AustLit

This is the script for the second half of a Homicide episode called 'From the Top'. Such 'special' episodes (which cover first the investigation and second the trial) are usually described as two-hour episodes, but Storey notes that 'Due to the length of the episode requiring it to be split over two reels of 2" video tape, it was officially listed as two separate episodes, 319 "From The Top" and 319A "Trial".' This script only includes the trial portion.

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

'JUDGE: Late forties. A youngish, business-like, efficient judge of the Victorian Supreme Court. Before his appointment to the bench, he himself was a leading barrister in criminal cases. He has a reputation for 'cutting through the red tape,' and 'keeping things moving' in his court. He is the antithesis of the 'old fogey' type of judge seen in some English productions. He has a good Australian accent.

'DEFENCE COUNSEL: Barrington. Aged 35 - classed as a young barrister. He is a very purposeful contender. A quick thinker, he is a remorseless cross-examiner, with an outstanding flair for bursts of rapid fire questioning. In this case - because he knows the outlook of the presiding judge - he does not go in for any theatrical display whatever.

'As Inspector Fox will be the viewers' troubled hero in his trial, Def's role must be regarded in a sense as that of the 'villain', but this professional does not make the mistake of adopting a 'nasty' manner. He knows that such an attitude would prejudice the Jury and damage his client's case. Therefore, even when attacking Fox full out, he gives the impression that he is fighting to have the truth revealed.

'PROSECUTOR: Middle forties. A thoroughly experienced barrister employed by the Crown Law Department. In this case, he is performing the duties that he carries out more or less every working day. Although more restrained than Defence Counsel, he is capable of applying pressure when necessary. However, he would never attempt to brow-beat an accused man, as it is important for him to give an impression of absolute fairness. Like the Judge and the Defence Counsel, he is an efficient officer of the court.

'MRS. SPENCER: Has developed an 'escapist psychosis' consistent with her character in 'From the Top'.

'IRVINE: Pathologist attached to the Coroner's court. A confident expert, accustomed to giving evidence in court. Has appeared in several murder cases, and hundreds of inquests that didn't make the headlines.

'WALKER: Police photographer. Another experienced formal witness.

'SURVEYOR: Has previously appeared in a few cases, and gives his evidence with straight-forward matter-of-factness.

'SPENCER: Character established in 'From the Top'. Is now concerned for his wife.

'FORSTER: Character established in 'From the Top'.

'GEORGINA: " " " " " "

'JOAN: " " " " " "

'OTHER COURT PERSONNEL: CRIER, JUDGE'S ASSOCIATE, POLICE GUARD FOR FORSTER, TWO UNIFORM POLICEMEN, DEFENCE SOLICITOR, PROSECUTION SOLICITOR.'