AustLit

'Bluey, the man who usually has to dig through both his pockets to find enough to buy his round of drinks, is suddenly head-longed into an investigation where the unsuspecting have been ripped-off to the tune of two million dollars and a value of $250,000 is placed upon the life of a kidnapped young girl.

'Eric Holloway, a developer whose deceit won him the rip-off of millions - but very few friends amongst investors - has served his time and is released from prison. On the day of the release Holloway's 19-year-old daughter, Karen, is snatched before the terrified eyes of her parents. A demand of $250,000 is made for her safe return.

'At first sight, it is an obvious case of revenge in an effort to secure retribution. Ron Nelson is one of several who lost about that amount in the Holloway swindle. He has good and valid reasons to square the account.

'It becomes evident to the criminals who are holding Karen that she is a far more valuable property than their remuneration promised for the job would suggest. They decide to move into the stand-over business on their own behalf. But they lack the nous of the master-mind who originally planned the snatch.

'Things quickly get out of control and end in a disastrous show-down.'

Source: Synopsis held in the Crawford Collection in the AFI Research Collection (RMIT).

The script for this episode held in the Crawford Collection in the AFI Research Collection contains the following character notes:

'ERIC HOLLOWAY: 50 years old. Business man, land developer, a smooth type. He plays the concerns father with seeming genuineness, but the man of steel emerges when required. Must drive.

'MARGARET HOLLOWAY: 48 years old. Well born, went to the best schools, has slightly more class than her husband, who probably married her for her money. She is aware of this, and of his philanderings, but she still loves him and would do anything to keep him, except give him more money. She has strength of character and knows how to handle hired hands and this is exactly what the police represent to her.

'ALAN BREWSTER: 40 years old. A soft man, but he manages to hide this behind a brusque front until he thinks Karen has been murdered. Then he is lost. Must drive.

'KAREN HOLLOWAY: 19 years old. A soft, pretty girl but with a brain. She can play things coolly if she thinks she has a chance of achieving a positive result.

'SAM CARRUTHERS: 35 years old. An Englishman. A smooth type, would never think of himself as a common criminal. It's just an easy way to make money. Very cool, always controlled. Must drive.

'FRANK REYNOLDS: 35 years old. An Englishman. Similar type to Carruthers, but quieter. He's quite happy to let Carruthers do the talking. Very cool, always controlled.

'SUSIE BILLINGS: Late 30's. An attractive woman, good at business but has the same hidden softness as her brother, Alan Brewster.

'DINGO FERRIS: 30's. A hardened criminal, can commit murder when required, but only for money. Rides a motorbike.

'REGGIE BISHOP: 40's. An overworked businessman.

'TAXI DRIVER: 40's Typical loud mouth.'

'MAN: )

'WOMAN: ) Both elderly.'