The Great Bookie Robbery

The Great Bookie Robbery is a 1986 Australian mini series about a 1976 crime known as the Great Bookie Robbery.[1] It aired over three consecutive nights from the 15th to 17 September.

The Great Bookie Robbery
Written byPhilip Cornford
Directed byMarcus Cole
Mark Joffe
StarringJohn Bach
Catherine Wilkin
Gary Day
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes3
Production
ProducerIan Bradley
CinematographyEllery Ryan
Running time6 hours
Original release
NetworkNine Network
Release15 September (1986-09-15) –
17 September 1986 (1986-09-17)

Plot

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Cast

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Reception

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The series got modest ratings figures but won its timeslot over the three nights, peaking at 22, 21 and 20 respectively.[2] The series won best mini-series and best direction at the 1987 AFI Awards.[3]

Anthony Dennis of The Sydney Morning Herald wrote a mixed review stating "It is smartlymade with spotless acting, the mandatory gratuitous violence (done with a degree of style), and a thoughtful use of the mundane urban locations. However, it does lack the intrigue involved in the planning of the crime. There's a feeling that reading press clippings from the day is more compelling than watching the series."[4] Richard Coleman also of The Sydney Morning Herald gave it a positive review concluding "We've seen some excellent cop shows this year in Widows and Edge of Darkness. The Great Bookie Robbery was in the same class."[5]

Awards

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References

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  1. ^ Morris, Joan (5 April 1986), "Bright light for a perfect crime", The Canberra Times
  2. ^ Watson, Bronwyn (26 September 1986), "The bookies' loss is Channel 9's gain", The Sydney Morning Herald
  3. ^ Byrnes, Paul (10 October 1987), "Teenage love sweeps AFI Awards", The Sydney Morning Herald
  4. ^ Dennis, Anthony (15 September 1986), "The sweetest of foul deeds - The great bookie robbery", The Sydney Morning Herald
  5. ^ Coleman, Richard (20 September 1986), "Real cops and robbers speak in monosyllables, eschew car chases.", The Sydney Morning Herald
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