| Scales of Justice | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Written by | Robert Caswell |
| Directed by | Michael Jenkins |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 3 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Michael Carson |
| Running time | 227 mins |
| Original release | |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | 20 September – 4 October 1983 |
Scales of Justice is an Australian crime drama miniseries directed by Michael Jenkins.[1] It first screened on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1983. It was one of the most controversial Australian mini-series ever produced, examining corruption in all levels of law enforcement.[2]
Scales of Justice is composed of three self-contained, character-linked dramas. Focusing on the world of Australian law enforcement, vice, drugs, politics and widespread corruption, from street level to the corridors of power, the programme was acclaimed for its a near-documentary level of realism. Robert Caswell, the writer of the series, expressed surprise at the criticism it received from police and press.[3]
It was released on DVD in 2005, with a 227 minutes running time.
Act One — The Job
While investigating a break-in, Probationary Constable Leonard "Spider" Webber witnesses his senior officer stealing merchandise and is torn between loyalty to his team and his own conscience.
Cast
- Simon Burke as Probationary Constable Leonard "Spider" Webber
- John Hargreaves as Constable Borland
- Bill Hunter as Sergeant O'Rourke
- Isabelle Anderson as Constable Callahan
Act Two — The Game
Detective Sergeants Ken Draffin and Mike Miles allow their integrity to be compromised by big-time criminal "Nipper" Jackson.
Cast
- Dennis Miller as Detective Sergeant Ken Draffin
- Tim Robertson as Detective Sergeant Mick Miles
- Tony Barry as Garth "Nipper" Jackson
- Don Reid as Assistant Commissioner Phillip Thompson
- Brian McDermott as Police Minister Ralph Carpenter
Act Three — The Numbers
A young attorney general's actions bring him into conflict with police, senior politicians and major crime bosses.
Cast
- Nick Tate as Glenn Ferris, the State Attorney General
- Richard Meikle as Russell Cooper, the State Premier
- John Meillon as Barry Barnes, the Deputy State Premier
- Kris McQuade as Kate Hardman
- Max Cullen as Arthur Roach
- Frank Wilson as Sir John Ritchie
See also
References
- ↑ Ed. Scott Murray, Australia on the Small Screen 1970-1995, Oxford Uni Press, 1996 p232
- ↑ Obituary of Robert Caswell at The Australian accessed 14 July 2013
- ↑ "Relax, Says Its Writer", The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 1983 accessed 14 July 2013
External links
- Scales of Justice at IMDb
- Scales of Justice at Australian Screen Online
- Scales of Justice at AustLit
- Scales of Justice at Australian Television