Halifax f.p.

Halifax f.p.
Company type	Television series
Industry	Television production
Founded	1994
Headquarters	Melbourne, Australia
Products	Television films
Parent	Beyond Simpson Le Mesurier

Halifax f.p. represents an Australian crime drama series that aired on the Nine Network between 1994 and 2002. Featuring Rebecca Gibney in the role of Dr Jane Halifax, a forensic psychiatrist, the narrative centers on investigations where the psychological condition of suspects or victims plays a crucial role, with the storyline set in Melbourne.

The production was managed by Beyond Simpson Le Mesurier and financed through contributions from the Australian Film Finance Corporation alongside Film Victoria. Each installment was allocated an approximate budget of AU$1.3 million. The series comprises 21 individual television films spanning six seasons, each with a duration ranging from 90 to 120 minutes, released intermittently over an eight-year timeframe. It reached audiences in more than 60 nations worldwide. In 2020, a brief continuation titled Halifax: Retribution was broadcast on a weekly schedule.

Principal

Rebecca Gibney portraying Dr Jane Halifax

Supporting

Robyn Nevin as Angela Halifax
Steve Bisley in the role of Jonah Cole
David Roberts playing Detective Brett Murray
Susanne Chapman as Georgia, Jane's receptionist
Gerald Lepkowski as Ari

Guest Appearances

Aaron Blabey as Tony Lobianco
Adrian Wright portraying David Onslow
Alan Cassell as Doctor Wallace
Alicia Banit as Young Jane
Amanda Douge playing Lauren Hayward
Andrew Blackman as Stephen Audrey
Andrew Clarke in the role of Gary Preston
Andrew McFarlane as Owen Toser
Andrew McKaige portraying Tim McNamara
Andy Anderson as Laurie Downes
Angela Punch McGregor playing Anthea
Annie Jones as Alison Hart
Belinda McClory in the role of Paula Kingsley
Ben Mendelsohn portraying Peter Donaldson
Bernard Curry as Adam Lawler
Beth Buchanan playing Denise Crow
Brett Climo as Danny
Brett Swain portraying Lauper
Brett Tucker in the role of Scott Lovejoy
Bruce Hughes playing Ian Turner
Bruce Spence as Eric Washburn
Bryan Marshall portraying John Halifax, Jane’s father
Cameron Nugent as Kevin Witherspoon
Caroline Gillmer playing Roseanne
Catherine Wilkin in dual roles as Erica Chatwin / Marion Walters
Clodagh Crowe portraying Detective Senior Constable Sylvia Manganaris
Colin Friels as Police Officer Kevin Tait
Damian Walshe-Howling playing Scott Brennan
Damien Fotiou as Michael Slevic
Daniela Farinacci portraying Detective Koslinksi
Danielle Carter as Stevie
Danny Adcock in the role of Athol Callaghan
David Tredinnick playing David Neilson / Gautama
Deborra-Lee Furness as Brigit Grant
Dee Smart portraying Fiona Calwell
Dino Marnika in dual roles as Carl Sankovic / Joe
Doris Younane playing Emma Ford
Emily Browning as Kristy O’Connor
Essie Davis portraying Alison Blount
Fiona Corke in dual roles as Christine / Lisa McNamara
Frances O'Connor playing Frances
Frankie J. Holden as Detective Leo Birse
Garry McDonald portraying Alex Goodson
Gary Day in the role of Sergeant Mick Snow
Gemma Bishop appearing as Samantha Anderson (1 episode)
Grant Bowler playing Detective Bob Palance
Grant Piro as Terry Lansdown
Greg Stone portraying Detective Leon Finke
Guy Pearce in dual roles as Daniel Viney & Richard Viney
Hugh Jackman appearing as Detective Eric Ringer
Hugo Weaving portraying Detective Sergeant Tom Hurkos
Ian Bliss in the role of Garry
Jacqueline McKenzie playing Sharon Sinclair
Jane Hall as Linda Ellis
Jason Clarke appearing as a detective
Jeremy Callaghan portraying Alex, Jane’s romantic partner

Background

The narrative centers on Dr. Jane Halifax (portrayed by Rebecca Gibney), a forensic psychiatrist practicing in Melbourne, holding credentials such as MBBS (Melb.) and FRANZCP. She resides at Jensen House on Swanston Street, directly opposite the State Library of Victoria, and maintains her professional office at Causeway House located on Little Collins Street. As an only child, her mother Angela Halifax (played by Robyn Nevin) lives independently; her father John Halifax (1935–1991), who was a barrister, has passed away.

Throughout episodes 1 to 7 and episode 9, Halifax is seen driving a Jaguar Mark 2, switching in episode 8 to a contemporary convertible before later transitioning to a Saab 900 NG. The first episode references a book she authored during her undergraduate studies titled The Preppie Rapist, which is cited during a courtroom scene. In episode 5, it is revealed that she previously collaborated with the FBI in the United States. Episode 6 delves into a former difficult relationship involving a married professor. By episode 16, she undergoes medical treatment for abnormal cellular growth connected to her familial medical history.

Series 2 (1996)

Note: The second episode was broadcast after the third.

Series 4 (1999)

Note: The second episode aired following the third.

Home media

DVD title	Format	Episodes	Number of discs	Release date Region 4 (Australia)	Special features	Distributor
Halifax F.P. (My Lovely Girl)	DVD	N/A	4	1 January 2000	None	Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Dangerous Minds Series 02)	DVD	N/A	4	1 January 2000	None	Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Case Files #4)	DVD	N/A	3	11 November 2007	None	Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Case Files Box Set)	DVD	21	12	2 March 2011	None	Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Complete Collection)	DVD	21	12	2 May 2018	None	Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Case Files 1)	DVD	N/A	5	3 April 2019	None	Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Case Files 2)	DVD	N/A	6	3 April 2019	None	Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Collection 01: Series 01-03)	DVD	12	12	27 October 2021	None	Via Vision Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Collection 02: Series 04-06)	DVD	9	9	5 January 2022	None	Via Vision Entertainment

Reception

The series garnered numerous nominations and awards from the Australian Film Institute, underscoring its acclaim within the industry.

AACTA Award for Best Telefeature, Mini Series or Short Run Series:

In 1995, The Feeding won the award; additionally, Hard Corps and Lies of the Mind were nominated.
In 1996, Cradle and All received a nomination.
In 1998, Afraid of the Dark was nominated.
In 1999, Swimming with Sharks earned a nomination.
In 2000, A Person of Interest was nominated.
In 2002, Takes Two received a nomination.

Leading Actor Award in Television Drama

1995 (Hard Corps) Colin Friels & Steven Vidler (Recipients); (The Feeding) Steve Bisley (Nominee); (Lies of the Mind) Richard Roxburgh (Nominee)
1998 (Afraid of the Dark) Shane Connor (Nominee)
1999 (Swimming with Sharks) David Tredinnick (Nominee)

Outstanding Actor in a Telefeature or Mini-Series

2000 (A Person of Interest) Andy Anderson (Awarded); (A Hate Worse Than Death) Nicholas Eadie (Nominee)

Leading Actress Award in Television Drama

1995 (Lies of the Mind) Jacqueline McKenzie (Recipient); Rebecca Gibney also received a nomination for the same category
1998 (Afraid Of The Dark) Rebecca Gibney (Nominee)
2002 (Takes Two) Mary Docker (Nominee)

Outstanding Actress in a Telefeature or Mini-Series

2000 Nominations included Essie Davis for The Spider And The Fly and Rebecca Gibney for A Person Of Interest

Television Drama Best Screenplay

Between 1995 and 2002, nominations were received for Lies of the Mind, The Feeding, Afraid of the Dark, A Person of Interest, and Takes Two

External links