Connect with us


Australian TV

Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities (Channel 9 2009, Matthew Newton)

Published

on


It’s rough, mean, violent and uncompromising, A Tale of Two Cities takes us right back to the mid 1970′s when Terry Clark (played with great charisma by Matthew Newton, even if his beard is a bit too wispy) arrives in Australia from New Zealand and determines to cut himself a part of the Sydney drug scene; Joining forces with Robert “Aussie Bob” Trimbole (Roy Billing) he is instrumental in the scene moving away from pot to the harder heroin. Whilst in Melbourne stand over men Les and Brian Kane are none too pleased to see their profitable “business” going sour thanks to the sudden influx of hard drugs. Playing along side this is the corruption that was rife in the police force in the 1970′s.

This prequel to the huge hit that was Underbelly shapes up to be even better, its hard to watch at times and it certainly doesn’t pull its punches. The fact that it is all based on real events makes it even more astounding. Matthew Newton is surprisingly powerful as Terry Clark and there are lots of well known faces in the cast getting the dodgy hair and kipper tie treatment, not least peter O’Brien as casino owner George Freeman who with his flyaway white hair looks like an evangelical preacher.

Number 2 in the Underbelly series, this covers the years 1976 through to 1987. See also Underbelly Razor.

production details
Australia / Channel 9 / 13×60 minute episodes / Broadcast 9 February – 4 May 2009

Advertisement

Executive Producers: Des Monaghan, Jo Horsburgh

cast
MATTHEW NEWTON as Terry Clark
PETER O’BRIEN as George Freeman
ROY BILLING as Robert Trimbole
ANNA HUTCHINSON as Allison Dine
KATE RITCHIE as Judi Kane
ASHER KEDDIE as Senior Detective Liz Cruickshank
PETER PHELPS as Detective Inspector Joe Messina
ANDREW McFARLANE as Donald Mackay
DIANE CRAIG as Barbara Mackay
DUSTIN CLARE as Christopher Dale Flannery
CON MELANITIS as Alphonse Gangitano
TIM McCUNN as Brian Kane
MARTIN DINGLE WALL as Les Kane
JOHN WOOD as Murray Farquhar
DIETER BRUMMER as Trevor
ELIZA SZONART as Trisha Kane
MATTHEW PASSMORE as Detective Warwick Mobbs
DAMON GAMEAU as Andy Maher
Narrated by CAROLINE CRAIG

THE EPISODES 9 February – 4 May 2009
1. AUSSIE BOB AND KIWI TERRY (9 Feb 2009)
2. BAD HABITS (9 Feb 2009)
3. BRAVE NEW WORLD (16 Feb 2009)
4. BUSINESS AS USUAL (23 Feb 2009)
5. A TALE OF TWO HITMEN (2 Mar 2009)
6. STRANDED (9 Mar 2009)
7. A NICE LITTLE EARNER (16 Mar 2009)
8. DIAMONDS (23 Mar 2009)
9. JUDAS KISS (30 Mar 2009)
10. THE RECKONING (20 Apr 2009)
11. THE BROTHERHOOD (20 Apr 2009)
12. O LUCKY MAN (27 Apr 2009)
13. THE LOVED ONES (4 May 2009)

Episodes 1 and 2 were both shown consecutively on the same evening and episodes 10 and 11 were also both shown consecutively on the same evening, the series returned at that point from a four week break.

Advertisement

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

HBO News HBO News
News1 min ago

Jerrod Carmichael: Reality Show, April 26, 2024, HBO, “Jamar”

In the latest episode of Jerrod Carmichael: Reality Show, titled “Jamar,” the focus shifts to Carmichael’s friend and fellow stand-up...

Gold Rush: White Water Gold Rush: White Water
News2 mins ago

Gold Rush: White Water, April 26, 2024, Discovery Channel, “$70,000 Nugget”

In this action-packed episode of Gold Rush: White Water, the miners face mounting pressure as winter approaches and bedrock remains...

The UnXplained Special Presentation The UnXplained Special Presentation
News5 mins ago

The UnXplained, April 26, 2024, History Channel, “Secrets of Ancient Civilizations”

The latest episode of The UnXplained looks into the mysteries of ancient civilizations, exploring why empires like the Maya and...

Great Performances Great Performances
News6 mins ago

Great Performances, April 26, 2024, PBS, “Now Hear This: Old Friends”

The upcoming episode of Great Performances explores the journey from virtuosos to maestros in the world of classical music. Host...

America's Backyard Gold America's Backyard Gold
News7 mins ago

America’s Backyard Gold, April 26, 2024, Discovery Channel, “Rocky Mountain Nugget Fever”

In this episode of America’s Backyard Gold, host Dave Turin journeys to the former Idaho Territory, encompassing Idaho and Montana,...

The Barnes Bunch The Barnes Bunch
News15 mins ago

The Barnes Bunch, April 26, 2024, WE tv, “Co-Parenting, Co-Problems”

In this episode of The Barnes Bunch, airing on HGTV on Friday April 26, Matt Barnes juggles his growing business...

News16 mins ago

Fire Country, April 26, 2024, CBS, “A Hail Mary”

In the upcoming episode of Fire Country, titled “A Hail Mary,” the Three Rock camp faces an uncertain future as...

SWAT SWAT
News24 mins ago

S.W.A.T., April 26, 2024, CBS, “SNAFU”

In the latest episode of the action-packed series S.W.A.T., the team faces a challenging situation as they hunt for a...

Late Night Lycett Late Night Lycett
News13 hours ago

Late Night Lycett, Friday April 26, 2024, Channel 4

The third installment of ‘Late Night Lycett,’ airing on Channel 4 on Friday 26 April, offers up an entertaining mix...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News23 hours ago

GPs: Treating Rural Britain Series Premiere, 25 April 2024, More4

The brand-new series GPs: Treating Rural Britain offers viewers an intimate insight into the lives of rural GPs across the...

ITVX's The Twelve - Sam Neill Talks ITVX's The Twelve - Sam Neill Talks
News23 hours ago

The Twelve Episode 7, 25 April 2024, ITV1

The seventh episode of The Twelve continues the gripping courtroom drama, focusing on the trial of Kate Lawson, who stands...

ITV ITV
News23 hours ago

Instagram’s Worst Con Artist, 25 April 2024, ITV1

Instagram’s Worst Con Artist, airing on ITV1 on Thursday 25 April, tells the story of Belle Gibson, a social influencer...

ITV ITV
News23 hours ago

Tonight – Food Costs: Can You Spend Less?, 25 April 2024, ITV1

Food inflation in the UK has been a pressing issue for consumers, with prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages rising...

Bargain Loving Brits Bargain Loving Brits
News23 hours ago

Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun, 25 April 2024, Channel 5

In this episode of Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun, airing on Thursday 25 April on Channel 5, viewers are taken...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News23 hours ago

The Hotel Inspector, 25 April 2024, Channel 5, “The Royal George”

The Hotel Inspector, hosted by celebrated hotelier and businesswoman Alex Polizzi, returns for its nineteenth series, offering guidance to struggling...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News24 hours ago

Reuben: Life in the Dales Series Premiere, 25 April 2024, Channel 5

The documentary series Reuben: Life in the Dales premieres on Channel 5 on Thursday, 25 April 2024, at 8:00 pm....

Popular