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Private Notes
A history of Homicide, celebrating the show's sixth birthday. The first section deals with highlights from the series plus behind the scenes anecdotes, and the second section details the production of a typical episode, No. 266 'Have You Heard About The Lawrences?'
A group of students stage a mock bank hold-up to publicise a charity. When the students' leader is shot dead by a bank guard, Homicide detectives have to establish whether the guard was acting within his duty or recklessly; a complication is that jealousy in the group caused the student to be 'set up' for the shooting.
An old couple who run a milk bar in an inner suburb are found brutally murdered. A young man is charged, and confesses, but Det. Sgt. Bronson's doubts about his guilt still complicate the issue, and bring he and Insp. Connolly into conflict.
For three days, a cottage in the Dandenong Ranges provides a perfect honeymoon hideaway. But then the young bride is brutally slain, and Homicide detectives find themselves investigating bigamy as well as murder.
An unidentified young woman is murdered in a park, the second such occurrence, and Homicide detectives have to race against time to prevent a third killing.
Nancy Tate is kidnapped by two men and taken to a lonely spot and murdered. A search begins for a mysterious witness wearing a cap and a suede jacket.
A clerk is shot when two masked men hold up a factory and steal a $10,000 payroll. Homicide detectives have no real leads, and must rely on information from an informer, Sgt. Bronson's 'Aunt Sally'.
A body is discovered in a railway box-car at the Jolimont railway yards, from where a young boy has also gone missing. Police dogs are called in to track down the killer, a young man who has killed his father with an iron bar during an argument, and fled with the only witness - the missing boy.
Edward Heywood is reported missing, and three weeks later his body is recovered from the Yarra River. Two anonymous letters - death threats - provide the Homicide detectives with an important clue. The man's wife, Katarina, had many lovers, and when she reports her sister-in-law Norma has suicided, one of her lovers, Rogowski, makes a false confession.
When an attractive young girl is murdered, it doesn't take long for the Homicide detectives to identify her killer; but they have a tense time gathering sufficient evidence to bring him to trial, aware that before they can complete their case he may well kill again.
A man dies a violent death aboard a boat at dawn. Although there is an eye-witness, he claims he was too far away to identify the killer, and the Homicide detectives have some fast thinking to do as they pursue their suspects around the confusing world of the waterfront.
When William Nelson blows up the car of a business acquaintance, killing him, he is quickly brought to justice, and sentenced to serve a life sentence for murder. However, Nelson is cunning and resourceful, and escapes from custody and it is not only his freedom he wants, but a chance to even up the score against the main prosecution witness.
A convict who has broken out of jail is murdered at the rendezvous with an accomplice, and Det. Sgt. Bronson suspects that there is a connection between his death and an unsolved robbery committed five years earlier.
Retired Inspector Bob Fenton, former chief of the Homicide squad, is fatally stabbed and his body left in the driveway of the home of Insp. Connolly. Fenton appears to have been the victim of revenge, and Connolly realises that he could be the next target.
A business colleague of Douglas Hadrion, knowing he has a weak heart, succeeds after several attempts in causing his death by inducing a heart attack.
A body found floating in Port Phillip Bay is identified as that of gambler George Duff. He has been shot. Homicide detectives are surprised when their investigations reveal that Duff was married to the headmistress of a leading girl's school.
A water skier is murdered when she takes a tumble and the speedboat bears down on her. Homicide Detectives uncover their first lead at a baby-sitting agency, and soon find a connection between the agency, a group of juvenile delinquent motor-cyclists and a series of burglaries.
Catherine Leonardson has a wealthy husband who has taken second place to the other men in her life. Tension in their home turns into murder, and detectives find evidence making two men look equally guilty.
An ingenious plot to steal a consignment of diamonds leads to murder, and detectives are baffled as to who the culprits are - until they turn their attention to a number of large crates recently delivered to a factory.
Two criminals kidnap a doctor in order to treat a wounded man who was injured during a gunfight in which another man was killed.
The Homicide squad has help from the Forensic division when investigating the death of a woman who had apparently ceased to exist a year before being killed.
Matters are complicated for the police when a young girl shirks from the publicity she fears will result if she makes known the full story of her abduction and gang rape, following the revenge which was meted out to her assailants.
A man found dead in a burnt out car at the foot of a cliff is presumed to be the owner, James Bannister. But further evidence points to Bannister still being alive, and detectives gradually unravel an insurance fraud which ends in another murder.
When Homicide detectives probe the underworld to investigate the murder of a prostitute, they find the dead girl's friends and accomplices all fear for their own lives. Their investigations are complicated by an obvious crank with a passion for reforming people.
When con-man Hal Dunstan gets over-confident, a chance encounter with a prowler in a graveyard triggers off more than he can cope with.
When prominent Melbourne solicitor Gerald Marquard is killed, detectives connect his death with the disappearance of an important forged document. They concentrate on two suspects: one a well-known confidence trickster, the other a young German migrant, Horst Schumann.
The murder of a baccarat king leads to an arrest, a trial and also an acquittal, because the charged man has a watertight alibi. But time, mistrust and wagging tongues force the killer to strike a second time - and to meet again with a homicide detective who has retained a keen memory of the original crime.
Sen. Det. David Mackay, recently demoted from Sergeant due to a report by Det. Sgt. Bronson, joins the Homicide squad. Mackay is in trouble immediately when he is caught breaking into a shop. Fraser is promoted to Senior Detective and transferred to another squad.
A young mother is murdered and her small daughter is missing. Police and trackers comb rugged country for the killer, and question relatives about the little girl whose disappearance is obviously connected to her mother's death.
A girl en route to her city office sees a dead man lying on a rooftop. During the subsequent investigation Homicide detectives uncover some shady dealings with her father's business.
A bookmaker is brutally robbed and murdered, and Homicide detectives suspect a group of punters led by smooth-talking Johnny Parke. Their search brings them to further violence when tension flares up between the suspects.
A miserable relationship develops between two European middle aged migrants who have a mutual love of music. Both are impoverished, and behind her refusal to marry him is a tragic secret - she has an incurable illness. Their relationship grows more and more hopeless and they decide to kill themselves - the man then shoots her and tries to poison himself, but fails. Rather than tell police about their pact, the man makes up a story about a crime of passion.
When a body is washed up on St Kilda beach, Homicide detectives discover that the victim was involved in the smuggling of narcotics.
The prompt rescue by Sen. Det. Mackay of a man who is nearly killed by a train leads to an unexpected clue and a tragic reason behind the death of a woman.
A policewoman joins the Homicide detectives to probe a death which takes them into the realm of strange witchcraft rites.
Three young women die and investigations lead Homicide detectives into the field of psychiatry, and to a mentally deranged man who has become a criminal through misfortune, and whom they fear will kill again.
A woman dies a violent death, and some stolen diamonds are missing. A link between the two crimes provides Homicide detectives with several leads. The chase is on in earnest when their prime suspect flees from his own accomplices as well as the police.
A vicious and ruthless underworld character fatally wounds a young policeman after being disturbed trying to steal a car. There are witnesses, but all fail to identify the Homicide detective's prime suspect. It is a silent witness that finally catches him out - a vital piece of evidence left at the scene of the crime by the murderer himself.
Christopher Lodge receives a shock when an undertaker calls to collect his body. His fear mounts when a wreath is delivered, and detectives are called in to investigate his 'murder'.
The victimisation of innocent and unsuspecting children horrifies the inhabitants of a quiet country town. The cruel death of a young child leads police to a tragic psychopath.
Returning home from an all-night party, a woman under the influence of alcohol makes a grim game of driving her car at a male friend - until she eventually hits him. Panic-stricken, she rushes off into more trouble. Before long her own life is endangered by someone who wants to keep the night's events secret for a very good reason.
Gil Slade, a conceited bully, braggart and brutish lout, kills a man for no reason other than that he made Slade look foolish. None of his neighbours will inform on him, and when one finally does go to the police Slade retaliates with further violence.
A man, who is convinced that he has every right to deceive and defraud others, sets up a rest home for old people. But the Homicide squad takes an interest when an elderly female resident is murdered without any apparent motive.
An elderly woman is murdered when she disturbs a thief who has broken into her home. Homicide detectives realise quite early in the piece that someone is trying to cover up for the killer - but it's such a naive attempt that it helps the police far more than it does the murderer.
A young girl is lured to her death when she answers a newspaper advertisement, and Policewoman Helen Hopgood assists the Homicide detectives in tracing the murderer.
Sgt. Bronson's wife, Pat, is witness to a despicable attack on a cripple by three youths. Her own life is threatened by their ruthless leader, Billy Saunders, who tries to stop her identifying them.
Helen Burton and her daughter are happy to be reunited after a long separation, but the reunion turns out to be a prelude to tragedy when a murder is committed.
Det. Sgt. Bronson and Sen. Det. Mackay are called to an isolated homestead on the Mornington Peninsula to investigate the murder of labourer Kevin Jones. Many of the farm hands are immigrants, and the detectives find themselves in a different world. Some of the people they question are proud and steeped in the traditions of their native country, and at least one of them is prepared to kill over a question of honour.
Detectives have five suspects in the brutal murder of a young married woman. All five of them saw her in the hours preceding her death.
An artist arrives at an outdoor party with a stunning blonde. Within minutes the girl is dead, and so is a young folk-singer who was also a party guest. Homicide detectives are called in to the off-beat world of an artist's colony to investigate the mysterious deaths, and suspense mounts as investigations into the puzzling case builds to an unexpected climax.
A criminal earnestly trying to reform is being framed for a double murder and a £20,000 payroll robbery.
Truck driver Roy Smith reports his wife has been murdered. He claims he spent the night at the country town of Seymour, however police discover that he is having an affair and that he also stole a car in Seymour.
Policewoman Helen Hopgood is involved in the case of a runaway schoolgirl, but when Helen suddenly disappears it is feared she could have been murdered.
A teenage girl's skeleton is found in the Airey's Inlet sandhills, with no clue to her identity.
A woman close to death after being attacked and robbed refuses out of fear to identify her attackers. The pack then goes hunting again, terrorising a mother and her teenage daughter.
Young Kathy and Johnny Moore were happy together according to friends and neighbours, yet Kathy is found murdered in their wrecked living room and Johnny is missing.
Homicide detectives pursue 'Blue' Carmody in rugged mountain bushland, after he murdered a Forests Commission officer who ordered him to put out a fire on a total fire ban day. Two women at a roadhouse assist him.
Two women act as decoys and one victim after another is attacked and robbed - until one of the victims dies.
Peter O'Brien, sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, breaks out of jail. He has a warder's carbine, and is ready to deal out to the two detectives who put him inside. When he confronts them, he wounds Sen. Det. Mackay and shoots dead Det. Sgt. Bronson.
A scrawled note, a milk bill and a wrecked room confront the police when they investigate the death of a clergyman. Mackay is promoted back to Detective Sergeant.
Is he a man with a grudge, or a lunatic loose with a gun? By the pattern of his crimes he could be a bit of both, and his motive is as hard to find as he is himself. Insp. Connolly joins Mackay and Hudson in a hazardous chase after a demented and dangerous killer.
When a young married woman meets a violent death, a glib story about hitch-hikers is discounted as police believe they know the murderer. Forensic science assists in collating evidence and apprehending a dangerous killer.
Using the Moomba festival crowds as a cover, a gang of jewel thieves, headed by an American, keeps the police guessing. A report that a schoolboy has disappeared alerts detectives to more sinister activities.
If Ray Fox died, as he alleges two women intended, their complicity in a sinister racket might not have been found out. Fox tells police a tale so incredible that he doesn't expect to be believed. But when the truth comes to light it is more incredible still, leading to the discovery of a racket and murder.
Joan Ordini is stabbed to death while walking home at night. Her husband, quite unmoved by the tragedy, tells police there were other men in her life. Her father chances on a vital clue when he finds his daughter's cherished rosary beads are missing.
Concerned for the safety of a murder witness, police hide the man at Dromana. However, the ruse is discovered and the police must protect him from a group of criminals.
Sally Trevor, just titled Model of the Year, is shot dead on a busy city street. The killer's description tallies with her long-time devoted admirer Arthur Parrish. But why murder her at the peak of her success? Their ill-starred romance story told in flashback provides the answer.
People notice Ron Paige and think he is a charming youth, which is a big help to detectives investigating a puzzling case of callous murder.
Linda Neilsen, a young married woman with a career in advertising, walks out of a jovial staff party to a violent death. A search through her handbag provides Homicide detectives with a promising lead, but three suspects emerge to confuse the issue.
Maree Duncan tells police that her husband has threatened to kill her, and soon afterwards she is found shot dead. Is the killer her husband? Or the man whose company she obviously preferred? The police keep a wary eye on the two suspects while sorting out the complex and conflicting evidence and intrigue surrounding Maree's death.
As Det. Sgt. Mackay puts it: "There are only three things to find in this case - the weapon, the offender, and the victim." The breakthrough comes when Forensic examines the soil clinging to the tyres of Arthur Lowe's abandoned taxi.
18-year-old Margaret Boyce makes a suicide pact with an older man that she loves because her father refuses to give his consent to their marriage. Soon afterwards her body is found in a quarry. It certainly looks like suicide - but the Homicide detectives move in to investigate a strong suspicion of murder.
Could a Tasmanian Tiger still exist near Burrabri? Or did 16-year-old Anne Vincent meet her death at human hands? Homicide detectives are called to a country town to investigate the death of the young woman, and are confronted by some strange evidence.
Is Maggie the abused wife she claims to be, or a dangerous woman capable of deliberate murder? Arrested for shooting her husband, she says it was self-defence, but a hint of complicity between Maggie and her stepson makes detectives suspect her story.
Lorraine Purvis's classmates are shocked when she falls to her death from a roof. But some of them are suspects as police try to establish if it was suicide, an accident, or murder.
A man is fatally stabbed, and the knife used is lying beside his friend Ilona Tabori when she wakes in the morning. She finds his body just outside her door. She can remember nothing of the night before and fears that she may have been responsible for his death.
Mackay and Hudson pursue a crazed gunman who has taken four lives. Hudson, feeling his inexperience may have been a contributing factor to Sgt. Bronson being shot, becomes embroiled in a public controversy about the right of police to fire on criminals.
A man is strangled to death, and in the search for his killer Homicide detectives uncover a macabre story of drug addiction and the relentless exploitation of its victims.
An art collector is stabbed to death and investigations have just begun when Det. Hudson's girlfriend 'Tinker' Bell is reported missing. Tensions mount as her disappearance is linked with the main murder suspect, Bronte Palmer, a mentally deranged artist connected to an art colony.
A small boy sees blonde Trudy Gardiner threatened with a gun, but when police arrive her flat is empty - though there is every sign she has been murdered. The question is why? In the confusion of a car wrecker's yard, detectives get their first glimpse of the truth.
A mother and her two young daughters are shot dead on a country road, and detectives learn that a car abandoned nearby belongs to their neighbour, Roger Fry, an ex-RAAF officer with a war neurosis who has apparently vanished.
Immediately after buying a racehorse, horse dealer Jim Craig is shot dead. Craig's dubious background suggests several motives, but it soon becomes evident that the horse 'Seven Winds' is the focal point in a bitter human conflict.
Scotland Yard enlists Homicide's aid in locating Joan Preston, suspected of having killed her husband in England. They find not only Joan, but also her sister-in-law Sarah Davis, who is convinced that Joan has murdered once and is planning a second murder.
A body is found on a beach with a lone clue - a cigarette lighter inscribed "In memory of Milk Train". But - what Milk Train?
Blonde Karen Barrett's first brush with the law is on a shoplifting charge, but Policewoman Helen Hopgood senses something more sinister in the girl's background. Homicide detectives prove she is right.
Roger Lang is found shot dead, and suspicion falls on nightclub singer Julie Temple, whose fingerprints are on the gun. Investigations lead to Julie's ex-husband, Harold Barker, who has resorted to an evil scheme to gain custody of his child.
On the run after breaking jail, Tom Delaney robs a bank and shoots a veterinary surgeon. Seeking a hiding place, he holds country school teacher Ann Pritchard as a hostage.
Confidence man Warren Hardy becomes involved with the death of a man and blackmails a wealthy socialite in an attempt to pay a gambling debt.
A teenage girl on holiday finds a baby's body in the river. There is doubt as to whether it is accidental drowning or murder. The blanket wrapped around the body supplies a vital clue.
Young Constable Foster, suspecting a factory breaking, fires at a man who is running from the scene. When Homicide detectives question him, he realises his police career could be in jeopardy.
Laura Steiner has an insensate jealousy of her stepdaughter Ilse. To gain attention from her husband, she concocts a story about a man trying to stab her in the park. Laura gives police a description of an attacker matching reports of a real attack. She later stabs her stepdaughter to death, and plants false clues to implicate the other attacker.
A payroll guard is killed and another wounded during a $25,000 robbery. Folk singer Susannah Lane offers Homicide detectives information on the gang's identity, but when her intentions become known her life is threatened.
Laurence Somers, an ex-cop now prominent in trotting circles, falls from a speeding train. Homicide detectives suspect foul play, and within a few days murder is committed at the trotting track.
Two men fight on a river bridge. One loses his life, the second vanishes, and the Homicide team set out to trace a man of whom they know practically nothing, except that he is tall and casts a long shadow.
Peter Lovegrove is shot dead on his doorstep, but he leaves documents proving him a blackmailer. This makes the murder motive obvious, but police discover a different crime racket before determining which victim fired the fatal shot.
A girl shot dead near the zoo is identified as Christy Baker, teenage daughter of the zoo's lion keeper Alex Baker. As the Homicide team investigates, Christy's tragic life story unfolds in flashback.
After serving 15 years for murder, Geoffrey Gibson still claims he is innocent. Suspicions about a former witness cause the case to be re-opened.
A woman dies mysteriously in the country, making a puzzling case for detectives as they try to determine if she died from natural causes or foul play. Investigations lead to a house called 'The Haven' where they hope to find an answer.
A motorist is killed in a crash on the Hume Highway when his car goes up in flames. Police examine the wreck and suspect that petrol was poured inside it before the crash occurred, and it becomes a case for Homicide. Investigations lead to Barbara Watson, the wife of a man who planned a murder to swindle an insurance company
A shot is fired at the celebrated Polish painter Alex Kapolski during an exhibition of his work. Police at first believe it is a prank, but they think again when Alex receives a note threatening his life.
As motor-cycle policeman Const. Bourke overtakes a speeding car on the Geelong Highway, the driver deliberately rams him sending Bourke to his death as the bike crashes over a bank in flames.
A man is found dead on a doorstep. The principal witnesses, two elderly women, insist that a ghost was responsible. The homicide detectives soon discover they have to grapple with something more dangerous than a ghost.
Sgt. Mackay runs into danger when he discovers the hideout of 'The Intruders', two men who have been terrorising and robbing people in their homes.
Teenager Margaret Lambert hears her boyfriend's familiar whistle, and she runs happily out to meet him. But death is in her path and Homicide detectives find evidence of murder.
Det. Doug Marshall is shot and badly wounded during an investigation into the murder of gambler Bernie Little.
Inspector Connolly takes a sympathetic interest in the problems of Gina Lambton, a woman who is desperately unhappy for good reason. When her son voices his suspicion that his mother is being slowly poisoned, the Inspector takes a much more active interest in the case.
A quiet stroll turns into a nightmare for expectant mother Rebecca Jones when she witnesses a murder. The gunmen threaten her with death if she goes to the police.
Pamela Reynolds, a schoolgirl out on a date and out of the school grounds without permission, sees a man's body on a railway line near Ballarat. She is afraid to go to the police in case she is expelled from school if her escapade becomes known.
Security guard Dave Carter is shot dead during a factory break-in, and his partner Harry Parr is knocked unconscious. Homicide detectives believe that Parr can help them identify the killers, but he won’t talk for personal reasons.
When a woman's skeleton is discovered in a burnt-out bush shack, Homicide detectives question an old firebug whose description of a tall man seen leaving the burning house provides an important lead.
A pedestrian is killed by a car that TV personality Lyn Eliot-Smith is a passenger in. Lyn and the driver panic at the thought of the adverse publicity that will result if they report the matter to the police, and subsequent events reveal that more people were involved than first meets the eye.
Businessman Lloyd Chandler's staff arrive at work one morning to find his secretary dead in his private office. Chandler becomes the prime suspect for her murder.
The guests at a fashionable dinner party are shocked when Stephen Galliard collapses and dies. Homicide detectives discover he was poisoned when they find in his glass the unmistakable odour of bitter almonds.
A small girl's birthday party turns sour when she disappears after playing a game of ‘crocodile’ in a local playground.
Gentleman farmer John Lancaster is shot dead and robbed while making up his payroll. His son falls under suspicion when he disappears.
A baker reports to police that he has found a woman customer shot dead and a man's body nearby. Detectives are puzzled when they can find only one body at the scene.
Teenager Joy Hamilton secretly dates a former boy friend and while they are out together he is shot dead. Homicide detectives think she knows more about the murder than she is letting on.
Television personality Sunny Miles makes the headlines when she wins custody of her two children, but within days of her triumph she is stabbed to death.
Someone takes a shot at former gambler Nick Corbett. He is not injured, but police suspect that another big-time gambler, Norm Hansen, is out to get Corbett and will try again.
An hour after a night out with some friends, Ron Gibson is shot dead in his driveway. Police enquiries reveal there was no love lost between Gibson and his neighbours.
After Tina Carroll has left for holidays on the Princess Of Tasmania ferry, her friends are horrified when a body answering her description is found by a fisherman at Black Rock beach.
Aboriginal gardener Jim Paterson finds his employer, John Fleming, stabbed to death. Police find that many people will benefit from Fleming's will, including Paterson.
When Jill Henderson is found strangled, police have two suspects - her boyfriend, and an older man she was seeing on the side.
The difference between car racing at Templestowe Hill Climb and speeding on the road is stressed when Det. Sgt. Mackay meets an old Air Force friend who asks him to clear his son of a speeding charge.
When Christine Foley is attacked in a dark street, detectives have three suspects, until a missing letter provides them with their biggest clue and uncovers a blackmail attempt.
When king pin gangster Keith Wells is shot and critically wounded outside a grocery store, detectives question known criminals including former king pin Norm Jamieson who was recently released from prison.
Separated from his wife, artist Graham Reid is horrified when she calls at his studio and slashes one of his best paintings. He is later questioned by police when she is found unconscious in a telephone booth.
Aged pensioner Wally Walters and his sister Kitty find the body of a well-dressed Italian man covered by sheets of tin at the dump. Afraid they will become involved, they do not tell the police, and Wally soon finds himself embroiled in the activities of a counterfeiting ring.
A teenage girl walks straight into the path of a speeding car, and Homicide detectives find a link between her death and a group of LSD addicts.
Elderly Geoffrey Collins pleads with his former girlfriend, Eileen Webster, to return to him. When she refuses he goes into a jealous rage and shoots her dead.
Harry Millet, well known trainer of athletes and boxers, is shot dead as he is timing one of his runners. Police investigating the case discover that he had many enemies in the sporting world.
A former Sydneysider, Tom Carrell, is shot dead while riding a motor scooter, and young Sydney vice squad detective Peter Barnes, who is in Melbourne on exchange duties, assists the Homicide squad in their investigations.
A ride on his bicycle along a quiet country road brings tragedy to Martin O'Brien when he is killed by a hit and run driver, and Sandra Fleming becomes a girl in conflict dealing with the social problems and temptations of a modern woman in a big city. Det. Peter Barnes is permanently transferred to the Homicide squad.
A school classroom is burnt down and a woman's body is found beneath the rubble. Detectives find evidence pointing to arson.
Teenager Loralee Bennett is at the centre of a feud involving her jealous boyfriend David Harding which leads to murder when a group of young people, including their mutual friend Chris Miller, are holidaying at Mt. Buller ski resort.
When a man out rabbiting is shot and critically wounded, pop star Gavin Jones from the 'Love-In' discotheque becomes a prime suspect because of his fanatical hatred of blood sports and animal killers. The clues to the murder lie in the lyrics of three songs that Jones wrote.
A teenage girl in a country town is strangled in her home by an intruder. When police begin questioning newcomers to the district the killer takes off in panic. On the run, the killer makes a savage threat to another young girl.
Marika Kerteli, ambitious editor of a publishing company, learns that she is to be sacked. In retaliation, she plans the ruthless murder of her employer.
A number of drunks have been allegedly assaulted by policemen, and Const. Allan Larkin comes under investigation by Homicide detectives.
A warder is killed at a prison farm when two prisoners escape. The Homicide team swing into action to recapture the escapees, Lennie Lister and Dick Boyd.
A policeman is killed by masked bandits during a payroll robbery, and Homicide detectives rely on an informer to help them with their investigations.
When a stripper called Lita is strangled, Homicide detectives search for the last person known to have seen her alive - a mysterious Mr. Smith. Another stripper, Trudy Wheeler, helps police with their investigation.
An elderly man is murdered in his wheelchair and his wife, fearful for her own safety, asks their former nurse, Maggie Keating, for advice. Maggie, in turn, contacts her boyfriend, Det. Sgt. Mackay, for assistance.
The manager of a drive-in theatre disturbs a car thief at his home, and the thief retaliates by knocking him down with his own car, causing critical injuries. Investigations reveal there is more to the motive of the crime than was first apparent.
Expert safebreaker Earl Tyrell is shot dead by a fellow gangster after organising an ambitious robbery.
A girl is strangled after announcing her engagement to roadhouse proprietor Chris Anderson. Homicide detectives question three suspects, all with a motive for murder.
Lew Hoskin is shot at and wounded while hunting kangaroos. Although Homicide detectives suspect attempted murder, Hoskin insists it was accidental.
A daring jewel robbery by three masked men leads to murder when witness Joe Martini attempts to stop them from escaping.
The body of ex-sideshow man James Munro is discovered in a creek, and police question a group of carnival folk camped on Munro's property.
When the body of go-go dancer Darlene Sadler is found at Beaumaris Beach, detectives discover that she had answered an advertisement to perform at a Melbourne club.
A seven-year-old boy is found strangled in a park, and detectives suspect teenager Phillip Wright, known to be the last person to see him alive.
A hunt for two escapees from French Island Penal Settlement leads to murder, blackmail and a savage attack on Det. Barnes.
Two young people, lost in the bush, find a skeleton in a cave. Insp. Connolly interrupts his holiday to investigate the case, thinking that it could be connected with an unsolved bank robbery and murder.
A garden party at Vincent Rowe's home ends suddenly when Rowe is shot at and wounded during an argument. Homicide detectives get a lead from singer Pamela Grey - a guest who witnessed the shooting.
Vic Webster, formerly on the staff of business agent Ambrose Cook, is found shot dead in Cook's office. To avoid being implicated, Cook decides to hide the body in the bush.
Jenny Radford is kidnapped on her way to school, and her parents are told by phone that they will not see her alive again unless they hand over $250,000 in cash. Detectives search for a green car, their only clue.
The body of model Helen Parkes is found on a beach. A shattered champagne glass gives detectives an important clue, and leads to three suspects. Model Jan Barlow, who was making a car commercial on the beach, later becomes involved in the murder.
Radio store manager Ralph Nixon is shot dead while listening to the final movement of a concerto. Police suspect young soldier Andy Beckett, who accused Nixon of having an affair with his girl friend, and who has since gone AWOL.
The body of a man dressed in a dinner jacket, black tie and a grotesque party mask is found in the pantry of an old home up for sale.
A secretary finds she is pregnant to her former boss, Alan Booth. With her current boy friend, she blackmails Booth, who is married, for $10,000. Then Booth is stabbed with a paper knife during an argument with his stepson, who says it was an accident. Later Booth is found stabbed to death in a car park, and four people are under suspicion: the secretary and her boy friend, her father, and Booth's stepson.
A well known Greek identity is critically injured when his car is blown up. Police inquiries lead them to cafe proprietor Con Lucas, who later receives a bomb threat. Police seek Johnny Patric, girlfriend of Con's daughter Helena Lucas, in connection with the attempted murder.
Ken Morgan goes on a killing rampage after a youth has attacked his son, and comes face to face with Det. Hudson. After being forced to shoot Morgan, Det. Hudson decides he has had enough and leaves the Homicide squad.
A small girl riding a bicycle is killed by a hit-and-run driver. For this case the Homicide team has the assistance of Det. Costello from Forensic.
When Alf Stone, a cat burglar, falls to his death from a rooftop as he is being chased by Constable Midway, a witness tells Homicide detectives that Midway deliberately let him fall.
A clairvoyant tells Lilian Galvin that her missing husband has been murdered. Two guests at the seance ask the police to investigate Galvin's disappearance.
After robbing diamond merchant Charles Pollen, two armed men are pursued by security guards, one of whom is shot and wounded. The Homicide team work on this case with Sgt. Bannister of the local CIB, who is an old adversary of Sgt. Mackay.
Teenage cyclist Teresa Nelson is found strangled on a lonely bush track, and detectives question a youth, Tony Warren, who had been seen cycling with her just before her death.
A former standover man is shot dead at the docks. Several witnesses refuse to come forward, and Homicide detectives get nowhere until an informer passes on the name of the chief witness, whose brother is a policeman.
It looks like murder, but there is no body - only blood stains on the front seat of an abandoned car near Ballarat. The Homicide team take it from there, and they uncover a web of deceit.
Vivian Nugent is found strangled in the home she shared with a man known only as Turner. His violent temper makes him an obvious suspect.
A racehorse is doped and the main suspect is a man with a scar, Dodger Mullins. When someone takes a shot at Mullins, the Homicide team has a case of attempted murder on their hands.
A Catholic priest informs police that someone has confessed to the murder of a woman, and tells them where to find the body.
When a bank teller is shot dead during a daring robbery by two men and a woman, a photographer who saw the shooting finds himself involved with police and the bandits.
When Janet Granger is found strangled at her home, detectives have three suspects - her daughter's fiance, her husband and an unknown visitor.
Tragedy hits a peaceful farming valley when one of the locals, Miro Brandell, is shot dead in his car. Det. Barnes risks his life by posing as a truck driver to trace the murderer.
Police query why Warwick Ashton, shot dead as he arrived at his girlfriend's flat, was wearing slippers and clutching a length of cable. As investigations proceed familial intrigue is revealed.
When Frank Bates, who is involved in a call-girl racket, is beaten up by the gang boss, he sets out to get revenge and police fear an outbreak of underworld warfare.
Author Alan Farrow receives an anonymous phone call threatening his life if he does not stop publication of his controversial book.
Charles Butler returns unexpectedly to his car and is stabbed when he disturbs a thief. Homicide detectives come upon valuable evidence when the attacker's hat is found.
A peaceful walk in the Dandenong Ranges erupts into violence for vicar Alan Bryant when he assists police who are attempting to make an arrest. Later, Bryant is fatally shot and detectives are faced with a number of suspects and motives, but the true reason for the shooting takes everyone by surprise.
An unbalanced farmer, Ed Chapman, threatens to shoot police if they do not leave his property. Attempting to overpower him, two policemen are shot dead and another is wounded.
A farmer working a field in a tractor discovers a girl's body dangling from a tree. Suicide or murder? A box found nearby gives the Homicide detectives a clue and leads to the investigation of some strange ceremonies connected with the death.
A man is murdered and a warder's girlfriend is kidnapped by hardened criminals as part of a scheme to free a prisoner serving a life sentence.
Conscientious objector Mike Bolton finds himself a murder suspect when a girl is strangled and criminally assaulted, and police are informed that he was seen in the locality.
A girl service station attendant accepts a date with a new customer and then disappears. The body of her jealous boyfriend is later found, and detectives suspect murder and a possible kidnapping.
Kate Steele is shot dead on the deck of a cabin cruiser on the bay, and her body is removed by the killer. Her husband, reporting her disappearance to the police, becomes the main suspect when police learn he had taken out a life insurance policy on his wife.
A warder is shot dead as two prisoners escape from jail. An intensive search in rugged country is hampered by locals who have built a hero image around one of them.
A guard is shot and important documents are stolen from a factory. The wife of a suspect has been helping detectives organise a Christmas party for orphan children.
A burglar, Jennings, breaks into the weekend beach house of Dr. Tarling, and trips over his body. Detectives question three suspects - the victim's son, his medical partner, and Jennings.
Rosalind Eyre's landlady enters her room and finds her in bed, dead from suffocation. Homicide detectives establish that she has been murdered, and suspicion falls on fellow boarders.
A chemist is found shot dead in Geelong, and police search for a man with cuts on his face. They believe two men and a woman can identify the killer, but all three deny ever having seen him. Detectives then discover that a man involved in the case, Major Dymond, has been posing as his late brother.
Fragments of a plastic pistol-grip provide a major clue for detectives after a housewife is shot at and brutally attacked in her home.
Upcoming young pop star Annette Bishop is abducted and her chauffer, Bob Wilson, is shot. The abductors, Danny Clark and Ted Randle, are demanding a ransom, and it transpires that the girl's mother, Sandra Bishop, is in league with them. Later the girl's father, ex-prisoner Des Bishop, muscles in on the act, but at this stage it looks as if Annette has died from an overdose of sedatives.
A grocer's assistant delivers an order to two elderly women at their home and is horrified to find they have been murdered. Searching for clues, Homicide detectives are astonished when they discover large amounts of money and jewellery hidden in the house.
David Hamilton, an incurably ill man, dies suddenly from an overdose of sleeping pills. Homicide detectives try to establish whether it was suicide or murder, and investigations lead them to the Flemington racecourse.
A happy afternoon in the park comes to a tragic end for 12-year-old Bronwyn Thompson when she is attacked and murdered. A pair of glasses provide detectives with an important clue.
Anna Milich is strangled, and the main suspect is her boyfriend, airline pilot Frank Mason. During questioning, Mason unfolds his unusual affair with Anna to detectives in flashback.
When model Cassie King is murdered, Homicide detectives suspect that someone on the staff at the fashion house where she was employed could have had a good reason to kill her.
While sitting in their car near the beach, a young couple are threatened by a man with a gun. Trying to pacify the gunman, the boy is suddenly shot dead and the girl attacked and criminally assaulted.
A crime reporter seeking information about a drug pushing racket that he uncovered at a quiet beach resort meets a sudden death. Suspicion falls on two surfies who frequent the beach where the murder took place.
As a safe cracker, 'Squirrel' is a fast worker, but not fast enough to escape a warning bullet fired by police at the scene of a robbery. On the run, wounded and desperate, he finds an unexpected ally in tough-talking prostitute Rosie Cullen.
When Alan Taylor is murdered in the presence of his friend, blind man Harry Cooper, detectives are convinced the killer was known to Taylor. But what puzzles them is why the blind man claims he heard nothing at all.
A wealthy businessman is savagely attacked and robbed after taking out an attractive girl he met at a hotel. Detectives suspect that confidence tricksters are responsible.
Norman Kemp attacks his wife in a drunken stupor, and his son Donald - a former delinquent - tries to protect her. Threatened by his father, he hits him in self-defence. He panics, thinking police will suspect him of both attacks.
Eddie Chapman's wife is found murdered on a cliff-top path at the beach. Police suspect Eddie, the smooth talking owner of a tennis school, as does his sister-in-law Sally Partridge when Eddie asks her to sign a money order. Detectives can't prove anything until a gold necklace brings to light the real murderer. Inspector Connolly takes long service leave and Inspector Fox takes his place as head of the Homicide squad.
A walk along a rocky beach ends in a sudden and violent death for a young art student. Her strangled body is discovered by fitness fanatic David Grierson, who saw an Italian youth near the scene of the crime.
When the body of public relations consultant David Armstrong is found at the bottom of a quarry, detectives suspect that his death is mysteriously linked with an affair he was having with an older woman.
When gambler Mike Harris is told by police that an ex-prisoner has threatened to kill him, he refuses protection. He later has a far greater problem involving him with the police, an attractive young girl, and a doctor who has been struck off the register.
A group of pensioners in an old people's home are secretly engaged in earning extra money to supplement their pensions. When one of their number, Charlie Cook, is found dead, they dispose of the body for fear that a police investigation would expose their activities and land them in trouble with the Taxation Department.
A small girl is shot by mistake when jail escapee Frank Jackson tries to kill her father - Det. Bob Cozens of C.I.B. Homicide detectives question Jackson's grandmother hoping that, for his own good, she will lead them to her grandson's hideout.
William 'Bull' Madigan, the hated boss of a sawmill in a small company town, is shot dead and the local people are reluctant to give any information. The case ends tragically when Det. Costello is killed in a mine cave-in while trying to rescue a suspect.
Sen. Det. Patterson joins the Homicide squad in an extensive manhunt for jail escapees Reynolds and O'Byrne. They shoot dead a prison warder, steal a car, hide out and later rob a bank.
Mechanic Harry Stone is a much disliked practical joker. He is killed when someone releases the jack as he works under a truck.
Det. Sgt. Mackay's holiday in the bush is interrupted when he recognises a former criminal in the district. He tells local constable Bob Mason, but when Mason is later shot after a bank hold up, Mackay has to prove that the criminal he recognised was involved.
During a practice session at Sandown race track, top racing driver Bob Wilkin is shot dead. Nobody heard the shot fired, and nobody saw the gunman. Homicide detectives have to sift through a maze of conflicting clues.
Det. Keith Harris from Adelaide poses as an international criminal to gather information on mysterious deaths involving a night club gang, led by Melbourne's 'Mr. Big' - a nightclub owner named Joe Butler. Butler disposes of his rivals by murder, but in each case the death appears to be accidental.
When Det. Sgt. Mackay flies to London to extradite a criminal, he is asked to work on another case involving the disappearance of James Cochrane, who was last known to be in Australia on business.
When Caroline Benedict falls to her death from a balcony after a violent argument with her husband, detectives re-enact the circumstances leading up to her death to establish whether it was suicide or murder.
The body of a girl, Elizabeth Douglas, wearing she-wolf clothing, is found lying across a grave in a cemetery. Homicide detectives investigating the macabre crime question people in nearby homes. They discover two eccentric spinsters who conduct witchcraft ceremonies known to have been attended by the murder victim. They also hear of a mysterious whistling prowler.
When Joe Garner, a man with sinister charm and a way with women, stabs his girlfriend Jan Steiner in the neck during a struggle, Homicide detectives suspect that Joe has a shady past. They cannot charge him however, because Jan insists it was an accident. She later changes her attitude when Joe becomes involved with her teenage sister.
The sudden death of Mrs. Iris Edmund, wife of highly respected solicitor Major Edmund, is accepted as a heart attack until another similar illness in the same town causes a local doctor to suspect that she may have been poisoned.
An important witness in a murder trial retracts his statement, throwing doubt on the conviction recorded against the murderer. Sgt. Mackay, who was in charge of the case, finds himself under investigation when serious allegations are made against him.
George Allen, a man under psychiatric treatment, tells detectives that someone driving a white car is trying to run him down. Although they suspect that George is hallucinating, detectives question his psychiatrist.
Two men are shot dead and a woman is knocked down and killed by a car as three masked men escape after robbing a shop-keeper.
Mark Allen, a wealthy law student with warped ideas regarding society, leads a fellow student into trouble when he involves him in 'fast events', culminating in his becoming a suspect for armed robbery and murder.
When Janet Canning, wife of a wholesale drug traveller, is strangled with a piece of flex, her husband tells police that the dress ring she was wearing is missing, as well as his sample drug case. Police question a drug addict and a known 'snowdropper' in their search for the killer.
A typewritten note sent to publisher Harry Thompson lures him to a vacant lot where he is shot dead. Investigations lead detectives to a man with a strong dislike of the police, and who remains uncooperative - until his daughter is threatened.
When Mrs. Alice Middleton, an elderly invalid with heart trouble, dies suddenly, her solicitor is amazed to learn that she made a new will leaving her house and $20,000 to a friend, George Abbott, instead of her grand-daughter. Detectives investigate her death when a witness to the signing of the will is murdered.
Billy Garret, a boyhood friend of Sen. Det. Patterson, is questioned by police after the murder of John Archer, and Patterson finds himself torn between his loyalty to Billy and his duty as a policeman.
Homicide detectives uncover a pornography racket when they investigate the mysterious death of Julie Cummings, a delivery girl at a photographic studio.
A knife, blood on the floor, but no body is what detectives find when they investigate a report of murder at Jack Fitzpatrick's flat. Further enquiries lead to the 'Blue Moo' discotheque in St. Kilda.
Digging a swimming pool for his new home, Walter Clarke discovers a woman's body. She is identified as the previous owner, believed by friends to be visiting her daughter in London.
The body of young Aboriginal shearer Johnny Kamadji is discovered in the shallows of a river, and detectives suspect that racists could be responsible because Johnny attended a dance with a white girl.
Two inept blokes attempt to steal a body from a grave, but they select the wrong one, and they soon learn that when a body is missing it draws attention from the police.
Wendy Gilbert is found dead on a warehouse roof. Detectives discover that she had been getting obscene phone calls, and their investigation leads them to the zoo.
Returning home from a date, Lynne Preston is kidnapped, her boyfriend is knocked unconscious, and a ransom note is left for her parents demanding $100,000 for the girl's release.
The body of a man is discovered at Half Moon Bay. Detectives suspect that he could be a criminal and investigations lead to a young couple, the man of whom is trying to evade national service.
Sen. Det. Reilly from the Drug Squad works with the Homicide team on a case revolving around the death of a girl, Carol Mather, from an overdose of drugs, and the vow of her boyfriend, Lyle Revell, to avenge her death by killing the drug pedlars.
A week's holiday at the beach turns to tragedy for Evelyn Thomas when she is brutally murdered at her cottage. Questioning householders in the area, detectives are informed that a man has been seen prowling at night.
A couple of youths play 'chicken' in front of a car driven by Gary Price and his fiancee Margaret Gillespie. There is an accident and as a result Margaret becomes a paraplegic. Price seeks revenge when the driver is acquitted through lack of evidence.
Pop singer Tony Smart is murdered in his garage after an argument with his girlfriend. Music reporter Vicki Gaye assists police with their investigation, which reveals that company manager Kevin Barker owed Smart a large amount of money.
Dianne Porter makes an anonymous phone call to police telling them that she witnessed a safe being thrown into the sea, and that she is convinced it contained a body. The police recover the safe and find evidence of foul play but no body.
A young Italian girl, Maria Bompani, is in love with a young playboy. She asks a priest about atonement - if she kills her boyfriend and then herself, is her sin paid for? Before Father Gilbert can answer her, she flees from the church. A silver locket which she dropped is the only clue to her identity.
Trotting driver Harry Thompson is strangled to death as he leaves the Showgrounds after competing in the main trotting event.
A manufacturing jeweller, Leon Kaufman, is violently attacked on the night of his daughter's engagement party when he returns to his shop unexpectedly. Two youths later tell police they saw a man dragging a body to his car.
Rachel Hayes-Manning, a member of a group of socialites known to Det. Peter Barnes, is shot dead after attending a rowdy party held in a lighthouse. Following events lead detectives to believe that others in the group are in danger of being murdered.
A quiet morning's fishing in the river is interrupted for farmer Tom Douglas when he discovers a wet bundle containing the remains of a body. But where did the body come from?
An attractive young nursemaid, Wendy DeGroote, is found shot dead on a boat. The police can only discover two clues - a gold bracelet and a cartridge case.
While at the Supreme Court attending a murder trial, Homicide detectives learn that the defence is to be an alibi for another crime - and they have 18 hours to crack it.
Patterson solves a ten year old case and Supt. Tilley awards him a commendation. Eddie Patterson, Jim's twin brother visiting from Sydney, is somewhat crazy and nearly always drunk, and is seen by Supt. Tilley at a lively evening at a club. When Tilley meets Patterson, he mistakes Jim for Eddie, and is aghast at his behaviour. Further reports reach Homicide about Eddie, and they become concerned about Jim's 'split personality'.
Elderly widow Mrs. Simpson sees her dog killed when tractor driver Jack Searle destroys a tree on her property. Searle is later killed in a crash when his brakes fail.
An elderly couple who belong to a religious sect led by a fanatical American become frightened when they realise their religious beliefs could be responsible for the death of a teenage girl.
A round of golf for Mr. Willis leads to the discovery of 17-year-old schoolgirl Juliet Mitchell's body on the links. The prime suspect is Juliet's boyfriend Warren Buller, known to be the last person to see her alive, yet Juliet's girl friend Marcia denies that Juliet had a boyfriend.
When elderly Mrs. Perry is asked to sell her property to further housing development, she refuses the offer. Soon after she discovers the body of her husband in the garden.
Shortly after Steve Barrett escapes from jail, a woman recluse is found murdered, and he becomes a prime suspect.
The body of an elderly woman is found in a quarry and it starts detectives off on a macabre case. The discovery and investigation changes the quiet life of housewife Pat Palmer to one of intense fear.
A peaceful setting becomes a scene of tragedy when a pretty but mentally retarded teenage girl is found murdered by the lake in the Botanic Gardens.
Model Karen Healey becomes involved in an attempt to murder ruthless businessman Robert Morton. Morton made his fortune by crooked business deals and swindles. He realises his life is in danger when he finds a doll in his apartment wearing clothes identical to his own with a noose around its neck. Later, Morton's car is blown up, killing his bodyguard.
The body of a teenage boy is found in a dredge in the bay, and Harold Barrett fears it could be his missing son Ken. A ruthless businessman, Barrett is suspected by police of being involved in a drug racket and that the boy's death could be connected somehow.
The leader of a bikie gang is killed when a car runs into his motorbike. Police suspect his death was not accidental when the rest of the gang terrorise the car driver.
15-month-old Monica Dowling is reported missing. Police suspect foul play and enlist the Army to search rugged bush country. They are hindered by Stan Ferris, a seedy journalist with a grudge against the police.
Mrs. Canker suspects the owner of a pizza parlour has killed his wife and thrown her into the pizza oven.
Rita Langford is stabbed to death in her home. The only clue to her background is an autographed photo of pop star Joey Denton, possibly linking her death with the music scene.
On the day gamblers settle their debts, an SP bookie is killed at a tobacco kiosk, and detectives search for the long, thin knife which killed her. Their main suspect is musician Arthur Holmes, the last person at the scene.
Const. Milligan's fiancee arranges to meet him, but misses him on his beat. Det. Patterson and Det. Barnes are on hand and offer to look for him. They find him lying dead in a lane, having been killed while on duty at the scene of a burglary.
The discovery of a skeleton in the wall of an old home that is being demolished opens up many memories for Inspector Fox when he realises the home belonged to Karen Richter, the girl he loved in his youth. The other Homicide detectives become concerned when Fox seems hesitant and apparently unwilling to investigate the case.
Gossip in a country town brings tragedy to the Lawrence family when Joan Lawrence and their baby son are found brutally murdered in their home. Farmhand Rod Smith becomes the prime suspect when he disappears soon after the murders.
A golfer finds a dog, a tool box containing coins, and the body of a man in a sand trap on a golf course. From these clues detectives find links with a robbery at the club house and a counterfeit racket.
Aboriginal boxer 'Flash' Johnny Miles, training for a championship fight, becomes jealous of his sparring partner's friendship with his wife. In the ring Johnny hits him so hard that he appears to have died as a result. Det. Patterson is planted undercover as the new sparring partner, and police uncover a plan to 'throw' the fight.
Art student Martin Cooke becomes involved in murder when prison warden Tom Richards is shot and wounded, and his wife and small son are shot dead as they relax in the Botanic Gardens. An artist's sketch book found near the bodies is the only clue and leads Homicide detectives on a search through art schools.
While attending a dinner party with his girlfriend Karen, Det. Barnes overhears the next door neighbour threatening her sons. Later events lead him to suspect that she may have harmed them. At the same time detectives are investigating the double murder of two Greek children at a migrant camp.
Two youths, thinking a fruiterer keeps a lot of cash at home, break in while he is at work. His wife is tied and gagged while they ransack the house. Finding nothing, they decide to question her again, but when her gag is removed she screams for help. The youths panic, and in their attempt to silence her they bash her to death. They flee empty handed just as the fruiterer, Sergio Conte, returns. He recognises one of them as a customer at his shop, and he swears to avenge her death and sets out to catch the killers before the police. This leads to a race between detectives and Sergio to find the killer, and results in a dramatic chase through an underground tunnel system.
After locking his warehouse late at night, elderly Ralph Keenan is shot dead in one of the rooms. Detectives are puzzled because the killer shot Keenan in almost total darkness. The victim's attractive wife and his business partner later become the prime suspects.
Elderly Alfred Roberts calls at the police station to tell the detectives that he has overheard his wife Daphne and her friend Doris discussing a plot to poison him.
Young Greek fisherman Nick Evangelides unwisely agrees to sponsor 'Doc' Roberts and 'Girlie' Piper's scheme to bring Greek girl Lina Zangalis to Australia for prostitution purposes. Lina is under the impression that she was brought to Australia to marry Nick, and when 'Doc' Roberts is later murdered, Nick becomes the prime suspect.
Estner Czernak is robbed and murdered at her home, and detectives suspect a cat burglar could be responsible until attention shifts to her husband.
Two men and a girl, impersonating a film crew, brazenly hold up and rob a factory paymaster and security guard. To ensure their escape, the three bandits take the guard as a hostage.
Sen. Det. Patterson, on a caravan holiday with his wife Jill, revisits the country town where he was stationed as a constable. He meets an old girlfriend, Janet Smith, and finds himself investigating the murder of a grazier.
The unreasonable attitude of a too-strict father causes 15-year-old teenager Shirley Martin to run away from home. Shirley is helped by her friend Paul King, but the situation gets out of hand and ultimately leads to his untimely death.
After discovering that she is short of money in the till, Margie, a popular barmaid in a Carlton hotel, goes to the police. She learns from the investigations that she has been fooled by two confidence men who demonstrated a 'magic trick' to her, using money from the till. The subsequent investigation soon becomes a possible murder case.
Wally Taylor, the night attendant at a service station, is assaulted and robbed. Police question three former employees when evidence leads them to believe that the assailant had an intimate knowledge of the station.
The man detectives seek for the murder of a young girl in a motel is a psychopath. But the killer eludes police with tragic results.
Ben Davis, a depressed man under his mother's influence, takes part in a group psycho-therapy session and recalls horrifying memories from his past which throw light on a current murder case.
Parts of Kurt Wenzel's body are found scattered in various areas. Suspects emerge when police probe his role in a fanatical political party.
When factory hand Denny Mullins, formerly a union representative, is murdered at work shortly after clocking on, detectives learn from fellow workers that the man who replaced him as union delegate had a reason for wanting him out of the way. Complicating matters is Denny's brother Ray, who has a dubious interest in Denny's wife Jude.
A woman journalist, Leigh Gardiner, dies after drinking a glass of port. Her husband and teenage daughter become prime suspects in a tragic situation involving drug addiction and suicide.
When chicken farmer Alex Propi disappears, he is feared murdered when his girlfriend tells police that she heard a heated argument between Propi and his partner, followed by a gun shot.
Blackmail, corruption, and the finding of a body in a park cause some complex problems for the Homicide squad, who find it difficult to sort out the truth from a mass of conflicting evidence.
When two young women are strangled and another brutally attacked, detectives question the host of a party where the girls were guests. Policewoman Burke later acts as a decoy to trap the killer.
Several small girls are attacked, and police suspect Hughie McBride, a mentally retarded, lonely man, who has befriended young Janet Forrester, who is then reported missing.
Police investigate when elderly watchman Sid Brown is shot dead after disturbing two students painting protest slogans on a factory wall.
Police search for Susan Scott, a girl psychopath, who they believe shot dead her boyfriend with a sawn-off rifle. They believe she could kill again. A tablet found near the victim provides an important clue for detectives when they question a doctor at a psychiatric clinic.
Did John Meadows accidentally shoot dead a prowler at his home or was it planned murder? Detectives are puzzled as to why Meadows returned home from a hunting trip earlier than expected.
Englishman David Ryan dies mysteriously in his greenhouse. His diary, containing a list of women's names, provides clues to an unusual side of his character, as well as a possible motive.
Major Curtis, a key witness in the murder trial of Jim Lennox, is shocked when Lennox is acquitted. Curtis can't understand the resigned attitude of Inspector Fox who says the case cannot be re-opened.
After receiving anonymous letters threatening to kill her, Muriel Lumsden, an efficient shopkeeper, is shot. Homicide detectives find their task a difficult one when they discover she has many enemies due to her greater love of money than people.
A compulsive psychopathic killer has strangled two women connected with beauty salons. The only clue for detectives is the white card he leaves behind with a large 'C' printed in lipstick.
A devout minister, Pastor George Langley, preaches a forceful sermon. His emphasis on a particular commandment provides detectives with a clue and a number of suspects when two people are found murdered in the church building.
The brutal murder of a service station attendant; an accident involving Sen. Det. Patterson's son, Jimmy; and the shooting dead of a criminal bring many problems to Det. Patterson when he is forced to face an inquest.
Ruth Ritchie's death plunge in her car over a cliff edge, and a suicide note left at her home seems to be a straightforward case. But detectives suspect murder when they learn that she had invited a small girl from the local children's home, Sue Thomas, to spend another weekend with her - and the girl subsequently disappears.
Mrs. Bettine Fraser and her seven-year-old daughter are bashed to death with no apparent motive. Suspects include a door-to-door salesman and the youth who found the bodies.
16-year-old Kirsty Mills, just released from a girl's home, has her adjustment period made more traumatic when police inquire about her father, who is believed to be involved in a hold-up and the death of a guard. She becomes more involved when police begin to suspect her criminal friend, Ron Fisher.
Shy teenager Elly Goss disappears while on her way to her first party. Detectives fear foul play and question two layabout brothers, Arnie and Joe Watson, who were seen with the girl that evening. Involved in the investigation is Gordon Allen, whose marriage is on the rocks because he treats his wife Nola more like his mother, and Nola is embittered because of it.
Criminal Ern Fuller is killed by a shotgun as he walks down along with his defacto, Elsie. Investigating his death, detectives question Elsie about her former husband believed killed in a car crash in Britain. They have reason to suspect that he could still be alive.
An Italian prisoner is wrongly accused of taking part in the murder of a warder at Maldara Prison Farm during an escape. The actual murderer, George Mason, escapes and terrorises the people of the surrounding district. Note: One of two episodes with the title 'On The Run', the other being episode 497.
Marjorie Nolan, a 22-year-old computer operator, is shot dead at her home. Detectives question a man known to have been at the girl's home on the night of her death. A photograph of the victim's former boyfriend from Sydney also provides a clue.
Bikie John Murray kills to avenge the serious injury of his sister; another man kills through fear; and police race against time to prevent a third killing.
The only witness to a murder is a wine-drunk derro; the only suspect is a stoned hippie, Rollo, who threatens Eve Harrison, the murder victim's wife. Rollo can't be found - and it takes some time to find the body.
A man suspected of bashing a wealthy woman to death is fleeing in a car, pursued by Sgt. Mackay and Det. Barnes. They find the car in the bush at Warrandyte, with a dummy rigged up in the front seat, and dynamite in the back with the fuse nearly burnt down.
Det. Barnes is cynical when he hears that Joe Craig, known to him as a professional gunman from Sydney, is working legitimately in Melbourne as a social worker.
Inspector Fox finds himself a possible target when a fisherman acquaintance is shot dead while Fox is on leave.
Sen. Det. Patterson takes his family to the zoo on his day off, and is horrified when someone goes berserk with a rifle, shooting dead a number of people. Another random shooting in the city leads detectives on the trail of a man with an unusual phobia.
Tragedy comes to Jane and Charles Hutchinson when their three-month-old baby is kidnapped during a fancy dress party at their home, which provided a perfect disguise for the kidnappers. The solitary clue police have is that two people left the party early, but there is no evidence to reveal their identities.
The leader of a yobbo gang pretends to buy a gun from a sports store proprietor and then cold-bloodedly shoots him dead with his own gun. When a series of armed robberies occur after the murder, police suspect the same youth is responsible.
The discovery of a body at Stony Point, a fisherman's obsession with oil pollution and his claim that fish are dying near the Hastings oil refinery present the Homicide detectives with an intriguing case.
When hamburger shop owner Bill Walker is stabbed to death, his son Michael, with blood on his hands, tells police that an intruder murdered his father, and when he tried to intervene his hand was slashed with the knife.
A man is killed when the car he is driving explodes and bursts into flames. Homicide is told by Forensic that the explosives used were the work of an expert, and they later question John Turner, an electrician with past convictions.
A young delivery van driver, Greg Lane, is killed when a parcel labelled 'Handle With Care' falls at his feet and explodes. The only clues are a few splinters of wood, a piece of jagged metal, and some charred paper. With the help of Det. Bill Williams from Forensic, they are enough to enable the Homicide squad to track down a psychopathic killer.
Playboy Roger Taylor is fascinating to women, but a pathological liar. His many affairs catch up with him when one of his old girlfriends is killed, and police are anxious to question him about his involvement with her.
While dining at a city restaurant, Insp. Fox sees two men struggling high on a neighbouring building. One is pushed over a rail and falls to his death, and Fox rushes out to investigate. The clues - a mining company executive, a man with political ambitions and a revivalist minister - seem unrelated until Georgina enters the picture. She 'entertains' gentlemen at a lush city apartment while maintaining the illusion of being a working girl with a suburban flat. A man named Forster is arrested for murder, and Fox is the main witness at the trial, but the evidence presented by the defense counsel throws doubt on Fox's credibility as a witness. Notes: 2 hour episode - continuing from the normal ending of a Homicide episode into the courtroom. Referred to as 'Homicide Trial', it was originally conceived as a follow-on series. Due to the length of the episode requiring it to be split over two reels of 2-inch video tape, it was officially listed as two separate episodes, 319 'From The Top' and 319A 'Trial'.
An attractive policewoman, Primrose Taylor, assisting the Homicide squad with office work, nearly becomes a murder victim when detectives search for the killer of an air hostess - and all they have to go on is anonymous telephone calls.
Homicide detectives face a baffling case when a murder is committed at a drive-in movie. The butts of two tickets provide them with a clue and a major suspect.
Investigations by the Homicide squad into the sudden death of Margaret Fleming's husband reveal a family scandal.
When Bernard Coleman, manager of a pipe factory, is robbed and murdered, the main suspect is Mick Ryan, an ex-criminal employed as a cleaner at the factory.
A look through the rear window of their car makes a grisly start to a day for Margaret and Richard Evans when they discover a man's body lying in the gutter. Three possible suspects are questioned by the Homicide squad.
When the Watson home is broken into, both Helen and her husband Michael are chloroformed. Helen dies, setting off a chain of events which results in another death and a shooting.
John Mason, a wealthy businessman, is brutally bashed to death. Detectives find a lead to his murder with the discovery of two wills - and a great deal of animosity among the relatives.
Sister Cameron is shocked when a man's body is blatantly dumped in front of her at the hospital. A doctor later tells detectives that he witnessed two men driving away wearing boiler suits.
Tragedy hits a caravan park when John and Elaine Harvey, asleep in their caravan, are asphyxiated by gas. Detectives are confronted with a number of possible suspects, until a surprise turn of events reveals the truth.
When two Fisheries Inspectors disappear in a boat near a small coastal town, one of the men's bodies is later discovered. His death looks accidental but the local police Sergeant calls in the Homicide squad when he becomes suspicious of the peculiar attitude shown by the fishermen.
Ernie Clark's wife, mother and small daughter are found murdered by an axe in their home, and Ernie is critically injured. Ernie's brother, an ex-crim, is a suspect, but the solution to the macabre case hinges on whether Ernie will recover to answer questions.
When 20-year-old model Cindy Scott is found murdered in the country, the main suspect is a hermit, Dudley Roberts, living in a nearby shack. When he confesses, police doubt his guilt due to questionable details in his statement.
When a Ballarat bus pulls into the Melbourne terminus, Alfred Dickens' body is found slumped on the back seat. Police are left with two methods of identifying the murderer. His grand-daughter's disappearance further complicates the investigation.
Eight year old Barry Neal is kidnapped, and callous attempts are made to extort money for his return. Sen. Det. Patterson, against his own training and judgement, becomes personally involved in the distress of the parents. The boy is later found murdered, and when Patterson catches up with the killer he nearly drowns him as they fight on a beach. Patterson later resigns from the Homicide squad. Notes: Final episode with Norman Yemm as Sen. Det. Jim Patterson.
Sen. Det. Delaney, transferred from the Crime Car Squad, finds his first Homicide case a gruelling challenge: investigating the brutal murder of a young woman, Rhonda Edwards, who is found strangled in a park. Notes: First episode with Mike Preston as Sen. Det. Bob Delaney.
Small time criminal, Lenny Clark, is killed at the scene of a safe breaking, and police find the victim's wife and his friends unconvinced that Lenny had anything to do with the job.
An off-duty policeman is brutally attacked when he comes to the assistance of a pay clerk during a daring daytime robbery.
A blast from a shotgun greets Carol Connor and Shirley Cross as they leave a kitchen tea party. Detectives are anxious to question a former boyfriend known to have threatened one of the girls. Sen. Det. Delaney voices his unhappiness about the deaths and sorrow he now has contact with - he finds this new aspect of police work pessimistic and gruesome, and considers resigning from the squad.
Tony Williams meets a violent death when he is killed by a speargun as he swims with a friend. His death looks accidental, but police suspect foul play, and discover that he was involved in a blackmail racket.
A series of brutal attacks on young women becomes a grim case when one of the girls is murdered. Since the method of attack in each case is similar, police believe the same man is responsible - until the attacks continue after they have caught the offender.
When a wealthy businessman is found murdered, detectives investigate the activities of his girlfriend, his step-brother and an infatuated young man. An eccentric yoga teacher, Loretta Lorne, aids the detectives in their investigations.
An armoured car robbery on a country road and the shooting of the criminals involved opens a puzzling case when one of the security guards accuses his partner of deliberately murdering them. Notes: In Melbourne, HSV-7 screened this episode as a double-header with ep. 342 'Anti-Gravity'.
The routine investigations into a minor car accident develop into the search for the murderer of a married woman. Police suspect the woman's husband could have been involved. Sgt. Mackay's girlfriend Joy Bower takes a job in Brisbane after refusing his marriage proposal. Notes: Final appearance by Wendy Gilmore in the support role of Joy Bower. In Melbourne, HSV-7 screened this episode as a double-header with ep. 341 'Shoot To Kill'.
Health fanatic Joe Mason’s body is found by a friend at the bottom of a public pool after an early morning swim.
Detectives find themselves investigating two crimes instead of one when a young man is found bashed to death in the country.
Help comes from an unexpected quarter for a vicious criminal on the run, and the detectives' task is made doubly difficult.
Two bystanders see a man shot and fall to the ground. But when detectives arrive there is no sign of a body.
The parents of a missing boy enlist the aid of a clairvoyant and bring about an unexpected chain of events.
The wife of a health fanatic disappears and there is strong evidence to suggest that she has been murdered. Intensive investigation brings to light a number of neighbourhood activities. Notes: First episode with new 'action' opening titles.
In their search for the killer of a prostitute, detectives meet up with a wealthy businessman, an overbearing landlord and a henpecked husband whose nagging wife sends him into the sleazy world of prostitution.
The murder of a small time gambler leads the Homicide detectives to the organisers of a two-up game and their unimpressive standover man.
A young boy is brutally murdered in a public reserve notorious for assaults and bashings, but the police get little assistance from the angered community. Later Suzie Harris is attacked in the park and immediately runs to her boyfriend, Graham Turner, for help - however, it appears Turner has something to hide.
William Phillips is a neurotic old man irritated by young people and their lack of respect for older people. Soon he is being deliberately antagonised and this leads to violence.
A drunken husband and wife are slashed to death by a samurai sword. Two ardent educationalists, a retarded girl, and an odd job man are questioned by detectives.
An elderly woman is found in her home shot and left for dead. The shooting takes place within hours of an unregistered pistol being stolen from the office of a suburban accountant.
When a rich widow is bashed to death at her home, the Homicide team meets up with a nosy neighbour, a cheap criminal, a con-man, and a career prostitute.
On release from prison, Arnold Stone sets out to avenge himself, and the once proud Carlisle family is subjected to a campaign of terror which results in the unexpected truth being revealed.
Homicide detectives are called to the scene of a brutal murder and find many clues, but they strongly suspect a frame-up.
A middle aged invalid is discovered dead in her bedroom and Homicide detectives find themselves on the trail of a demented killer. Widow Mrs. Anstey befriends a mild-mannered man, Albert Fisher, in a cemetery, who is actually the embittered killer whose motives are complicated by his belief that his actions are mercy killings.
When a man is shot and his daughter kidnapped, investigations lead the Homicide team to people in the fashion industry.
A Salvo is shot dead during a street meeting, and police suspect the killer may have gotten the wrong man, as another Salvo who was to testify against Patrick Allenby was meant to be at the meeting. Allenby, however, is found to be in the clear, but then another Salvo gets shot.
A skeleton found in a lonely grave provides the Homicide team with a puzzling case. The only clues are literally 'a rag, a bone, and a hank of hair'.
When a suburban housewife is shot, the evidence points to her husband. Then the Homicide team find too much evidence.
Homicide detectives are involved in a painstaking search for a pervert who molests and murders young girls. It takes eight months to bring a man to trial, but is he the right man, and if so, is he responsible for his actions?
A bookmaker returning home from the trots is shot dead. First indications are that the murder motive was robbery.
Misfortune strikes the Carter family, and neurotic mother Valerie Carter is suspected of having beaten her daughter Jeanie to death because of a nightmare in which she sees spiders crawling all over the girl.
It is said there is a black sheep in every family - detectives uncover an interesting family situation when there is a murder in the building business.
A compulsive gambler is murdered and robbed in a secluded factory area. Detectives interview the victim's estranged wife and son, his employees and a bookmaker.
The attractive wife of a business executive is reported missing, and her body is discovered some time later. An abandoned car provides vital clues.
A retired elderly gentleman, who likes a game of chess, returns home one night to find his wife has been brutally murdered.
Homicide detectives investigate a murder that leads to a dramatic abduction and an attempted shotgun wedding by the killer.
Two schoolboys studying the stars with a telescope in a park on a dark night become part of one of the Homicide squad's most baffling cases.
A young man runs in panic when his girlfriend's father is murdered, and few people believe he is innocent of the crime.
When a young waitress is found dead in her flat, the Homicide detectives face a most unusual case.
On a deserted beach, an elderly couple discover the body of Mrs. Sandra Martin. This makes for a great deal of work for the Homicide squad, and Sen. Det. Barnes in particular, when they discover that Sandra had many lovers.
A frantic car chase in a suburban street ends in tragedy when a letter bomb intended for Joe Maloney kills his daughter Angie and Det. Sgt. Bob Delaney. Maloney takes his own revenge, and Sen. Det. Barnes risks his life to defuse a live bomb strapped to the chest of a criminal. Notes: Final episode with Mike Preston as Det. Sgt. Bob Delaney.
A well planned bank robbery linked with a double murder in a country farm house provides a gruelling initiation into the Homicide squad for Sen. Det. Phil Redford. Notes: First colour, all-film episode. First episode with Gary Day as Sen. Det. Phil Redford. The scene of Sen. Det. Barnes receiving his police Valour Medal (for defusing a bomb strapped to the chest of a criminal, as occurred in the previous episode) was filmed at an actual police ceremony, the segment being shot at the end of the proceedings.
The discovery of a body leads to the reunion of Insp. Fox with an old friend, Mum Enright, nicknamed 'Mother Superior', a little old woman who has raised a family of ten single handed since the death of her husband. Sadly, they have not all turned out to be law-abiding citizens. She tries to protect her son Ray and daughter Rona, the last of her children still with her, which places a strain on her friendship with Fox and the relationship with her children.
When a criminal feud ends in murder, Homicide detectives are confronted by a wall of silence. They have an unexpected encounter with a determined woman reporter, Hilda Schultz, an inquiring woman who wants to be a professional writer but lacks the talent.
Two prison escapees kill a guard and police are involved in a desperate race to apprehend them before they can kill again.
The death of a beautiful heiress, who had devoted her time, energy and money to the poor and needy, marks the beginning of a case with startling developments. Homicide detectives are led to one Leopold Alexander Hamilton Esquire, and to the accountant of a meat packaging firm which results in Sgt. Mackay and Det. Redford being involved in a hectic chase through stock yards.
When small time criminal Johnny Doyle is stabbed to death, his 'big time' brother Bert takes the law into his own hands. Detectives race against time to save the lives of a mother and her teenage daughter.
Derek Johnston, the owner of a sawmill, bullies his family causing his teenage children to rebel. When the body of their mother is discovered, it appears at first to be a case of suicide, but a very unusual piece of evidence points to murder. Notes: Sigrid Thornton's first television acting role (at 13 years of age).
Mackay is promoted to Inspector and is preparing for a transfer to Ballarat when a threat is made against his life. Carl Warren Lee, who made the threat, is a psychopath who lies in wait with a rifle, but shoots dead Fox by mistake as he and Mackay get out of a car. Notes: Final episode with Leonard Teale as Det. Sgt. David Mackay and Alwyn Kurts as Insp. Colin Fox.
Inspector Lawson is recalled from London to head the Homicide squad. Barnes is promoted to Detective Sergeant and Sen. Det. Pat Kelly joins the squad. The first case for the new team is a killing in a small country town that reveals an unusual motive. Notes: First episode with Charles Tingwell as Insp. Reg Lawson and John Stanton as Sen. Det. Pat Kelly. Segments filmed on location in Kyneton VIC, and overseas in London, England.
The moving story of retired safe cracker Buddy Rand, who, although having gone straight, finds himself breaking the law to help a mate. Notes: Fred 'Cul' Cullen wrote the part of Buddy Rand for John Meillon, but Meillon was not available (having appeared in the previous episode) so Cullen played the part himself. Cullen won two Logie awards for this episode: Best Script and Best Single Acting Performance (both 1973). Bud Tingwell considered this his favourite episode.
When an early morning payroll robbery results in a man's murder, detectives find they have a difficult job on their hands. New light is cast on the case when an enthusiastic cleaner gives police a valuable lead which changes the theme of their investigations.
In Pentridge, Dennis 'Johnno' Johnson, a small time crim who has just served 12 months for his part in a $100,000 opal robbery, has dreamed of his release - the time he can collect his share of the proceeds and settle down with his girlfriend, Carol Finch. She is not all that bright, and has been working as a barmaid and saving for when they can set up somewhere new. But the day of Johnno's release turns his dream into a nightmare. One member of the gang is shot dead after apparently being tortured. Carol has received no money. And then the body of the gang leader is found in the bay. Johnno's time in prison, protecting the identities of the others, seems to have been in vain. Mysterious phone calls lead the Homicide Squad into a desperate race to prevent his death.
The shooting of a man at Spencer Street railway station seems a simple case, but becomes more involved as inquiries continue, and leads to a powerful man who takes a carefully calculated risk - and loses everything.
Following the discovery of a body in a lake, detectives investigate a computerised dating service. Policewoman Helen Murray risks her life by acting as a decoy.
Four ex-national servicemen meet for a birthday reunion which ends in disaster when unpleasant memories of an incident in Vietnam are rekindled.
An irresponsible young man, Vincent Mason, goes for a joyride in his father's car, and causes a lot of trouble for the Homicide detectives. An only child of wealthy parents, Mason has a charm all of his own, has never wanted for anything and finds it difficult to comprehend the hardships experienced by those not so fortunate. His parents want him desperately to get on in life and cannot understand why he does things he knows will upset them.
A burglar discovers a dead body in a house, and investigations lead to a bizarre couple and the solution to several unsolved murders.
A drug company truck driver is murdered on a lonely stretch of road. More lives are at stake as the police follow a trail of double crosses which lead to a boat, the head of a hijack gang, a cache of stolen drugs, and a number of double-crosses, culminating in one double-cross that surprises even the Homicide squad.
June Higgins nags both her husband and her lover to distraction, and is run down and killed. A witness describes the car driver with strange results. The case is a trial for Det. Kelly, who is involved in a long chase, a car crash, and a severe reprimand from Insp. Lawson.
A 21st birthday party with a tragic ending has a profound effect on a number of people - including Det. Sgt. Barnes, who resigns after 'cracking' under pressure. Notes: Final episode with George Mallaby as Det. Sgt. Peter Barnes.
New member of the Homicide squad, Det. Sgt. Harry White, has his hands full when two young boys set off to seek their fortune. Notes: First episode with Don Barker as Det. Sgt. Harry White.
George Jackson has just served a 15 year term for murder, a crime he always claimed he did not commit. Unexpected release for him means much more than adjusting to the outside world - he is determined to prove his innocence regardless of the cost, which spells trouble for his family, friends and the Homicide squad.
wo criminals are arrested by Det. Kelly for the murder of a young constable. While being charged in the city watch-house an argument occurs. Kelly, after being up all night, is in no mood for nonsense and following threats from one of the criminals a fight breaks out. Later, one of the criminals, Howard Nelson, murders another inmate, Edward Palmer, and blames Kelly for the death due to injuries received from the previous fight. A resulting inquiry threatens Kelly's career. Notes: John Waters' performance in this episode brought him to the attention of ABC producer Oscar Whitbread who subsequently cast him as Sgt. McKellar in Rush. The set for the watch-house was reputed to be the largest, most complex and most expensive set ever built thus far for a Homicide episode.
Homicide detectives have to cope with a group of unruly girls at a mission following an apparently unmotivated bashing.
Alex Watsford is a myopic, mild-mannered vendor of boot-making machinery whose life has become a safe, regular pattern. Each day for him proceeds with monotonous regularity until, one morning on his way to work, he decides to take a different route. Alex gets more than he bargained for in an 'adventure' when he picks up an attractive hippie hitch-hiker, Chris Green. Chris is nice to him and takes him to her house for a cup of coffee, but subsequent events are a blur for the unfortunate Alex who finds himself, contrary to his nature, running from the police.
etectives investigate the murder of a roustabout at a once prosperous travelling carnival. Notes: Art Director Les Binns was asked to find a circus to be used for location shots in this episode. Discovering that all local circuses were on tour in other parts of the country, Binns set about building a carnival. In three days Homicide had its own 'Big Top', complete with animals, merry-go-round, ferris wheel and side-show alley.
Pet shop proprietor Jack West is intimidated by a killer after he witnesses a murder. Because he values his life, West refuses to help police. Detectives also find 'Skinny' Jones reluctant to help after an attempt has been made on his life. The killer is 'Drummy' Taylor, a hard case without emotions, but very cunning. He is violent, and kills without a qualm. He evades capture by terrorising those who can incriminate him - but he meets his match in Sen. Det. Kelly. Notes: Originally scheduled in Melbourne for 5/2/74, the timeslot was exchanged with ep. 411, 'A Crime Against Nature', to allow the latter to be brought forward for screening in a special 9:00 PM timeslot.
Det. Sgt. Norm Turner is the local CI man at a suburban police station. His wife's death, the strain of work, over-indulgence in alcohol and a rebel daughter has made life very difficult for him. When his daughter Mary is murdered, he refuses to believe some of the facts that the Homicide squad uncover about her. He then conducts his own investigation, bringing him into conflict with the Homicide squad.
B.J. Bolt, head of a U.S. organisation visiting Australia for a Government deal, is murdered - which has repercussions throughout the business world. A rival firm also interested in the contract uses a bugging device to obtain opposition plans. Investigations take the Homicide squad to a luxurious penthouse suite, where Det. Redford is reunited with Veronica Coates, now Bolt's public relations officer. Redford and Coates previously had a relationship in Vietnam, when he was a second Lieutenant in Saigon.
Inspector Lawson visits Sydney for a conference and becomes involved in a murder investigation when the local police find a body floating in the harbour. Lawson comes into conflict with Sgt. Jack Beck of the Sydney police on the use of fire arms in crime prevention. Notes: Segments filmed in Sydney.
A sudden spate of vicious attacks on lone women has the Homicide team racing time to catch a killer on a campaign of vengeance. Descriptions of the killer match that of a middle aged woman - and with each killing, a number is painted at the scene, counting back from 88. In the course of their investigations, detectives come across the Phelby-Thomas mansion, and an assortment of characters living there, including an 80 year old pensioner, a houseboy, and a German chauffer. Further inquiries reveal that Phelby-Thomas is a retired actor, whose programme ran for 88 episodes, and whose specialty was disguises - the various people at the house, plus the 'Jill The Ripper' character, all being Phelby-Thomas in make-up. Notes: John Krummel portrayed several separate roles, all as Phelby-Thomas in various disguises. Crawfords sought advice from an American make-up expert who read the script and told them no way - it could not be done. Undaunted, Crawfords own make-up lady Jan Gash performed the task herself, and did an excellent job.
A student is shot dead on Mt. Buller after discovering the identity of a Nazi war criminal. The occupant of the chalet closest to the scene of the murder is found to be missing. New light is thrown on the case when the Nazi's identity is uncovered. Otto, the Nazi fugitive, flees to Melbourne where he has a sympathetic woman friend, and makes plans to escape the country. Notes: Segments filmed on location at Mt. Buller.
Private investigator Michael Ryan becomes involved in blackmail, murder and intrigue as he clashes with the Homicide team. The case centres on The Tango Club, a discotheque which is a front for a high class house of prostitution catering to businessmen. The club is also a front for a blackmailing racket as the club's manager surreptitiously takes photos of guests as they cavort with the club's girls, Niki and Val. Ryan is hired by a worried and influential businessman to recover negatives of photographs being used to blackmail him. Ryan's methods are not the most orthodox and he quickly comes into conflict with the Homicide squad when Tango Club manager Billy Maxwell is found dead. As a prime suspect, Ryan has to move fast to find the murderer. Another murder is committed before the case is solved - with Ryan and the Homicide team working in confusion, misunderstanding and mistrust. Notes: Featuring the cast from Ryan. This episode was made after completion of the 39 episode Ryan series pending a decision on whether a second series would go into production. At this time Homicide production was doubled up to make use of both film crews, reverting to normal when the decision was made not to proceed with a second series of Ryan. Pamela Stephenson does not appear as Julie King in this episode as she had resigned following completion of the first series of Ryan, and would not have appeared in a second series if production continued. A reference is made to her character to explain her absence.
A psychopath who kills derelicts is at large and detectives are hard pressed in their endeavour to capture him.
Morgan is a hated slum landlord who is murdered in a dark alley in an area which houses a number of his tenants. The main problem is not finding a suspect, but sorting out the killer from too many suspects. As if these troubles are not enough, two people come forward and confess to the murder, which makes a very puzzling case.
Homicide detectives come up against some startling attitudes when a homosexual is bashed and killed in an area where 'poofter bashings' are frequently carried out for 'kicks'. The victim's lover becomes a suspect when they find incriminating letters written to the dead man. Notes: HSV-7 Melbourne played this episode at a later time (9:00 PM) because of its social significance, considering it unsuitable for children. Originally scheduled for 9/4/74, the timeslot was exchanged with ep. 402 to allow the screening date to be brought forward.
Homicide detectives face a wall of silence when they try to investigate the death of a man at a Melbourne marina. An old salt, Running Jack, is their only witness - but all he saw was the weapon and the body, not the murderer. To solve the baffling crime the police go under cover, with Sen. Det. Redford and Sen. Const. Jill Cregan of the drug squad posing as the owners of a new boat. The detectives eventually find a motive for the murder but are unable to uncover the culprit in the face of stony silence from the tight-knit local boating fraternity, who seem to know more than they are willing to talk about.
Angel Brewer, believed to be a simple country girl who moved to the city to be a model, is found dead in the bay. The case involves an investigation into prostitution, and shatters a father's illusions about his daughter.
Bo Monroe is an ex-jazz trumpeter, now a derelict. When Bo reads in the paper that his ex-wife Bunny Scott is to make a singing comeback, his own dreams of a return are given their last chance of realisation. Bo has to get his trumpet out of hock, and when he overhears a plot to blow up a boat and it's owner with it, he tries to sell the information to the police. Bo, now a witness, is a marked man. He eventually cons the money for his trumpet from someone else, and the criminals and Bo move to a climax at Bunny's comeback concert. Notes: Bunny Scott is played by Jean Lewis, a Sydney jazz singer and recording artist. An actual concert was staged for the final sequence with Jean Lewis backed by a jazz group. The part of Bo Monroe was specially written for Max Cullen by his brother, Fred 'Cul' Cullen, who won a 1974 Logie award for Best Script for this episode.
Homicide detectives find there is more than meets the eye when a young girl is raped by three youths and claims one of them tried to kill her. Investigations become more complex when one of the youths is missing, and police suspect his father of murdering him.
When Billy Day and his pregnant wife Daphne visit Melbourne to exhibit their prize bull at the Royal Agricultural Show, they accidentally become involved with some bank robbers. Notes: The part of Daphne Day was especially written for Colleen Hewett.
Young teenager Penelope Price believes she has killed her father after intervening when she found him drunkenly assaulting her mother. With her younger sister Debbie, Penny runs away and Homicide detectives find their investigation turning into a desperate search when the sisters try to board a boat in Port Phillip Bay. Notes: John Stanton does not appear in this episode.
Det. Sgt. Harry White thinks he can handle children, as he has five of his own - until he meets Mark Abbott. Mark is the son of a small time crim, Tommy, who taught him to never trust a cop. One morning Mark finds his father gone and the lounge room spattered with blood. The Homicide team gets little help from him, or from his alcoholic mother. The discovery of his dead father triggers off in Mark an outburst against his mother, whom he accuses of the murder. Notes: Fred 'Cul' Cullen appears as Det. Sgt. Jim Knight, standing in for John Stanton who was on sick leave and appeared in only one scene.
A sad little man trying to better his lifestyle and provide for his terminally ill wife Edie, factory worker Billy Williams is desperately struggling for survival in a world he can't compete in. He is forced to resort to crime, and Det. Sgt. Harry White finds himself moved to sympathy. Events come to a sad conclusion when Billy unwittingly becomes a murderer.
Three young criminals hold up a supermarket, and the youngest of the trio, Jimmy King, panics and shoots the manager. However, there is a witness, 'The Dodger', the object of a nagging wife who sees his opportunity to get some money and escape when King's accomplices get rid of him by throwing him from their getaway car outside the Railway Museum in Williamstown. The final showdown between the three criminals and the Homicide team takes place amongst the trains in the museum.
Mayfield is outwardly a bustling market town with busy pubs and saleyards, but what actually lies behind the little town of Mayfield? What are the locals really hiding? Homicide detectives are not helped by the residents, who put up a wall of silence while the police investigate a brutal murder in one of the sale yards.
A drug pusher is murdered at a beach house party. The Homicide squad find their investigations are hampered by three bikies, a father whose loyalty is tested, and a step-son who has something to hide.
Homicide detectives investigate a case of mistaken identity when a man is murdered whose name is similar to that of the intended victim.
Two country policemen investigate a disturbance; one is shot and blinded for life. An ex-policeman turned farmer decides to help the Homicide team with their investigations, which is not exactly gratifying to the detectives. He provides information which puts them on the track of the gunman: Edward Connolly, an eccentric who uses a push bike for transport, and puts everyone in the district on edge.
Clarrie Lucas is a hard-bitten reporter who has seen it all. When his newspaper journalist mate Len Condon is shot dead, he attempts to solve the crime on his own.
A wealthy Italian businessman is killed in a bomb blast in a car at a quarry, and the Homicide squad discover a bitter and resentful Venuzzi family - two sons, Guido and Tony, vying with each other for their father's favours and advancement. They also discover unhappy employees resentful of their employer's wealth and meanness - in particular a young Aboriginal radical, Gary Willis. The squad's investigation into the Italian community and the small black minority in the area presents a complex montage of internal conflicts and racial hatreds - there are too many motives for too many people. Complicating the issue is vengeance for Venuzzi's death, which doesn't wait for confirmation of the culprit - another must die before the Homicide squad home in on the real murderer.
Gordon Bishop is a drifter, moving from place to place and job to job. He dreams of a big win at the races, or, even better, at a gambling casino. Bishop also owns a .38 revolver - and when his former employers, milk bar proprietors Tom and Alice Mitchell, are found shot by a .38 with their life savings gone from their cash box, Bishop becomes the prime suspect. Damning evidence mounts up against Bishop - and then his girlfriend, Brigitte Solerno, informs police that he has taken off for Wrest Point Casino in Tasmania with a large 'killing' he claims he won at the races. The last formality of an identification parade is arranged, and the case is all ready to be sewn up, but the witness fails to pick out Bishop from the parade... Notes: Segments filmed in Tasmania.
Grant, the owner of a large stud farm, receives death threats before an important race. He takes no notice until a stable hand is murdered and an attempt is made to steal a horse. When the Homicide squad move in, they discover some strange turf identities, and learn that death threats have been received by other horse owners.
A visiting American policeman, Capt. Robert Kroeger, is in Australia to find a link in a drug smuggling racket. Kroeger accompanies Det. Sgt. Harry White to Canberra to investigate the murder of a Melbourne drug addict whose body was found in Lake Burley Griffin. Notes: Segments filmed in Canberra.
When a cripple at a sheltered workshop is murdered, detectives discover a connection between the dead man and a recent art robbery.
Vince Forbes escapes from a prison farm and heads for Melbourne to seek his former girlfriend. He evades police cordons, he eludes detectives and he takes hostages. He is finally trapped in the partially completed underground rail loop tunnel with a girl hostage, and his instability of mind, a condition known as hyperaccusive, means any noise can become unbearable.
Sen. Det. Kelly's girlfriend, Ieva Zervos, is shot in the street. Unwillingly and resentfully, Kelly finds his life under scrutiny as Ieva's contacts in the Greek community are found to be involved in drug trafficking, blackmail and illegal immigration. After hiding to ambush a drug pick-up, Sen. Det. Kelly is crippled when the squad car crashes after a chase. Notes: Final episode with John Stanton as Sen. Det. Pat Kelly.
Kenny Sutton murders his wife, steals some explosives and takes a hostage as he heads towards the city to stage his own fireworks display at the Moomba festival. Notes: First episode with Dennis Grosvenor as Sen. Det. Michael Deegan. Igor Auzins won a Logie award for directing this episode, and Crawfords entered it in the TV section of the Cannes Film Festival. A cameo appearance is made by Leonard Teale and Carla Hoogeveen on the Class Of 74 float in scenes filmed during the Moomba procession.
Tony Walker is bored, frustrated, and, like many other youths, destined for trouble. He belongs to a gang of yobbos who roam the streets bashing innocent victims. While he is out on the streets, his parents are sitting at home watching a TV talk programme featuring Insp. Lawson and an eminent criminologist, Eric Logan. The story is told on three levels: flashbacks to Tony's childhood, his activities at present, and the discussion underway on television. Notes: Peter Schreck won an Awgie award (1974) for this script, which examines some of the family, educational and social factors that contribute to unmotivated bashings.
When two young people are murdered, an old eccentric gives the Homicide squad a hard time and confuses their case.
An elderly couple, retired Brigadier Garnet Edgerton and his wife Sylvia, who are much-loved by the community, take a riverside walk which ends in Sylvia's death. The case looks like being Inspector Lawson's first unsolved murder. Notes: This script is based on an unsolved murder case in England which was used as an investigatory exercise by the British Metropolitan Police.
A British couple who were successful diamond robbers are discovered living in Australia after the murder of their friend. There is a race to find them between the underworld and the police.
Is Mr. Spence a harmless public servant, an abandoned husband with a desperate problem? Or is he an evil, scheming wife killer? The romantic aspirations of Helen Taylor, the no-longer-young typist, are an important part of the jigsaw leading Insp. Lawson into a cat and mouse pursuit ending in a lonely country graveyard.
An innocent birdwatcher leads the Homicide squad to the discovery of an illegal gaming house. A corrupt, influential businessman, heavily involved in gambling, seems to have all the cards in his favour - but murder was a hand he should not have played, and Insp. Lawson is determined to turn the tables.
While chasing a truant schoolboy, a young policewoman comes across a torture chamber, and a case for the Homicide squad. Notes: The Broadcasting Control Board ruled that this episode should not be screened before 8:30 PM.
Buddy Thomas, a top boxer, is making a comeback, but as the victorious Thomas returns home to celebrate with his girlfriend, Ruby Smith, he finds she has been murdered. Ruby had been a prostitute, but to Thomas' certain knowledge, she had given it up. Some not too difficult research by the Homicide squad shows that she had not in fact 'retired' - and the long job of tracking down and questioning her customers begins. It is Thomas who uncovers the vital clue to the murderer, just as the police are making the same deductions - but the killer is not to be easily caught.
Is Patrick O'Brien as respectable as he seems or are the threats to his life coming from someone who knows better?
Because of the murder of a friend following a brutal attack, a young constable, a friend of Det. Deegan, is forced to choose between his marriage and his career.
For the very first time, a war veteran misses the Anzac Day march and the Homicide team take this into account when investigating the murder of a young man who is a confirmed pacifist.
While investigating a shooting at a large sheep station, Sen. Det. Deegan befriends young Kenny, son of Ross Bullen, owner of the station. The peace is shattered when Barry Lynes arrives to make life unpleasant for Prue Fletcher, Kenny's live-in schoolmarm.
Is a small time crim as innocent as his wife maintains, or is he responsible for a brutal murder? Frances Brown's tiny house rocks with rejoicing - a wake for her late and unlamented husband, Alf. She has had a hard life - a tough but sympathetic lady, liked by everyone except her husband. Alf Brown was a mean old man - he never spent a cent on anything but booze - and he wouldn't even share that with his wife. It's no wonder Frances rejoices - until the police arrive, as the Homicide squad have found marks on Alf's body that indicate he was murdered.
Homicide detectives discover more than gracious living behind the plush facade of a suburban estate. In the wealthy eastern suburbs a dentist is found dead on his sitting-room floor and his wife and 14-year-old son are missing.
A confession of a false testimony from a dying woman, a pearl brooch and a bitter young criminal cause a murder case to be re-opened after 20 years, leading to a grisly discovery within Pentridge prison. Detectives want to question Emma Perkins, but did she have something to hide? She ran, she didn't look where she was going, and she died before she could tell what she knew.
Victor Ryder's wife, Susan, joins the Shepherds Of Life, a weird religious sect. Susan, aided and abetted by her mother, locks her infidel husband out of the house. After weeks of mounting emotional hostility, Victor Ryder reaches breaking point. He shoots his mother-in-law, and, taking his wife hostage, barricades himself in the Shepherds Of Life 'temple'. The leader of the sect, Gardiner Adams, tries to persuade the distraught Ryder to give himself up, but he too is taken hostage. Ryder's immediate superior, Bernard Sheils, who has full knowledge of his employee's difficulties, cannot lure him out. Joanna Wilson, a sect member who knows another side to the sanctimonious Adams, tries but also fails.
A car crash on a lonely country road looks like an accident. Then one witness claims to have heard footsteps, and another hearing a car being driven off. The Homicide squad begin their investigation amid the pile of unfinished paperwork at the local police station, and unravel a web of conspiracy, adultery, blackmail and murder among the intrigues of a small town.
Peace loving Eric and Alma Lamb discover that honesty is not always the best policy when they become involved in a brutal murder. Notes: The Broadcasting Control Board ruled that this episode should not be screened before 8:30 PM.
A brother and sister are gunned down hours before they are due to fly out of Melbourne. A key, a missing fur coat, and a remarkable talkative cockatoo all baffle the Homicide squad. Two brothers in the second-hand business run foul of the law when they find the abandoned fur coat which the police need as evidence.
The quiet country town of Summerton has a rude awakening when its most prominent citizen, Councillor Rupert Morgan, is shot dead. His body is discovered just after the local newspaper editor, Greg Carson, and his close friend John Grayley, the local sergeant of police, are preparing for a day of fishing. When the Homicide team arrive to investigate, they find there is a general hatred of the murdered man throughout the town. And it just happens that Grayson's newspaper is on the verge of publishing a front page expose of the councillor, an unscrupulous man who has been embezzling one-and-a-half-million dollars of council funds. While helping with the police investigation, Carson, who has a reputation of being a good newspaper man, also fights to protect his scoop expose from being used by the big city reporters, who invade Summerton on the trail of the story. Carson is determined to run it, regardless of the man's death. During the investigation, the Homicide team look into Councillor Morgan's private life, including his association with Mrs. Juliet Stacey and her daughter Sandra.
When a spate of bombings occur, Homicide detectives face a potentially disastrous situation. But when another bomb is found and defused, the contents provide them with a vital clue.
Tate, a master of the martial arts, sells his skills in the market place of crime. He is a cold-blooded killer, his motivation is obscure, and his only emotion is pleasure in his work. The Homicide squad have a race against time to get to him before more people are harmed. Tate is eventually captured by Sen. Det. Deegan, who is also quite accomplished at the martial arts. Notes: Scriptwriter Jim Simmonds, who holds a black belt in Taekwondo, had been wanting to write a Homicide episode featuring the martial arts for three years. His opportunity came when Dennis Grosvenor, a brown belt in karate, joined the cast. In addition to writing the script, Simmonds choreographed all the fight scenes, and was eventually cast in the role of Tate.
When a solicitor is murdered, a schoolboy leads the Homicide detectives to a deserted cinema and a strange friendship.
The Homicide squad is called in when the wife of a leading gangster is shot. Was it calculated murder, or was the bullet meant for someone else?
Kevin Watson is a clever and conniving criminal - he has dabbled in petty thievery and assault, but his forte is rape and violence. Watson's amazing string of acquittals has earned him the title of 'the egotist' - but then he gets careless after two innocent people are murdered.
Actress Joan Kendall leads a seemingly normal life with her husband, children and dog. However, medication cushions the pressures of her TV world, and one morning she stabs her husband to death. The Homicide team are confronted by an agonising puzzle - is she using her mental condition as an excuse? Is she as deranged as she now appears to be? Or is she acting out the most cunning role of her career? Notes: The Broadcasting Control Board ruled that this episode should not be screened before 8:30 PM. It was shown in Adelaide and Brisbane as part of the original run, but in Melbourne and Sydney it first went to air during a repeat screening of the series, the restriction having caused it to be dropped from the original schedule.
Jim Knight is a frustrated novelist, who has produced no more than half a page in six months. Taunted with this unpalatable truth by a friend, Knight kills him in a fit of rage, and goes on a spree of drunken violence and destruction. The Homicide team find that Knight, with years of experience as a journalist, is a hard nut to crack with routine interrogation, so they set a complicated trap for him.
A chemist is murdered during a break-in, and the two youngsters responsible, Linda Williams and Ronnie McDermott, are forced to hole up in a derelict house. The Homicide squad track them down, but McDermott has acquired a Magnum, and is determined that he won't go to jail. Notes: The Broadcasting Control Board ruled that this episode should not be screened before 8:30 PM. In Melbourne it was dropped from the original schedule, and first went to air during a subsequent repeat run of the series.
The Homicide squad has found clues to a murder, but they can't find a body. After a bizarre search involving several tall stories and wild goose chases, Insp. Lawson is decidedly confused, and has no case.
Tina Kennedy, daughter of Betty Kennedy, a pregnant, harassed, aggressive and downtrodden mother, is found to be dead on arrival at hospital, and the explanation for her fatal injuries do not satisfy the doctor. Notes: Maggie Millar won a Logie Award for Best Individual Acting Performance (1975) and a Sammy Award for Best Actress In A Single TV Performance (1975) for this episode. After the programme, HSV-7 referred anyone with a potential problem to Parents Anonymous, a counselling group, which received several calls as a result.
Racing driver Casey Burton is killed while testing a new fuel injection device. Homicide detectives have to determine whether it was an accident or murder. There are a host of suspects, but the Homicide squad uncovers the real culprit and his strange motive in a climactic day at Calder Raceway.
Bill Sellars, a big time racket operator, seeks revenge on the person who murdered his wife, but a few things stand in his way, including small time burglar Sam Horton, whose robbery complicates matters and turns out being a lot more trouble than he expected.
Homicide detectives investigate a dating service when a body is found in scrubland. Is she the only one or are there more victims to come? Several middle-aged and usually well-off women have disappeared in various cities around Australia, and the only other thing they seemed to have in common was membership of various lonely hearts clubs. Nobody connects these disappearances until a sinister couple posing as brother and sister make a slip in their near perfect strategy for murder.
Three brutal murders and a one-sided love affair combine to present an intriguing case for the Homicide squad.
Julia Edwards and her husband Grant are known as a happy, loving couple. But when Julie is shot while sketching in a cemetery, detectives uncover facts which make them doubt this description.
Is a prominent member of a City Council a straightforward honest man, or is he the instigator of a brutal murder and a savage bashing?
When a butcher's wife is found brutally stabbed to death her husband becomes the prime suspect. Notes: Charles Tingwell does not appear in this episode.
Old Charlie is deeply attached to his mother, and when separated from her, he often gets into trouble with little girls. He is 64 and has been to prison several times for child molesting. When his 82-year-old and very ill mother dies from an overdose of painkillers, the Homicide squad must determine if it was suicide, a mercy killing, or murder. Everything points to Charlie when it becomes obvious he has disappeared, but the case is complicated when it is discovered that a burglary was taking place in the house at the time of the old woman's death. Notes: Originally titled 'What Would You Have Done?'. Guest actor Hedley Cullen said: "The role of Charlie in Homicide was a beautiful part - most sympathetic. I spent most of the time weeping."
A policeman is killed at a factory break-in, and Homicide detectives uncover a long running feud between an ex-criminal and a police sergeant.
Figure skater Heather Morton is strangled on deserted land near an ice skating rink. Detectives learn that Heather had loved and discarded many boyfriends, and many of these men hated her.
Geoff Brady leads the residents of his street into action to stop a big developer. The response is blatant and brutal - thugs move in, residents cower behind closed doors, and Brady's pregnant wife is bashed so badly that she loses her baby. Brady then takes up a gun against the ruthless real estate developer.
o young men, Lambert and Cook, who have a compulsive hatred of 'poofters', kill Gerard Rivers, a successful homosexual businessman. Insp. Lawson uncovers some strange personal viewpoints and bizarre sexual practices of some well-to-do, respected members of the community. Notes: Rescheduled by ADS-7 in Adelaide to a later timeslot (9.00 PM) due to the 'poofter bashing' subject matter. In Melbourne it was not shown as part of the original screening, and was eventually aired during a repeat run. The title is taken from a statement by a youth actually charged with a crime of this type.
Danny Simmons is spending a few days in the country with his maiden aunt, Miss Murphy, who is living in what was formerly a home for wayward girls with two other old ladies. Her 17-year-old maid, Cheryl, is having affairs with most of the local boys, until someone curtails her immorality with a fatal dose of strychnine. Danny Simmons finds himself in an awkward position - Cheryl's body was found at his door, and soon a similar attempt is made on his life. Notes: Bud Tingwell does not appear in this episode, and Don Barker appears in only one scene. Most of the episode is carried by Gary Day and Dennis Grosvenor.
The Homicide squad investigates the murder of an unknown woman in a city park. When they find out the identity of the woman they learn very little about the murderer - she had met him for only a moment seconds before her death. Detectives face a puzzling case as they realise the reason for the murder is locked in the killer's mind.
A farmer is killed by a hitch-hiker, and police suspect an itinerant surfer. Homicide detectives have a difficult task searching for the killer along Victoria's surfing coastline with it's many communities and remote beaches. Notes: Scriptwriter Jim Simmonds cast this story as a cautionary tale for would-be hitch-hikers following several hitch-hiking murders in Queensland. First television role for Susan Hannaford, whose next major part was as Kitty in The Sullivans.
A talented young pianist, Nathan Ellis, and his possessive mother are walking their dog in an industrial area of the western suburbs, when they stumble across the remains of a vague acquaintance. Investigations lead to a drug user and reveal that Nathan was being blackmailed and abused by the dead man.
An HSV-7 news crew covering a story on pollution discover two bodies near the Maribyrnong River. The Homicide squad not only have to find the killer, but also establish the identity of the people killed. Forensic tests come to nothing, but an appeal to the public results in a positive identification - a husband and wife thought to have been on holidays. Their killer is the husband's father, and his motive has strange religious overtones. Notes: Scriptwriter John Drew had a middle and an end to this story, but did not quite know how to start it, as it called for the discovery of two bodies in an area where no-one would normally go. The solution was to use a news team doing a story on pollution. Newsreader Brian Naylor appears as himself.
A dishonest second-hand car dealer is run down late at night, and he thinks someone is trying to kill him. Prime suspects include a dissatisfied customer and his wife's lover.
Homicide detectives investigate the death of a burnt out, but still young drug addict, who was an ex-student leader wanted for the bombing of an Army installation in 1968. Two girl accomplices have eluded capture, one hiding out in Perth, the other in Fiji. One of the girls, Mary, is involved in a copper smuggling operation, and Det. Sgt. White and Sen. Det. Redford, who have been sent to Fiji to apprehend her, wait behind a Fijian police stake-out before they can move in on their girl. Notes: Segments filmed on location in Fiji.
A local ballet company is thrown into confusion when its temperamental leading dancer, Brett Chilton, is shot and wounded after a party. Detectives learn that everybody in the ballet company hated Chilton, and there are half a dozen suspects with motives for the attack. Chilton then confuses the issue by pretending to know who the guilty party is, and uses his narrow escape to destroy the careers of those around him.
An elderly cinema projectionist witnesses the killing of a man on a parking station. He is only too willing to help the police in their investigation, which results in tragedy for himself. Notes: Scenes from Ryan episode 18 'Fibber The Dancing Galah' are used in a cinema film sequence.
26-year-old Jerry Fraser is is friendly with 16-year-old Francesca Carlotti, who is unaware that he is a psychopath. Her Italian father disapproves of their friendship and Fraser kills Francesca and her parents. Fraser then has vivid hallucinations in which he still sees the girl. Notes: Guest actor Maria Mercedes described this episode as "terrifying and bizarre - like a Hitchcock thriller. The ending is hair-raising".134 An earlier black-and-white episode had a similar title: 'The Snipers', episode 76.
Max Brent, owner of a theatre restaurant, with his wife Debbie and partner Drake hold up a bank, and one of them kills a teller. The restaurant is in financial difficulties, and the bank manager confesses that they planned the robbery. Later, Debbie leaves Max for Drake, and so Max tampers with the brakes in their car. Notes: The role of Debbie Brent was specially written for Colleen Hewett. "It wasn't my biggest part," said Colleen, "but it was the most important one to me because I've always wanted to play the role of a bitch."
A young man is shot to death and Patty Bourke immediately confesses. Police find that she was a member of a pro-Nazi party and suspect a political motive. Patty tells a psychiatrist her feelings towards the party and her motives for the murder. Detectives visit the party headquarters and question the leader, James Reynolds, and discover that several other murders have taken place.
Gordon Lovejoy's return to Australia after running a trading post in New Guinea has its problems - his wife threatens to leave him and he kills his sister-in-law in a drunken rage. When he is found dead at the airport, police believe it was suicide. However, an autopsy reveals a rare New Guinean poison which is used as a method of murder in the highlands.
During a game of cards, a man is shot dead and the other three players claim it was an accident. Sen. Det. Redford works in his own time to find evidence that he was murdered. Notes: Some incidental music is from Skyhooks album ‘Living In The 70’s’.
Homicide detectives are puzzled when a man confesses to the murder of his wife after the Coroner has already passed a verdict of death by misadventure. Notes: Don Barker does not appear in this episode.
Murder on a lonely country road leads police to suspect that devil worship is involved. Notes: First television acting role for singer Linda George.
Hard-working Luigi Vardi opens up his fruit shop early in the morning. While carrying in vegetables just delivered, a passing car slows, and Vardi is shot dead. Two gunmen terrorise migrant shop owners, and Det. Deegan becomes personally involved when, off duty, he helps his local milk bar proprietor defy a criminal. Deegan then faces suspension and an assault charge.
An armed robbery develops into murder when one of the two bandits panic, leading police on a trail of violence as they desperately try to escape.
Police start a frantic search when a girl is brutally attacked and another is found murdered in a girl's hostel.
Antique dealer Barry Coles is found dead by childcare nurse Josephine Baxter, who looks after his son Mathew. Robbery looks like the motive until the Gaming Squad's flamboyant, garrulous Sgt. Peterson turns up fresh evidence.
Margaret Bateson is found murdered beside her car in the country, and her camera wrecked. Attractive and shy, she had no friends or family. She was touring Victoria on two weeks holiday, and when last seen was alone. A roll of processed 8MM film from a home movie camera which arrives at her flat provides the only clue to her movements.
Two escaped criminals, armed and dangerous, kill one man and take a young woman hostage. They head for mountain country, and the Homicide detectives are involved in an extensive manhunt. Notes: Planned as a 90 minute episode. Second of two episodes titled 'On The Run', the other being episode 304.
In the early hours of the morning, a police patrol discovers the body of a man hanging over the wall of a park dunny. When the victim is identified as a man recently acquitted of a rape charge, detectives suspect revenge as the motive. For Det. Sgt. White, it not only interrupts his sleep, but aggravates a cold he is suffering.
A prison escapee murders a prison officer and takes three hostages - but are they hostages? Martin Russell had been a model prisoner at a training prison - a quiet, ineffectual boy from the country, patiently serving the remaining 15 months of his sentence. All that changes when his girlfriend Alison visits and tells him she is breaking off their relationship - she has found another bloke. Martin becomes a desperate man, and a massive police search is mounted.
Teenagers Heather and Danny, too young to get married and spurned by their parents when Heather becomes pregnant, flee to the city to get an abortion. They see a backyard abortionist, but things go wrong and they come to the attention of the Homicide squad, already investigating a series of dangerous hotel-room abortions which have maimed young girls. Sgt. White becomes deeply involved in the case because the girls who suffered are not much older than his own daughter. Notes: Don Barker nominated this episode as his favourite: "It's a sensitive study of abortion. For the first time, we get an insight into Harry's family and what motivates him."
Bunny Rogers was once a prostitute, and in those days she had been arrested many times by a young policeman, Det. Redford. Bunny is now in trouble as her husband, Lenny Concho, is involved in counterfeiting and Bunny is caught in the middle. When her friend is murdered by Lenny, she turns to Redford for help, knowing she will be the next target. Following a fight, Redford ends up in hospital with multiple wounds. For Bunny, the next few days are a nightmare as she is hunted by a crazed and desperate man. The police battle to get to the killer before he gets to Bunny and murders her as he has done to others who got in his way.
Greg Ferguson, 21, is studying to be a doctor, but his father and grandfather were criminals. Greg and his father, Tony Ferguson, move in different circles in different cities. But Tony is dying, and comes to Melbourne to settle an old score, and blackmail an inheritance for his son - but he is murdered in the process. Greg feels that he has no choice but to avenge his father's death - even at the cost of his own life. He arms himself with a rifle and hunts down the man he believes was responsible for the murder - and the Homicide team races to stop him. Notes: 90 minute episode.
Luke, the fanatical leader of a religious cult, kidnaps Kim Clayton, daughter of a newspaper magnate, after her 18th birthday party. The Homicide squad's investigations are hampered when her father pays the $100,000 ransom. Notes: 90 minute episode. HSV-7 screened this episode as a special while the series was in recess.
Denny Connell, a member of Gordon Haynes' pop group, dies of a massive heroin overdose on arrival at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport. Haynes is a 30-year-old pop star whose career has been a succession of hits and crashes. He has been written off many times but has come back - only to crash again. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that Connell was murdered, and many motives and suspects emerge. Inspector Lawson goes to London to investigate further, where he liases with Inspector Scofield of Scotland Yard. A few twists are in store before the Homicide squad finally unravel the solution. Notes: 2 hr. 30 min. movie, originally intended as a standard episode, then as a 90 minute episode. Some scenes were filmed on location in London, England. The original title was 'Paying My Dues To The Blues'. The Homicide title does not appear, nor does the stock opening. This episode won a Sammy Award for Best TV Play (1976), Keith Thompson won a Sammy Award for Best Writer - TV Play (1976), and Igor Auzins won a Sammy Award for Best Direction - TV (1976). First acting role by Jon English; the soundtrack music is from his album 'It's All A Game', and the theme tune of the episode, 'Turn The Page', became a top 40 hit. HSV-7 Melbourne screened this episode as 'Stopover: Australian Movie Special' in the Monday night movie timeslot (Homicide was in recess at the time). ATN-7 Sydney and BTQ-7 Brisbane screened it as a normal part of the Homicide run.
When a wealthy businessman opens an office door, he triggers a booby trap and is killed in the explosion. Police suspect that he was being blackmailed, but investigations reveal that he was actually doing the blackmailing. A search for a mystery man reveals that he doesn't exist, and suspicion falls on a member of the businessman's family.
Con Campbell, leader of the ‘Sharks’ bike gang, and two other bikies force Doug Mason off a quarry edge to his death. Investigations reveal that Mason was a drug pusher, and Campbell's sister died as a result of the use of drugs supplied by Mason.
A murder victim was aware of the identity of his attacker, and there are no signs of a struggle. Det. Sgt. White faces death when the killer takes him hostage.
A picnic in the country for a teenage couple ends in rape and murder. Sgt. White becomes so involved in the case that Insp. Lawson orders him to take time off. But Harry follows the case through, as he is convinced he knows the perpetrator.
A takeover bid by a massage parlour boss leads to the death of a rival in a car explosion. Fearing for her own life and business, parlour manager Kate Holsworth turns to the only cop she can trust - Inspector David Mackay, who returns to the Homicide squad to assist in the investigation. Notes: Features former cast member Leonard Teale reprising his role of Sgt. (now Insp.) David Mackay.
