The Great Bookie Robbery

Well here we have it, the way Australian drama should be done today. This mini-series is a true Australian gem, showcasing the many wide and varied talents available to modern-day writers and directors to use.

The city of Melbourne is its own character here and it really shines. The acting is top notch as is the writing. In the same way that Kubrick's The Killing was often noted as a very tight, suspenseful thriller, The Great Bookie Robbery is a very nicely structured and scripted drama experience.

It is a shame that the Australian industry don't make them like they used to. This is a great example of what has been lost over the past 20 years since it was made.

One of Australia's best drama mini-series.

This rather forgotten 1986 mini series of 270 minutes length approaches the subject matter rather differently to the more recent Underbelly and even Blue Murder. There isn't a huge amount of blood and gore, and even less nudity. It concentrates more on the lead up events and meticulous planning of the event, and its aftermath. In this way it is much more of a drama/thriller. The characters are very well developed, the frustration of the women of the criminals is especially well portrayed.

The robbery itself took place in April, 1976, however by using non-real names, the makers of this series were able to depict events in a contemporary setting. Hence you will see a News of the World (an English paper in Melbourne?) from June 1985, being read by a character in a VK Commodore (1984-5 model).

This show is highly recommended, but rather difficult to find these days.

Outstanding in every respect - the story, cast, characters, it's a mini-masterpiece. I can't add more than other reviewers have already said, except to add that it's available to rent or own on v*meo for next to nothing. Enjoy.