cast member as Sgt...
- Carmen DuncanCarmen DuncanCarmen Joan Duncan is an Australian actress.-Biography:Carmen Duncan is known to Australian audiences as a character actress in films and on television...
- Bruce Barry
- Roger ClimpsonRoger ClimpsonRoger Climpson OAM MBE is a British-born Australian newsreader, best known for his time at Seven News in the 1980s and 1990s and for his hosting duties on various shows from 1977 until 1998.- Early life :...
(not playing himself) - Vincent GilVincent GilVincent Gil is an Australian film and television actor best known for his portrayal of the character Nightrider in the 1979 film Mad Max. Gil has also starred in many Australian television shows such as Neighbours, A Country Practice and Prisoner.-External links:...
- Brian WenzelBrian WenzelBrian Wenzel is an Australian character actor, most famous for his long run as Police Sergeant Frank Gilroy on television program A Country Practice. He was an original cast member and remained along with Shane Porteous through the entire series, winning a Silver Logie for the role...
- Henri SzepsHenri SzepsHenri Szeps OAM is an Australian actor best known for his role as Robert Beare in the ABC situation comedy series Mother and Son.-Early life:...
- Lorraine BaylyLorraine BaylyLorraine Daphne Bayly AM is an Australian actress.She is best known to television audiences for her portrayal of Grace Sullivan, the dignified, warm-hearted mother figure in the drama series The Sullivans 1976-1979, dealing with life for an ordinary Australian family during the Second World...
- Jacki WeaverJacki WeaverJacqueline Ruth "Jacki" Weaver is an Australian theatre, film and television actress. She is best known outside Australia for her performance in Animal Kingdom, for which she was nominated for the 2011 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.-Career:Jacki Weaver has been working in Australian...
- Bill HunterBill Hunter (actor)William John "Bill" Hunter was an Australian actor of film, stage and television. He appeared in more than 60 films and won two Australian Film Institute Awards.-Early life:Hunter was a son of William and Francie Hunter...
- Chuck Faulkner (later a series regular in Division 4Division 4Division 4 was an Australian television police drama series made by Crawford Productions for the Nine Network between 1969 and 1975 for 300 episodes....
) - Rod MullinarRod MullinarRod Mullinar is an actor, noted for his roles on Australian television.He took a regular leading role in Hunter late in the show's run in 1968, however he appeared in just eight episodes due to the cancellation of the series...
- Tony BarberTony BarberAnthony "Tony" Ferraro Barber is an Australian game show host and television personality.-Early life:...
- Lorrae DesmondLorrae DesmondLorrae Desmond, MBE is a Australian singer, entertainer, and character actress, with a career spanning over 50 years...
(her first dramatic role) - Wendy HughesWendy Hughes-Career:Hughes began her career on television in the early 1970s with appearances in Homicide, Number 96, Matlock Police and in 1976, ABC Mini-Series, Power Without Glory...
- Terence DonovanTerence Donovan (actor)Terence Donovan , also known as Terry Donovan, is an English-born Australian actor and the father of fellow actor and entertainer Jason Donovan...
(later a series regular in Division 4Division 4Division 4 was an Australian television police drama series made by Crawford Productions for the Nine Network between 1969 and 1975 for 300 episodes....
) - Tristan RogersTristan RogersTristan Rogers is an Australian–American actor. He is best known for playing Robert Scorpio on the ABC soap opera General Hospital...
- Vivean GrayVivean GrayVivean Gray is an English actress, who found her niche playing gossipy characters in Australian television series. In her early life, she lived in England but moved to Australia after she had trouble finding any acting opportunities...
- Graeme BlundellGraeme BlundellGraeme Blundell is an Australian actor, director, producer, writer and biographer.Blundell was born in Melbourne; he grew up in Clifton Hill, a suburb of Melbourne...
- Helen MorseHelen MorseHelen Morse is an Australian actress who has appeared in films, on television, and on stage.-Biography:Morse was born in Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex, England. She was the oldest of four children; her parents were a doctor and nurse...
- Gus MercurioGus MercurioAugustino Eugenio "Gus" Mercurio was an American-born Australian character actor who appeared on both film and television.-Early life :...
(his acting debut) - Jack ThompsonJack Thompson (actor)Jack Thompson, AM is an Australian actor and one of the major figures of Australian cinema. He was educated at University of Queensland, before embarking on his acting career. In 2002, he was made an honorary member of the Australian Cinematographers Society...
- Michael PateMichael PateMichael Pate was an Australian actor, writer and director.-Early life:He was born Edward John Pate in Drummoyne, Sydney...
- Peter Gwynne
- Paul CroninPaul CroninPaul Cronin is an Australian actor who has played iconic roles in the Australian television series Matlock Police and The Sullivans.-Personal Life:...
(his television debut) - Pamela StephensonPamela StephensonPamela Helen Stephenson Connolly is a New Zealand-born Australian clinical psychologist and writer now resident in the United Kingdom. She is best known for her work as an actress and comedian during the 1980s...
- Rowena WallaceRowena WallaceRowena Wallace is a Gold -Logie winning Australian actress, best known for her role as Patricia in Sons and Daughters.-Early life and budding career:...
- Shane PorteousShane PorteousJohn Shane Porteous is an Australian television character actor, TV screenplay scriptwriter, theatre actor, animation layout artist, and animation voice artist.-Biography:...
- Max CullenMax CullenMax Cullen is an Australian stage and screen actor. Max has appeared in many Australian films and television series but is best known for his role in the film Spider and Rose and the television series The Flying Doctors and Love My Way.Cullen was born in Wellington, New South Wales...
- Diane CraigDiane CraigDiane Mary Craig is an actress born in County Down, Northern Ireland but who is best known for her performances on Australian television....
- John WatersJohn Waters (actor)John Russell Waters is a film, theatre and television actor and musician best known in Australia, to where he moved in 1968...
- John Diedrich
- Sigrid ThorntonSigrid ThorntonSigrid Thornton is an Australian multi-award winning actress.-Early years:Thornton was born in Canberra, the daughter of Merle, a teacher of women's studies and writer, and Neil Thornton, an academic. She spent most of her formative years growing up and attending school at St. Peter's Lutheran...
(her television debut, aged 13) - John MeillonJohn MeillonJohn Meillon was an Australian actor, most widely known outside Australia for his role as Walter Reilly in the films "Crocodile" Dundee and "Crocodile" Dundee II. He also voiced Victoria Bitter beer commercials until his death.-Biography:Meillon was born in Mosman, Sydney...
- Denise DrysdaleDenise DrysdaleDenise Anne Christina Drysdale, is an Australian television personality and comedian. She is often affectionately called Ding-Dong.-Childhood:...
- Syd HeylenSyd HeylenSyd Heylen was an Australian actor, comedian, and variety performer who often performed in a traditional vaudeville type style....
- Cornelia FrancesCornelia FrancesCornelia Frances is a British-born actress based in Australia since the early 1970s. Frances is best known for her recurring role as judge Morag Bellingham on Home and Away.-Early life and personal life:...
- Belinda GiblinBelinda GiblinBelinda Giblin is an Australian actress.She played Kay Webster in the risqué, satirical 1970s soap opera The Box, and the scheming Alison Carr in the 1980s melodrama Sons and Daughters...
- Garry McDonaldGarry McDonaldGarry George McDonald, AO is an Australian stage and screen actor.-Early life and career:McDonald was born in Sydney and was educated at Cranbrook School and National Institute of Dramatic Art....
- David GulpililDavid GulpililDavid Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu , is an Indigenous Australian traditional dancer and actor. His first starring role was Walkabout....
- Tracy MannTracy MannTracy Mann is an Australian actress. Her film credits include Hard Knocks, The Scarecrow, and Fast Talking.Mann got her first big break playing Tina Harris in the 1970s television soap opera The Box. She is possibly best remembered to audiences for playing a character who ended up behind bars, deaf...
- John Hargreaves
- Noni Hazlehurst
- Brian NaylorBrian Naylor (broadcaster)Brian Naylor was an Australian television presenter, best known for his longstanding stint as chief news presenter at National Nine News Melbourne from 1978 to 1998 and his sign-off line, "May your news be good news, and good-night."His son Matthew was killed in a plane crash at Kinglake, Victoria...
(as himself)
For these reasons, as well as for inspiring a series of popular cop dramas that followed, it remains one of the most important programmes in the history of Australian television.
In 2007, Homicide was chosen for a 50 cent stamp to celebrate 50 years of television in Australia.
Characters
Note: Characters' ranks (except for Detective Inspector) changed in accordance with real-life changes in the Victoria Police Force. For example, Detective Sergeant Mackay becomes Detective Senior Sergeant to reflect his role as the squad's number-two when this rank was introduced, while Barnes becomes a Senior Detective after the rank of Detective was abolished.- Insp. Jack Connolly (John FeganJohn Fegan (actor)John 'Jack' Fegan was an Australian film and television actor. He appeared in many Australian films and television shows in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, including the long running series Homicide as Inspector Jack Connolly. He was born in Belfast, Ireland.Fegan grew up in the Falls Road area of...
) - 1964-1969
- A gruff but warm-hearted pipe-smoking Irishman who worked his way up through the ranks from constable. Takes long service leave prior to retiring from the force.
- Det. Sgt. Frank Bronson (Terry McDermott) - 1964-1966
- A capable and calculating detective, married with children, Bronson can be very tough when necessary, but is generally easy-going with a strong core of humanity and humour. Shot dead by an escaped convict.
- Det. Rex Frazer (Lex Mitchell) - 1964-1965
- Young, impulsive, and single, Frazer is a ladies man and a milk drinker (instead of alcohol), and only recently assigned to the squad. Transferred to another squad after being promoted to Senior Detective.
- Sen. Det. / Det. Sgt. / Det. Snr. Sgt. David Mackay (Leonard TealeLeonard TealeLeonard Teale AO , born Leonard George Thiele in Brisbane, was a well-known Australian actor of radio, television and films....
) - 1965-1974
- Sen. Det. / Det. Sgt. / Det. Snr. Sgt. David Mackay (Leonard Teale
- Known as 'Mac', Mackay is a tough cop with high ideals about justice. Initially he has a large chip on his shoulder - he had been a Detective Sergeant before, but was demoted to Senior Detective because of a report by Bronson. This initially triggers conflict when Mackay realizes Bronson is to be his superior officer, but he mellows and matures over the years. Promoted to Sergeant after Bronson's death, Mackay is eventually promoted to Inspector and transferred to Ballarat (returning to visit his old squad in the final episode).
- Sen. Det. Bill Hudson (Leslie DaymanLeslie DaymanLeslie "Les" Dayman is an Australian actor best known for being the fighter of the Nightman.He starred in the crime series Homicide as Senior Detective Bill Hudson during the late 1960s. In the 1980s, he was a major cast member in the soap operas Sons and Daughters and Prisoner...
) - 1966-1968
- Sen. Det. Bill Hudson (Leslie Dayman
- A crack shot who hates the idea of killing anyone - but is forced to do so on several occasions in order to protect other people's lives - Hudson is a 'new breed' type of detective, well-trained in scientific methods of detection and with a modern approach to everyday living - in contrast to Connolly's solid beat-trained old-school type of detective. After being forced to shoot another person once too often, Hudson is granted a leave of absence.
- Det. / Sen. Det. / Det. Sgt. Peter Barnes (George Mallaby) - 1966-1974
- Transferred from the Sydney Vice Squad Barnes is a brash young cop - and a bit of a swinging bachelor - promoted to Detective at an earlier age than usual. He matures over the years, developing into a talented, formidable detective but retaining his good nature and sense of humour. Promoted to Sergeant after Mackay transfers out, Barnes has a nervous breakdown shortly afterwards from the strain of non-stop murder cases.
- Sen. Det. Bert Costello (Lionel LongLionel LongLionel Joaquin Paul Long, OAM was an Australian country, Western, folk singer and a television actor.Long became one of Australia's most successful and talented country/western/folk artists in the 1960s, recognised as one of EMI's most popular and successful artists releasing over a dozen LPs...
) - 1968-1969
- Sen. Det. Bert Costello (Lionel Long
- A first-generation Australian of Italian descent. Killed in a mine cave-in during a case.
- Insp. Colin Fox (Alwyn KurtsAlwyn KurtsAlwyn Kurts, also known as Alwyn Kurtis, was an Australian drama and comedy actor.Kurts originally worked as a war correspondent, before moving onto radio with his program "Raising a Husband" on radio station 3XY....
) - 1968-1974
- Insp. Colin Fox (Alwyn Kurts
- Originally from Maldara in country Victoria, a widower who lives with his unmarried daughter, Fox is greatly respected by the other detectives who realise his bark is worse than his bite - but don't let on. Shrewd with a dry sense of humour, Fox has a deep and mature respect for the role he fills. Shot dead by a sniper.
- Sen. Det. Jim Patterson (Norman YemmNorman YemmNorman Yemm is an Australian actor who is probably best known for his long-running role as Norm Baker in the television drama The Sullivans....
) - 1965-1974
- Sen. Det. Jim Patterson (Norman Yemm
- A tough-as-nails cop with a direct methodology and devoted family man, Patterson had previously boarded with Inspector Fox when posted to Maldara. He has an identical twin brother (played by Yemm's real-life twin Gordon) who inadvertently causes havoc in the squad in a case of mistaken identity. Quits the force after becoming too emotionally involved in a case in which he nearly kills the murderer of a small boy.
- Sen. Det. / Det. Sgt. Bob Delaney (Mike PrestonMichael PrestonMichael Preston is an international film and television actor, sometimes credited as Mike Preston.-Career:...
) - 1972-1973
- Sen. Det. / Det. Sgt. Bob Delaney (Mike Preston
- A Londoner who had been a constable in the British police force before coming to Australia, Delaney is a 'snappy' modern dresser who pushes his clothes and hair length to the regulation limit. Killed by a letter-bomb.
- Sen. Det. Phil Redford (Gary DayGary Day (actor)Gary Day is an actor who has appeared in Australian television police drama series, including Homicide and Murder Call.- Television :Day worked as a male model and appeared in several television commercials...
) - 1972-1977
- Sen. Det. Phil Redford (Gary Day
- A Vietnam veteran who has strong ideas about violence, Redford is also studying law part-time at university. Remains to the end of the series.
- Insp. Reg Lawson (Charles Tingwell) - 1973-1977
- Recalled to Melbourne from Scotland Yard (after serving with the United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
peace-keeping forces in CyprusCyprusCyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
) to take over the squad after the murder of Inspector Fox. Remains to the end of the series.- Sen. Det. Pat Kelly (John Stanton) - 1972-1974
- A tough, no-nonsense detective brought in after Barnes is promoted to Sergeant. Crippled in a car crash when pursing a criminal.
- Det. Sgt. Harry White (Don BarkerDon Barker (actor)Don Barker is an Australian actor, best known for his roles as Det. Sgt. Harry White in the police procedural series Homicide , and as Bill Jackson in early episodes of the women's prison drama Prisoner.Other TV credits include: Division 4, Matlock Police, Certain Women,...
) - 1967-1977
- Det. Sgt. Harry White (Don Barker
- A family man, good-natured joker and incessant talker, but with a tough edge that increasingly comes to the fore. Remains to the end of the series.
- Sen. Det. Mike Deegan (Dennis Grosvenor) - 1974-1977
- A motorcycle-riding, martial-arts expert transferred to the Homicide squad from Ballarat, where he had worked under Inspector Mackay. Remains to the end of the series.
External links
- TV Eye - Classic Australian Television
- Crawford Productions
- "Homicide" episode guide
- Law Suits - "Sydney Morning Herald" article about "Homicide"
- "Homicide" episode 'Flashpoint' - Senses of Cinema
- Homicide at the National Film and Sound Archive
- For behind the scenes information and photos of cast and crew, please visit http://www.crawfordproductions.tv/