AustLit

'The mystery death of a journalist and a telephone call from a higher power than the Assistant Commissioner for Crime, throws Bluey into an area of high-powered corruption which, to all eyes, would appear highly legal and above board.

'Bluey not only has the difficult job of keeping Monica and Gary working on the case without telling them what it is all about, but also has to avoid an open confrontation with the Assistant Commissioner, who is pressurizing Bluey into cleaning up the statistics on unsolved crimes.

'Monica does undercover work and delves into the world of the street-walker. This, in turn, leads Bluey to an old enemy, a man who has escaped from being an underworld figure to a man of affluence and respectability. It would appear that ill-gotten gains have been poured into a legitimate construction firm, which also has Government contracts. Proving this is another thing.

'Bluey seeks aid from a surprising quarter - a Sir Dennis O'Brien - but in doing so places the life of the old gentleman in jeopardy.

'Then the round-up starts, with some harrowing chases and unexpected climaxes.'

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

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

'SIR DENNIS O'BRIEN: Late sixties, tall, near white hair, slim and distinguished-looking. He's a battler who's made it by his own efforts. He has a pleasant speaking voice and uses good English without being affected. Despite his title he is no snob. He's an old-world gentleman with simple tastes. Must drive.

'CHARLES PARKER: About 35. Tall, good-looking. Efficient young executive type with a flair for management. Has become known as the new wonder-boy of the finance world. He appears outgoing and charming until the veneer crumbles and his scheming mind shows. He's TOTALLY self-centred and really believes he's got everything under control except for Victor Cunningham. Drives.

'VICTOR CUNNINGHAM: Around 50, still in good shape. A trace of north country in his English accent. He's the modern vampire who rakes in the bread from the misery of the little people. Now he's rich he wants to be respectable. Parker is his key.

'MICK: Cunningham's human watch-dog. He's a big, shambling oaf but would be dangerous in a fight where not too much brain power is needed.

'CHAUFFEUR (JOHN): John is middle-aged, Australian. Sir Dennis treats him well and he's both loyal and concerned about the old man.

'CORAL: A well-worn prostitute fast approaching forty. She has been a beauty but time and her profession have eaten into her. She feels scorned by Cunningham. She fears him but can't help talking about him.

'PETER STARK: About 35, sharp dresser, honest, intelligent. The type of person who gets to work for a politician rather than be one.

'MAX JOHNSON: Around forty, physically small, polished English accent. He's greedy and conniving with a vicious streak. A thorough [deleted] Drives.

'HARRY FRENCH: Big, overweight, outgoing personality. Typical journo, just living for the big story that'll make him.

'EXTRAS (3): Ladies of the night.

'POLICE DRIVER (1): Drives.'