AustLit

The script held in the Crawford Collection in the AFI Research Collection contains the following character notes (excluding regular characters):

'ERIC LAMB: Is a retired accountant who, at 67, is just beginning to lose his grip a little. A man who has devoted his life to proving that one and one makes two, he knows these early symptoms he sees in himself mean he is on the sudden, rough down-hill descent. He is quite ready to accept the consequences on his own behalf but he worries because he will shortly be unable to care for his wife whom he sees as further down the slope than himself.

'ALMA LAMB: Is a year or two younger than her husband. She is not conscious of the fact she is slipping as quickly as she is. The occasional spilling or slight dribble as she enjoys afternoon tea she puts down to carelessness instead of a slight decline in co-ordination.

'NORMIE NORTH: Is a crim. About 45 - not all that bright but he's been at the game long enough to be regarded as a tradesman of sorts. Past his prime physically, he now depends on a gun for results.

'JOEY SLADE: Is a twenty year Younger [sic] edition of North. He is still in shape enough to consider himself a successful knuckle-man. CAR DRIVING REQUIRED.

'KEITH PRINGLE: Is in mid-forties, early fifties. He has never been accepted as a respected member of the criminal fraternity but has eked out a carrion existence on the outskirts of society. He depends on types like North and Slade to do his spade work.

'SENIOR SERGEANT BAXTER: Is the usual solid, desk senior sergeant type. Getting on a bit, he speaks with authority whenever he opens his mouth, expects and gets results.

'POSTAL CLERK: A young, local, postal clerk type.

'TAXI DRIVER: Mid-thirties, usual chatty taxi type. [sic] CAR DRIVING REQUIRED.

'BERNIE BERGIN: Is among the better class of crim. He has been taking things easy since he made his big payroll hit. Probably in his early forties.

'JOYCE REDMAN: Thirties, suburban housewife type.

'MRS. TUCKER: An old age pensioner. A stirrer from way back.

'SGT. WILKIE: Is a member of the Queensland Police Force. His Inspector sends him on tasks he wants done well.

'EXTRAS. (4) All about the build and age of Keith Pringle. For line-up.

'WATERPOLICEMAN:

'EXTRAS (3). Old patients at nursing home.

'CAT: Minksy by name.'