E P I S O D E    G U I D E S   

Australia / Network 7-Fauna / 26x60m-e / 1972-73 Season One: 27 July - 9 November 1972 / Season Two: 22 January - 30 April 1973

Books: Arthur Upfield / Script Editor: Eric Paice / Producer: John McCallum / Executive Producers: Bob Austin, Lee Robinson

Crime drama series. The cases of Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, part aboriginal, part white carrying out his investigations throughout Australia. The show created a bit of a stir through its use of blacking up the lead actor to play the half-caste Boney. See below for the 1990 revival. In TV Week 14 August 1971 James Laurenson said of the problems that him (as a white man) playing Boney may cause "Boney is pretty fair, with blue eyes, He's travelled a lot and had a university education, white people in the city rarely pick him as having aboriginal blood, but when he is in the bush the Aboriginals and the bushmen can pick him." 

With:- JAMES LAURENSON as Detective Inspector Napoleon 'Boney' Bonaparte / KATE FITZPATRICK as Constable Alice McGorr (season 2)

AWARDS:
1972.....Logie: James Laurenson - Best Individual Acting Performance for ep. 3 'Boney Meets The Daybreak Killer'.
1972.....Logie: Frank Hardy - Best Scriptwriter for ep. 3 'Boney Meets The Daybreak Killer'.
1972.....Penguin: James Laurenson - Leading Talent In Drama.

The guide below is based on the original production filmed order.

SERIES 1
1. BONEY IN VENOM HOUSE
Mary Answerth.....Honor Blackman
Jim Blaze.....George Assang
Janet Answerth.....Wendy Blacklock
Mrs. Leeper.....Sheila Helpmann
Morris Answerth.....Max Phipps
Sgt. Mawson.....Bill Ayres
Undertaker.....Charles Moody
Script.....Tony Morphett
Director.....Peter Maxwell

Synopsis: On the track of a murderer, Boney comes to a gloomy old family home, long since cursed by Aboriginals. He finds two sisters twisted by jealousy and hate, a psychiatric nurse acting as housekeeper and, locked upstairs, a powerful man with the brain of a child. Notes: Based on the novel 'Venom House'. Filmed in New South Wales.
Airdate:.....17/8/72

2. BONEY AND THE WHITE SAVAGE
Luke Miller.....Don Pascoe
Const. Peter Lloyd.....John Waters
Sen. Const. Sassoon.....Ben Gabriel
Jeff Rutter.....Edward Ogden
Brigitta Rutter.....Brigette Kollecker
Martin Miller.....Michael Long
Elizabeth Rutter.....Helen Lindsay
Helen Miller.....Joan Winchester
Script.....Eric Paice
Director.....Peter Maxwell

Synopsis: A young rapist escapes from prison and returns to the rugged mountain area near his home, and the scene of the crime, seeking
refuge. Boney strikes fresh trouble when the rape victim tries to protect her attacker. 
Notes: Based on the novel 'Bony And The White
Savage'. Filmed at Wilpena Pound, South Australia.
Airdate:.....26/10/72

3. BONEY MEETS THE DAYBREAK KILLER
Kat Loader.....Rowena Wallace
Joy Loader.....Sue Lloyd
'Melody' Sam Loader.....Noel Ferrier
Jim Thursley.....Peter Gwynne
Tony Carr.....Danny Adcock
Const. Harry Harmon.....Tony Wager
Alec Bryce.....Don Barker
Esther Harmon.....Jessica Noad
Abie.....Maurie Ryan
Dan Roberts.....Alan Walden
Script.....Frank Hardy
Director.....Eric Fullilove

Synopsis: The murder of two girls in the outback 
town of Daybreak has baffled local police. Boney
arrives to work on the case under cover as a
horse breaker. 
Notes: Frank Hardy won a Logie award for Best Scriptwriter (1972), and James Laurenson won a
Logie award for Best Individual Acting Performance (1972) for this episode. Based on the novel 'Bony And The Mouse'. Filmed in South Australia.
Airdate:.....3/8/72

4. BONEY BUYS A COFFIN
Frank Abbott.....Rod Mullinar
Dick Lake.....Serge Lazareff
Jenny Wessex.....Bernadette Hughson
Penwarden.....Noel Brophy
Candy Barr.....Hazel Phillips
Ed Wessex.....Edward Ogden
Sgt. Stacey.....John Trenaman
Mrs. Wessex.....Lynne Murphy
Barmaid.....Doreen Warburton
Jeweller.....Louis Wishart
Script.....Joy Cavill
Director.....Peter Maxwell
Synopsis: An unidentified body is found near a
small fishing town, which is linked to the
disappearance of a Vietnam serviceman. A stray
dog leads Boney to vital clues that help solve a
case of murder and drug addiction.
Notes: Based on the novel 'The Clue Of The New
Shoe'. Filmed in Sydney.
Airdate:.....31/8/72

5. BONEY AND THE PAYBACK KILLER
Pauline Seabrook.....Tina Cornioley
Walsh.....Slim de Grey
David Ooldea.....David Gulpilil
Lenny Allen.....Lex Mitchell
Harold Morgan.....Brian James
Mrs. Larkins.....June Salter
Bazza Davis.....Gerry Duggan
Sullivan.....Alfred Sandor
Rogers.....Bryan Niland
Sergeant.....Gordon Piper
Goddard.....Alan Tilbern
Mick.....Kevin Leslie
Van driver.....Jack Allan
Detton.....Goff Vockler
Harry.....Eric Bush
Warder.....Colin Hughes
Script.....Arthur Young
Director.....Eric Fullilove
Synopsis: An Aboriginal boxer is released from
prison after the killing tribal brother. He maintains
he was innocent and sets out to serve aboriginal
justice on the real killer.
Notes: Filmed in Sydney. Not directly based on
a novel.
Airdate:.....7/9/72

6. BONEY AND THE REAPER
Susan Jelly.....Elli Maclure
Mike Taylor.....Ron Graham
Jane Loftus.....Googie Withers
Leonard Jelly.....Ron Haddrick
Constable Wyatt.....Barry Donnelly
Stokes.....John McCallum
Christos.....Charles Thorn
Crovic.....Terry Matthews
George Loftus.....Peter Pointon
Bradley.....John Brakenridge
Script.....Bob Ellis
Director.....Peter Maxwell
Synopsis: A large reaping machine pushes
George Loftus' car into the path of a train. Boney
has many suspects, and soon uncovers a
connection to a murder in Rabul.
Notes: Based on the novel 'Mr. Jelly's Business'.
Filmed at Narridy, near Port Pirie, South
Australia.
Airdate:.....10/8/72

7. BONEY AND THE CLAYPAN MYSTERY
Kathy Markham.....Judy Morris
Bill Nettlefold.....Tony Ward
Jim Oliver.....Terry McDermott
Sgt. Cox.....Brian Wenzel
Mary Kane.....Daphne Grey
Dr. Knowles.....Tony Bazell
Liz Nettlefold.....Patricia Leehy
Ned.....Frank Hind
Shuteye.....Jacob Roberts
Medicine man.....Lively Palyinka
Script.....Ted Roberts
Director.....Peter Maxwell
Synopsis: A light aircraft is found in Central
Australia. Unconscious in the passenger seat is
a young woman, paralysed by drugs, with no sign
of a pilot or any tracks in the vicinity. Boney
investigates, only to be confronted by a second
attempt at killing the girl.
Notes: Based on the novel 'Wings Above The
Diamantina'. Filmed in Central Australia.
Airdate:.....27/7/72 (Premiere)

8. BONEY PICKS A WIDOW
Insp. Douglas Waters.....Ken Goodlet
Sgt. Sawtell.....Graham Rouse
Harry Jones.....Bindi Williams
Aubrey Rose.....Don Reid
Alec Dickinson.....Fred Betts
Mary Sayers.....Jacqueline Kott
Sen. Const. Johnson.....Reg Gillam
Mike Lewis.....Tony Allyn
Cooney.....Don Walker
Lynn Eltham.....Leila Blake
Script.....Ted Willis
Director.....Eric Fullilove
Synopsis: Two widows have been murdered in
Broken Bay, a small coastal town. Boney sets a
trap for the killer using human bait - the widow he
believes will be the next victim.
Notes: Based on the novel 'The Widows Of
Broome'. Filmed in New South Wales.
Airdate:.....14/9/72

9. BONEY AND THE BLACK VIRGIN
Lottee Jack.....Kirrily Nolan
Robin Pointer.....Arna-Maria Winchester
Fritz Romer.....Tom Farley
Sgt. Mawby.....Peter Aanensen
Tonto.....David Gulpilil
Eric Romer.....Rudiger Bahr
Nuggety Jack.....Eli Rebunja
Script.....Peter Yeldham
Director.....Eric Fullilove
Synopsis: Investigating the strange death of an
escaped convict, Boney discovers the prime
suspect has also been murdered. He finds the
key to the mystery in a weird love triangle.
Notes: Based on the novel 'Bony And The Black
Virgin'. Filmed in Central Australia.
Airdate:.....21/9/72

10. BONEY AND THE MONSTER
Needle Kent.....Willie Fennell
Bill Newton.....Owen Weingott
Lively Early.....Ken Goodlet
Clare Joyce.....Gerda Nicolson
Const. Barnard.....Roger Ward
Jack Levvey.....Terence Cooper
Mary.....Ann Peters
Harris.....Johnnie Brumby
Maidstone.....Barry Thomas
Script.....Bruce Stewart
Director.....Eric Fullilove
Synopsis: Aborigines in the heart of the
Australian outback plan a ritual killing with Boney
as the intended victim when he investigates the
mysterious death of a geologist. The aborigines
say the geologist has been trampled by the
'monster of Alice Gap', protector of their sacred
burial ground. Investigations lead Boney on the
track of a cattle stealing operation.
Notes: Based on the novel 'The Lake Frome
Monster'. Filmed in Central Australia

11. BONEY TAKES A HOLIDAY
Isobel Matthews.....Jeanie Drynan
Jim Simpson.....John Bonney
Glen Shannon.....Max Cullen
Elaine Simpson.....Jill Forster
Frank Hedges.....Keith Lee
Ed Simpson.....Buster Fiddess
Bob Reynolds.....Digby Thomas
South American.....Kevin Rasheed
Script.....Tony Morphett
Director.....Eric Fullilove
Synopsis: A veterinary student and a customs
agent disappear in the Flinders Ranges. Boney
finds himself plunged into a strange case of
murder and the illegal export of Merino rams.
Notes: Based on the novel 'The Mountains Have
A Secret'. Filmed at Wilpena Pound, South
Australia. Last television role by Buster Fiddess.
Airdate:.....5/10/72

12. BONEY BUYS A WOMAN
Meena.....Kerry Maguire
Arnie Bray.....Reg Gorman
Alistair Bell.....John McCallum
Harry Lawton.....Peter Whittle
Bill Hart.....Joe Dalrymple
Yorky.....Les Foxcroft
Const. Pierce.....Murray George
Charlie.....Geoffrey Liddle
Linda.....Melissa Robinson
Dancer.....David Gulpilil
Script.....Joy Cavill
Director.....Peter Maxwell
Synopsis: In the baffling mystery of a murdered
white woman and her abducted daughter, Boney
seeks clues among a tribe of Aboriginals. To
spring his trap on the murderer, he must buy the
beautiful Meena from her tribal chief.
Notes: Based on the novel 'Bony Buys A
Woman'. Filmed in Central Australia. The
corroboree scenes on the series credits are taken
from this episode.
Airdate:.....12/10/72

13. BONEY AND THE BLACK OPAL
Sgt. Peter Irwin.....Nick Tate
Kim Breen.....Sandra Lee Patterson
Ezra Breen.....John Gray
Sam Laidlaw.....Hedley Cullen
Phil Scott.....Dean Corson
German Joe.....Dennis Hadden
Frankie Neal.....Maurie Ryan
Charlie.....Ken Wayne
Don Breen.....Michael Davis
Menburra.....Dennis Williams
Paddie.....Tarzan O'Reilly
Script.....Ted Willis
Director.....Peter Maxwell
Synopsis: A policeman is found murdered on a
road in the rugged MacDonnell Ranges and his
black tracker is missing, also believed dead.
Boney has an ally in a tribe of Aboriginals bent
on revenge.
Notes: Based on the novel 'Cake In The Hat Box'.
Filmed in Central Australia.
Airdate:.....9/11/72

SERIES 2
14. BONEY TELLS A FORTUNE
Sgt. Peter Irwin.....Nick Tate
'Knocker' Harris.....Eddie Hepple
Ben Wickham.....Tom Farley
Link.....Volkert Kraeft
John Lewton.....Nevil Thurgood
Jessica Menzies.....Diana McLean
Chandra Sharma.....Beverley Roberts
Laya.....Nicola Flamer-Caldera
Barry.....Stan Penrose
Receptionist.....Linda Thomas
Script.....Eric Paice
Director.....Ron Way
Synopsis: An astrologer predicts his own death,
but not at the hands of a murderer. Boney
investigates, and soon finds there is more to the
case than meets the eye.
Notes: First Kate Fitzpatrick. Based on the novel
'The Battling Prophet'. Filmed at Port Macquarie,
New South Wales.
Airdate:.....22/1/73

15. BONEY AND THE PAROO BIKEMAN
Jill Madden.....Judy Morris
Sgt. Harvey.....Deryck Barnes
Vic Vickery.....Ken Shorter
Ray Wilson.....Lew Luton
Mrs. Cosgrove.....Anne Haddy
Jacko.....Lex Mitchell
Paroo Bikeman.....Martin Vaughan
Harry.....Jack Allan
Mick.....John Armstrong
Eleanor Wilson.....Alexandra Hynes
Frank.....Patrick McCarville
Dr. McTaggart.....Derek Maguire
Script.....Peter Yeldham
Director.....Ron Way
Synopsis: Boney is suspected of being a trade
union organiser and a black leg labour recruiter
as he probes a double murder amongst bitter
industrial trouble on a sheep station.
Notes: Kate Fitzpatrick does not appear in this
episode. Based on the novel 'Madmans Bend'.
Filmed in New South Wales.
Airdate:.....29/1/73

16. BONEY AND THE STRANGLER
Jack.....Jack Thompson
Martin Borredale.....Kevin Miles
Stella Borredale.....Cornelia Frances
Sgt. Mulray.....Fred Cul Cullen
Nora.....Aileen Britton
Barry Elson.....Alan Becher
Marie.....Carla Hoogeveen
Const. Harris.....Jim Bowles
Terry.....George Whitaker
Script.....Tony Morphett
Director.....Peter Maxwell
Synopsis: Boney investigates the killing of a
pregnant girl in a tropical rain forest. He finds half
a dozen logical suspects, but no tracks leading
to or from the body.
Notes: Based on the novel 'Winds Of Evil'. Filmed
at Port Macquarie, New South Wales.
Airdate:.....5/2/73

17. BONEY AND THE POWDER TRAIL
Marion.....Diane Craig
Jeff Stanton.....Charles 'Bud' Tingwell
Pintubi.....Bindi Williams
Sgt. Colin Harvey.....Deryck Barnes
Kerry.....Gavin Hamilton
John Dash.....John Allen
Rose Ashley.....Diana Davidson
Greene.....Roger Millis
Script.....Tony Morphett
Director.....Peter Maxwell
Synopsis: Boney tracks down a hired killer who
tries to escape across the outback with a young
Aboriginal guide and a bag of highly marketable
heroin.
Notes: Based on the novel 'The Sands Of Windee'. Filmed in New South 
Wales.
Airdate:.....12/2/73

18. BONEY AND THE ALBATROSS
Diana Rockwell.....Olivia Hamnett
Edward Blade.....Redmond Philips
Jack Wilton.....Harold Hopkins
Rockwell.....Ric Hutton
'Flash' Gordon.....Gregory de Polnay
Brian Spencer.....Peter Corbett
Marion Spencer.....Stephanie Russell
Frail.....Gus Mercurio
Dorothy Spencer.....Brenda Senders
Senator Kingsley.....Nemo Else
Script.....Ross Napier
Director.....Peter Maxwell
Synopsis: Boney investigates the disappearance
of a U.S. senator at sea, near a small Australian
coastal town. Boney's investigations reveal that
the senator was murdered in order to protect the
headquarters of an international drug syndicate.
Notes: Based on the novel 'The Mystery Of
Swordfish Reef'. Filmed at Port Macquarie, 
New South Wales.
Airdate:.....19/2/73

19. BONEY AND THE KELLY GANG
Red Kelly.....Jack Thompson
Carol Lund.....Judy Lynne
Barman.....Frank Gallagher
Sgt. Bob Edwards.....Ken Goodlet
Lund.....Alfred Sandor
Brian Kelly.....Kevin Wilson
Dan Conway.....Brian Hinselwood
Mrs. Conway.....Neva Carr-Glyn
Mrs. Lund.....Del Harmon
Patterson.....David Whitford
Script.....Eric Paice
Director.....Ron Way
Synopsis: Boney poses as a bank robber with a
gang of Irish-Australian armed bandits, and leads
them into a trap. The gang wear suits of armour
like Ned Kelly.
Notes: Based on the novel ‘Bony And The Kelly
Gang’. Filmed near Orange, New South Wales.
Airdate:.....26/2/73

20. BONEY HUNTS A MURDERESS
Diana Thompson.....Googie Withers
Mike.....John McCallum
Mrs. Thompson.....Enid Lorimer
Mrs. Wells.....Diana Perryman
Charlie Wells.....Bill Hamilton
Script.....Tony Morphett
Director.....Peter Maxwell
Synopsis: A woman returning to an outback town
after a 10 year jail term for the murder of her
husband becomes an obvious suspect when a
man is murdered on her train.
Notes: Based on the novel 'Man Of Two Tribes'.
Filmed near Wellington, New South Wales.
Airdate:.....5/3/73

21. BONEY AND THE EMU MAN
Sawyer's Ron.....Bruce Spence
Bill Bulford.....Brian Moll
Marlow-Jones.....John Trevor
Mrs. Marlow-Jones.....Rilla Scott
Mrs. Sawyer.....Noeline Brown
Sgt. Hardy.....Mark Kelly
Dean Cross.....Marcus Hale
Mrs. Bulford.....Judith Fisher
Mrs. Coutts.....Maggie Dence
Const. Johnson.....Peter Flett
Script.......Joyce Belfrage
Director.......Frederico Chentrens
Synopsis: Three babies are kidnapped in a small
country town - then a fourth disappears with it's
mother. Boney uncovers a cult based on
Aboriginal lore and legend, as the townspeople
plan to start a new tribe to replace natives
pushed out by civilisation.
Notes: Based on the novel 'Murder Must Wait'.
Filmed in New South Wales.
Airdate:.....30/4/73

22. BONEY AND THE DEVIL'S STEPS
Sally Forest.....Jeanie Drynan
Miss Jade.....Margo Lee
Barrett.....Peter Reynolds
Fred Bisker.....John Morris
Const. Long.....Dennis Grosvenor
Greg Pampino.....John Orcsik
Robert Downes.....Mike Dorsey
Carles Raymond.....Richard Lupino
George Grantley.....Les Berryman
Script.....Joy Cavill
Director.......Ron Way
Synopsis: A famous show business personality
is found murdered at a luxury health farm. Boney
checks in as a guest to investigate, and has to
unravel a complex case involving a change of
leadership in a ruthless international crime
syndicate.
Notes: Based on the novel 'The Devil's Steps'.
Filmed in New South Wales.
Airdate:.....19/3/73

23. BONEY WALKS WITH DEATH
Sgt. Carter.....Gordon Glenwright
Gloria Lacey.....Katie Sheil
Bill.....Harry Lawrence
Sgt. Colin Harvey.....Deryck Barnes
Jim.....Graham Rouse
Norman Lacey.....Ric Hutton
Dr. Paul Henderson.....Bill Riley
Wandin.....Darrel Lake
Miss Packer.....Gwen Plumb
Const. Brian Jackson.....Bruce Kilpatrick
Script.....Eric Paice
Director.......Howard Rubie
Synopsis: A half-caste Aboriginal, bearing a
striking resemblance to Boney and using his
name, is killed when a crop duster engulfs him in
a lethal cloud of insecticide. Dr. Paul Henderson
seems over anxious to protect his fiancee, Gloria
Lacy, the daughter of an outback magistrate.
Gloria had an affair with the murdered man and
has received death threats.
Notes: Based on the novel 'The Bone Is Pointed'.
Filmed in New South Wales.
Airdate:.....26/3/73

24. BONEY AND THE BURIAL TREE
Greg Green.....Serge Lazareff
Bull Johnson.....Bruce Barry
Mary Parker.....Anne Haddy
Frank Pearce.....Alfred Bell
Harry Green.....David Williams
Balinga.....David Gulpilil
Tessa Parker.....Jenee Welsh
Misfit.....Michael Devine
Billy.....Bob Learmonth
Script.......Eric Paice
Director.......John McCallum
Synopsis: A white man is shot and 'buried'
aboriginal style in a tree. Nobody on the outback
property where the body was found will admit
having seen him, although he was watching the
homestead from his camp. Boney has to deal
with a fanatical Army officer out to avenge the
death of his mate, who captures Alice McGorr
and tests Boney's skill and ingenuity to the full.
Notes: Based on the novel 'The Will Of The Tribe'.
Filmed in New South Wales.
Airdate:.....2/4/73

25. BONEY AND THE SILENT ORDER
Julie.....Katy Wild
Bill Craig.....Norman Yemm
Sgt. Peter Fuller.....Peter Sumner
Sam.....Kevin Leslie
Pilot.....Gil Tucker
Sister Theresa.....Sandra MacGregor
Tony.....Scott Lambert
Barman.....Al Kenny
John Allen.....John Keightly
Mother superior.....Gloria Dawn
Synopsis: A light aircraft carrying a large 
payroll
disappears after a forced landing on an
emergency airstrip in the bush. Boney and Alice
McGorr make a startling discovery at a nearby
convent, a 'silent order' where the nuns are not
permitted to speak. Alice risks her life posing as
a nun, while Boney searches the bush for two
kangaroo shooters who prefer human game.
Notes: Final Kate Fitzpatrick. Not directly based on a novel. Filmed in 
New South Wales.
Airdate:.....9/4/73

26. BONEY AND THE BLACK CLANSMAN
Flora McDonald.....Elli Maclure
Colin Campbell.....Gregory Ross
Sgt. Cox.....Brian Wenzel
Donald McDonald.....Brendon Lunney
Elizabeth Campbell.....Ruth Cracknell
McDonald Snr......Max Osbiston
Mit-Ji.....Alan Murray
Hector Campbell.....Alex Nicol
Script.....Ted Roberts
Director.....Barry Davis
Synopsis: While investigating sheep rustling and 
reprisal killings of stockmen in outback sheep
country, Boney finds himself in the middle of a
full scale clan feud between two Australian
outback families who cling stubbornly to the grim
traditions of their Scottish ancestors.
Notes: Based on the novel 'Bushranger Of The
Skies'. Filmed in New South Wales.
Airdate:.....GMV 11/4/73