Distributor:
Umbrella Ent Certificate: M15+
| 270 minutes |all
region pal format Available to buy Writer:Philip
Cornford Directors: Mark Joffe, Marcus Cole Extras: Yes Reviewer: Danny
ANYONE
IN IT WE KNOW?
John
Bach, Catherine Wilkin, Bruno Lawrence, Gary Day, Gary Sweet, Candy
Raymond, Rebecca Gibney, Ray Meagher
WHAT’S
IT ABOUT THEN?
On
21st April 1976
a gang of gunmen held up more
than 50 members of
Melbourne
’s Victoria Turf Club, the
audacious heist left the police
with not a single clue but
recriminations and rivalry
threatens to bring the gang
down… Mike Power (John Bach)
who led the robbery had been in
Prison in
England
when he learns of the way the
Turf Club operates and after
getting out on parole returns
home to put his team together.
SO
IS IT ANY GOOD?
The
Great Bookie Robbery which dates from the mid 80’s is one of those
Australian drama’s that has lived long in peoples memories and based
on a real life event that took place at Melbourne’s Victorian Turf
Club. The gritty feel of the serial makes it hyper realistic, similar in
style to UK productions like Widows or Out, there’s a rawness to the
production that was a great antidote to all the glossy shows that were
being made then, it’s pretty gruesome at times too, notably when
things start to get a little out of hand after the robbery and the gang
find themselves targeted by mobsters The Templer Brothers which leads to
death and execution and an outcome
which
is surprisingly downbeat. The cast, which includes a pre Home and Away
Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), is fantastic, John Bach as gang ring leader
Mike Power is a very strong presence but there are also fine
performances from a young Gary Sweet, the ever reliable Gary Day and
even Rebecca Gibney. The 1980’s saw a major explosion in the fortunes
of the Australian mini-series that was felt all over the world and
whilst The Great Bookie Robbery probably didn’t conform to the typical
costume drama epic it is easily the equal of any number of Town Like
Alice’s or Sara Danes. Superb stuff.
ANY
SPECIAL FEATURES?
The extras feature a news report of the
actual robbery as well as an audio commentary from directors Mark Joffe,
Marcus Cole and actor Andy Anderson. There are also trailers for other
Umbrella titles.
TRIVIA
The
Great Bookie Robbery picked up AFI awards for best mini series and best
director.
