Killing Time (TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
| Products | Television drama series |
Killing Time is an Australian drama television series that debuted in 2011 on the subscription network TV1. The show presents a dramatized account of the disgraced lawyer Andrew Fraser's life. It is also broadcast in New Zealand via Prime Television.
Background
Andrew Fraser, born in Melbourne in 1951, was a prominent criminal defense attorney for over thirty years. He represented notorious underworld figures including the Morans and Pettingills, as well as high-profile clients such as businessman Alan Bond and footballer Jimmy Krakouer.
His professional standing deteriorated due to a cocaine addiction, culminating in 1999 when he faced charges related to cocaine importation. During his two-year bail period and afterward, Fraser voluntarily admitted himself to hospital and maintained sobriety. Although he entered a guilty plea, he consistently denied committing the offenses.
In 2001, Fraser received a sentence of seven years imprisonment with a minimum term of five years. Despite being classified as a low-risk inmate, he was incarcerated in a maximum-security prison housing Victoria’s most dangerous offenders, where he came into contact with infamous criminals like serial killer Peter Dupas.
Following his release, Fraser authored three books recounting his personal journey and alleging corruption within Victoria’s justice system. He died from cancer in August 2023.
Television series
The mini-series Killing Time is inspired by Fraser’s life and was produced in 2009 through a collaboration between FremantleMedia, TV1, and Film Victoria. The role of Fraser is portrayed by David Wenham.
Overview
Andrew Fraser is depicted as a lawyer who defended notable clients such as Dennis Allen, Jimmy Krakouer, Alan Bond, and individuals implicated in the Walsh Street murders.
Production
The ten-episode series was penned by Ian David, Mac Gudgeon, Katherine Thompson, and Shaun Grant, with Jason Stephens serving as executive producer. Although originally slated for a 2010 release, the premiere was delayed due to concerns that its violent scenes might influence ongoing gangland court cases.
Main cast
- David Wenham as Andrew Fraser
- Diana Glenn as Denise Fraser
- Colin Friels as Lewis Moran
- Richard Cawthorne as Dennis Allen
- Kris McQuade as Kath Pettingill
- Malcolm Kennard as Victor Peirce
Supporting cast
- Kate Jenkinson as Wendy Peirce
- Reef Ireland as Jason Ryan
- Martin Sharpe as Trevor Pettingill
- Fletcher Humphrys as Graeme Jensen
- Frank Sweet as Anthony Farrell Jr
- John Brumpton as Peter Dupas
- Nick Farnell as Detective Alan Daniels
- Peter Houghton as Detective Alex Schneider
- Ian Bliss as Detective Inspector Patterson
- Kerry Walker as Sheila Fraser
- Terry Norris as Rod Fraser
- Louise Crawford as Sally Fraser
- Steve Mouzakis as Chris Baros
- Fred Whitlock as Leslie Camilleri
- Tony Nikolakopoulos as Manny The Mutt
- John Wood as Alan Bond
- Anthony Hayes as John Bond
- Robert Rabiah as Anthony Della Tranta
- Brett Swain as Prison Officer Griffiths
- Alan King as David Casey
- Shane Connor as Detective Sergeant Wayne Strawhorn
- Aaron Catalan as Detective Sergeant Malcolm Rosenes
- Heather Mitchell as Judge Hale
- Michele Fawdon as Lorna Shanks
Guests
- Alex Menglet portraying Uri
- Brett Climo in the role of David Ross QC
- Georgia Chara as Charlene
- Nicholas Bell playing Rod Conroy
- Rohan Nichol cast as Detective Scarlett