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Blue Murder (miniseries)

From Alfawiki
Blue Murder
Company typeMiniseries
IndustryTelevision
Founded1995
Headquarters
Australia
ProductsTelevision drama

Blue Murder is a two-part Australian crime drama miniseries produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1995, inspired by actual events.

Set against the backdrop of 1970s and 1980s Sydney, the narrative delves into the complex dynamic between the contentious ex-detective Roger "the Dodger" Rogerson and the infamous criminal Arthur "Neddy" Smith. Allegations arose that Rogerson and his associates permitted Smith to engage in criminal activities without interference. The tension intensifies when Rogerson commissions hitman Chris "Mr. Rent-a-Kill" Flannery to assassinate Police Officer Michael Drury. The storyline also portrays the killing of the prostitute Sallie-Anne Huckstepp.

The series is narrated from the perspectives of Rogerson, Smith, and Drury, exposing claims of corruption within the NSW Police Force during that period. It attracted significant attention amid the Wood Royal Commission investigating police misconduct, with Rogerson and Smith becoming notorious figures.

Ian David authored the screenplay after thorough research. Direction was by Michael Jenkins, and production was managed by Rod Allan under Southern Star for ABC.

Plot

Blue Murder consists of two episodes, each lasting 90 minutes and segmented into three chapters, each told through the viewpoint of one of the principal characters: Neddy Smith, Michael Drury, and Roger Rogerson.

Episode one

"Green Light" (Narrated by Neddy Smith)

Following an unsuccessful payroll heist, career offender Arthur "Neddy" Smith (portrayed by Tony Martin) is apprehended by the NSW Police and subjected to harsh interrogation by Detective Sergeant Roger Rogerson (Richard Roxburgh). Smith declines to admit guilt and is released on condition he operates under Rogerson’s protection for payment.

Initially working as a bodyguard for a heroin trafficker, Smith eventually establishes his own narcotics enterprise. When his associate Warren Lanfranchi (Alex Dimitriades) steals from a dealer connected to Rogerson, a pursuit ensues. Lanfranchi seeks refuge and requests Smith’s intervention. Rogerson insists Lanfranchi face repercussions, referencing a previous incident where Lanfranchi brandished a firearm at police. Smith convinces Lanfranchi to attend a public meeting with assurances of only verbal discipline; however, Rogerson fatally shoots Lanfranchi.

At the inquest, Rogerson asserts self-defense, but Lanfranchi’s partner Sallie-Anne Huckstepp (Loene Carmen) publicly accuses him of premeditated murder. To deflect suspicion, Rogerson persuades Smith to testify that Lanfranchi was not disarmed before the shooting. Although hesitant, Smith complies; Rogerson is exonerated. In return, Rogerson grants Smith a "green light" to operate criminally in Sydney with police immunity and occasional support, while also obliging Smith to carry out hits for Rogerson’s faction.

"Hitting a Blue" (Narrated by Michael Drury)

Undercover officer Michael Drury (Steve Bastoni) receives intelligence about Melbourne-based drug dealer Alan Williams (Marcus Graham) possessing substantial heroin quantities. Posing as a purchaser, Drury travels to Melbourne aiming to apprehend Williams. When police intervene prematurely, Williams escapes but is later detained following Drury’s identification.

Back in Sydney, Drury understands that securing prosecution hinges on his testimony in open court. Rogerson offers him $25,000 to alter his statement; Drury declines and warns of an ongoing Australian Federal Police investigation into NSW police corruption.

Following the discovery of Drury’s informant dead, he grows increasingly concerned for his own safety.

"Brotherhood" (Narrated by Roger Rogerson)

After the shooting of Lanfranchi, Rogerson's reputation suffers and he is transferred to a desk position in Darlinghurst. Feeling marginalized, he strengthens connections with criminals such as hitman Chris Flannery (Gary Sweet), an associate of Williams. Williams is determined to avoid imprisonment at any cost and aims to eliminate Drury.

After one of Williams' associates is killed, Drury reiterates his refusal to modify testimony. Flannery proposes assassinating Drury with assistance from Rogerson. Williams consents to pay both Flannery and Rogerson $50,000 each for the contract. Despite warnings from Neddy Smith, Rogerson proceeds with the plan. Flannery shoots Drury through his kitchen window during nighttime.

Episode two

'"Black Angus" (Narrated by Michael Drury)

Drury is shot twice in the torso by Flannery but manages to stay conscious long enough to contact emergency services and undergo surgical treatment. Detective Superintendent "Black" Angus Macdonald (Bill Hunter), a trusted associate of Roger Rogerson, leads the inquiry. Drury accuses Rogerson of attempting to bribe him in relation to the Alan Williams case, a claim supported by officer Lewis Roussos (Bogdan Koca). Macdonald obstructs any questioning of Rogerson and exerts pressure on Drury during his interrogation.

Although Drury persists with his allegations, Macdonald publicly defends Rogerson and even invites him to an official police banquet. Following the Director of Public Prosecutions’ determination that there is enough evidence, the police commissioner (Bruce Barry) instructs Macdonald to formally charge Rogerson. Consequently, Rogerson faces charges of attempted bribery and is suspended from duty.

'"The Dodger" (Narrated by Roger Rogerson)

To weaken the prosecution's case, Macdonald promotes Lewis Roussos, influencing him to retract his earlier testimony. Investigator Bruce Kerrison (Dennis Miller) follows new investigative leads. Meanwhile, Chris Flannery becomes entangled in a violent mob conflict marked by public shootings. Worried that Flannery might expose the Drury shooting, Rogerson discovers that Flannery boasted about it to associates including Tony Eustace (Marshall Napier), who subsequently informs Kerrison. After Flannery murders Eustace, Rogerson orchestrates a hit on Flannery, disguising it as mob vengeance. Flannery is ultimately killed.

Rogerson’s defense lawyer Chester Porter QC (John Hargreaves) recommends discrediting Drury by emphasizing his undercover expertise in deception. This approach results in Rogerson’s acquittal. Nevertheless, Alan Williams later confesses his role in the shooting to Kerrison, triggering ongoing federal investigations targeting Rogerson.

'"Two Dogs" (Narrated by Neddy Smith)

As incriminating evidence accumulates, many of Rogerson’s associates distance themselves from him; however, Neddy Smith remains steadfastly loyal. After Sallie-Anne Huckstepp obtains recordings implicating members of the NSW Police, Smith murders her to prevent the evidence from surfacing.

Rogerson appears on television with Ray Martin on Willesee, publicly exposing Smith as an informant—significantly damaging Smith’s standing. Following an assassination attempt on Smith’s life, he suspects Rogerson but reconciles with him despite criticism regarding previous incidents including the Lanfranchi and Drury shootings. They continue collaborating amid heavy alcohol use and antisocial conduct.

Rogerson is eventually dismissed from NSW Police and faces federal charges for white-collar offenses. Without Rogerson’s protection, Smith loses privileges and becomes involved in a fatal traffic confrontation. Rogerson convinces Smith to surrender quietly, cautioning him to maintain silence about their past dealings. Accepting that attempts on his life were part of their dangerous lifestyle, Smith complies.

"Epilogue"

Title cards disclose that Alan Williams was sentenced to 14 years for conspiracy to murder Drury; Roger Rogerson was convicted of perverting justice related to a fraudulent bank account but acquitted of conspiracy to murder Drury despite Williams’ testimony; Neddy Smith received an indeterminate life sentence for multiple homicides until his death in 2021. Updated epilogues note Michael Drury retired in 2000 and that Huckstepp’s murder remains unresolved following Smith’s acquittal.

Cast

* Archival footage of Ray Martin was obtained from his interviews with Sallie-Anne Huckstepp on 60 Minutes in 1981 and with Roger Rogerson on Willesee in 1986.

Production

The production approach reflected the style seen in Jenkins' previous work, Scales of Justice, utilizing multiple handheld cameras and partially improvised dialogue. These methods were later refined during the making of Wildside. The musical score was composed by Australian screen composer John Gray.

Classification

Owing to its intense subject matter, the DVD edition was rated MA 15+. Broadcast in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory was postponed until 2001 due to an injunction linked to Arthur "Neddy" Smith's appeal. In New Zealand, the DVD received an R 18+ rating because of explicit violence and strong language.

Home media

Title Format Ep # Discs Region 4 (Australia) Special Features Distributors
Blue Murder (Complete Collection) DVD 2 1 2001 None Reel Corporation
Blue Murder (Ultimate Edition) DVD 2 3 2 April 2009 Audio Commentary

The Making of Blue Murder

Editing Blue Murder

Photo Gallery

Reel DVD
Blue Murder (Complete Collection) DVD 2 3 4 August 2021 Audio Commentary

The Making of Blue Murder

Editing Blue Murder

Photo Gallery

Via Vision Entertainment

Awards and nominations

Award Category Recipient Outcome
1996 Logie Awards Most Outstanding Actor Richard Roxburgh Won
Most Outstanding Achievement in Drama Production Blue Murder Won
1996 AFI Awards Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Television Drama Tony Martin Won
Richard Roxburgh Nominated
Best Screenplay in Television Ian David Won
Best Direction in a Television Drama Michael Jenkins Won
Best Telefeature, Mini Series or Short Run Series Rod Allan Won
Best Music for a Mini Series John Gray Nominated

Sequel

The miniseries sequel, Blue Murder: Killer Cop, was broadcast on the Seven Network in August 2017, with Richard Roxburgh and Tony Martin returning to portray Rogerson and Smith respectively.

External links

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