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Division 4

From Alfawiki
Division 4
Company typeTelevision series
IndustryTelevision
Founded1969
Defunct1975
FateCancelled after lead actor departure
Headquarters
Australia
Area served
Australia
ProductsTelevision crime drama series
ParentCrawford Productions

Division 4 is an Australian television crime drama series produced by Crawford Productions that aired on the Nine Network between 1969 and 1975, totaling 301 episodes.

Synopsis

Building on the popularity of Crawford Productions' prior series Homicide, Division 4 portrayed a variety of police investigations set in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Yarra Central, which was inspired by St Kilda and incorporated aspects of Port Melbourne and South Melbourne. The show placed greater emphasis on authenticity and complex character development than its predecessor.

The central figure, Frank Banner (portrayed by Gerard Kennedy), encountered significant personal struggles linked to his professional life, including the tragic death of his pregnant wife Joy due to criminal intimidation. This narrative thread appeared in the early episodes, underscoring how Banner’s demanding career affected his private life and relationships.

Awards

Throughout its run, the series earned 10 Logie Awards, notably including two Gold Logies awarded to Gerard Kennedy for his role as Frank Banner.

It also garnered praise from critics, receiving multiple AWGIE Awards and Penguin Awards recognizing its writing and performances. In 1972, Frank Taylor was honored with the Penguin Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series.

After Kennedy left the show, the Nine Network opted to cancel it; only a single episode featured his successor John Stanton.

Theme music

The series’ opening theme, Power Drive, composed in 1967 by Johnny Pearson, was presented in several arrangements during the show's duration.

This composition was later sampled by TISM in their 1998 track Thunderbirds Are Coming Out.

Regular cast

Actor Role Character
Gerard Kennedy Sen. Det./Det. Sgt. Frank Banner Promoted following changes within Victoria Police ranks, Banner is a determined and principled detective shaped by personal loss. He maintains respect for but occasionally disagrees with his superior Sergeant Vickers. Ultimately, Banner marries an old acquaintance and leaves the force to pursue a less hazardous career.
Chuck Faulkner Det. Sgt./Det. Snr. Sgt. Keith Vickers Commander of Yarra Central CIB, married with two sons. He is often serious yet displays dry wit and sometimes experiences conflict with his son over Vietnam War demonstrations.
Terence Donovan Sen. Det. Mick Peters The station’s third plainclothes officer characterized by a relaxed demeanor and charm with women. Occasionally reprimanded by Vickers for humorous conduct.
Frank Taylor Sgt. Andrew "Scotty" MacLeod Leader of the Uniform Branch, originally from Scotland; meticulous and family-focused. His duties primarily involve station work, allowing flexible filming schedules.
Ted Hamilton Const. Kevin Dwyer Ambitious officer keen on joining CIB; dismissed during filming in 1973 due to contract issues. The character exited through transfer to detective training.
Patricia Smith WPC Margaret Stewart A conservative yet reform-driven officer who respects Banner; often appeared in limited roles due to commuting constraints and resigns upon marriage.
Andrew McFarlane Constable Roger Wilson Introduced as a rookie who evolves into a capable policeman; this role propelled him to further success in The Sullivans. Later transferred to a rural posting.
Clive Davies Constable Bob Parry Recurring role appearing in 48 episodes from 1974 to 1975 after debuting as a guest.
John Hannan Constable Paul Gray Recurring from 1975 with major plot involvement; featured in 36 episodes during the final season.
Rowena Wallace WPC Jane Bell New recruit appearing in ten late-series episodes; focused on interviewing female suspects and providing counseling.
John Stanton Det. Tom Morgan Took over from Banner in the final episode after Kennedy’s departure; the series was discontinued soon after.

Additional prominent cast

Director Nadia Tass made her acting debut at the age of 14 with an appearance in Division 4.

Home media releases

By February 2017, a total of twelve DVD collections encompassing nearly the entire series (with the exception of the partial episode 102A titled "Conspiracy") had been made available through Crawfords/WinTV.

Title Episode Numbers Number of Discs Region 4 (Australia) Bonus Content Distributor
Division 4 (Volume 1) Season 1, Episodes 1-26 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 2) Season 1, Episodes 27-37; Season 2, Episodes 1-16 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 3) Season 2, Episodes 17-43 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 4) Season 2, Episodes 44-50; Season 3, Episodes 1-19 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 5) Season 3, Episodes 20-36; Season 4, Episodes 1-9 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 6) Season 4, Episodes 10-36 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 7) Season 4, Episodes 37-38; Season 5, Episodes 1-24 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 8) Season 5, Episodes 25-51 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 9) Season 6, Episodes 1-26 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 10) Season 6, Episodes 27-48 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 11) Season 7, Episodes 1-26 7 To be announced Crawford Productions
Division 4 (Volume 12 - Final Volume) Season 7, Episodes 27-41 7 Trailers included Crawford Productions

External resources

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