Blue Murder (1995) User Reviews

The GOODFELLAS of Down Under

[fertilecelluloid · 9/10 · 2 January 2005]

The screenplay, by Ian David, is the primary reason why BLUE MURDER is the best TV ever produced in Australia -- in fact, it is better than 95% of the features produced in that country. And, yes, calling it the GOODFELLAS of Down Under is not exaggerating.

Other reviews here have detailed the content of this mini-series, so no point going there. I just hope my raving about it inspires people who haven't seen it to check it out and marvel at the sharp characterizations, brilliant performances, Michael Jenkins' intuitive direction and ultra-realistic dialogue.

The series captures the Aussie vernacular like nothing else ever has and portrays a "matey" political and social environment within the police force that allowed corruption to fester and become an accepted part of everyday life.

One powerful sequence, where a crooked lawyer is indifferently dropped into Sydney Harbor with a stove around his neck, perfectly captures the dark side of the Aussie "She'll be right, mate" approach to dealing with problems.

Richard Roxburgh as Roger Rogerson is nothing short of a revelation, but major nods must also go to Gary Sweet (his best performance by far), Gary Day (brilliant), Bill Hunter (solid as usual) and Alex Dimitriades (chillingly real).

If you're only retiring to that desert island with one Aussie DVD, this should be it.

An incredible TV movie that the US will not make

[Tenant_Uen · 9/10 · 12 December 2001]

I¡¦m quite surprised to find out that I seem to be the only non-Australian user who ever commented on this incredibly good TV movie. I clicked the hyperlinks around and found the leading actor Richard Roxburgh is the Duke in Moulin Rouge. I ran across this TV movie several years ago when I was just looking for some interesting show, and there it was. I never had a chance to see the complete show, and our local channel split it into two parts. I was quite shocked by the authentic but acerbic delineation of the police as well as some extremely violent shots that would be refused by American TV producers. Actually I could believe that it actually happened in the 80¡¦s in Australia, which is supposed to be a highly democratic and peaceful in every way. The incredulous scenes of the police looting civilians and murder, and the most ironic medal awarded to our hero.

Of course all these elements do not constitute this film as a masterpiece; what make this flick worth recommendations are the actors¡¦ impeccable performance and the director¡¦s ability to withhold too much personal comment that would ruin the cold style throughout the film. The police gangs¡¦ drinking binge and their obsession with interests and power appall the audience, and their ambivalent sentiments toward each other bewilder me. Their many-faceted acts make them more solid and close to real persons, and we all have a better understanding of the time and that part of Australia. This is definitely the best TV movie of the genre, and I feel really lucky to have seen this film.

Corruption in the Land of Oz

[patrickfaulkner · 7/10 · 8 October 2001]

Faultlessly researched, this gripping true story of police corruption is an engrossing TV experience. I was only able to see this miniseries this year as the trials of the real-life people were still continuing in New South Wales. It gives the real view of police culture in N.S.W. as it was in the 1980's (and still is now, as shown in a recent 4 Corners episode- "tackle" is police code for a small skim or bribe): the mateship with criminals; the shakedowns; the endless drinking sessions etc. Richard Roxburgh is amazing as Det. Roger Rogerson - so amazing that Rogerson himself remarked on the accuracy of his portrayal! He is played as matey and charming.. until crossed, whereas Tony Martin as the criminal Neddy Smith is frightening. This series stands up alongside the film "Chopper" & the series "Scales of Justice" as landmark Australian Noir.

The greatest Australian TV experience ever

[cynic-7 · 6 October 1999]

Blue Murder is nothing short of a masterpiece. It delves into the world of police corruption and criminal activity and leaves nothing to the imagination. Everything about it is made all the more incredible due to the fact it's all true.

The casting is nothing short of genius. Richard Roxburgh as the infamous detective/criminal/murderer Roger "the Dodger" Rogerson is so utterly convincing and accurate you'd swear it was the man Roger himself. Tony Martin is equally brilliant as the notorious Neddy Smith, the charming, brutal and cunning criminal mastermind. All of the supporting cast do equal justice to the show, in particular Peter Phelps as 'Abo' Henry.

Blue Murder will have you utterly engrossed for all of its 4 hour running time, and leave you amazed and shaking your head in disbelief at the end. This is the real stuff, as it happened, as remarkable, and unthinkable as it is to comprehend. Go out of your way to see this one.

praising the series

[donaldtwain · 10/10 · 11 February 2003]

This is easily the best mini-series this country has produced. From the opening scenes to the end credits the story rips along at a furious and engaging pace. The writing, indeed the script editing are first rate. The direction of the story is clear and equally the actors seem to respond exactly to the needs of the character, story and director.

At no time does the viewer ever become bogged down in superfluous plot because it simply doesn't exist. Instead we get only the intriguing facts of this gripping saga of Australian crime. The research is clearly extensive and the whole production team have done a terrific job. This is what TV should be.

So credible it could be a documentary

[kjohnson-24 · 10/10 · 23 August 2005]

The resemblance between Richard Roxburgh and Roger Rogerson is uncanny, to say the least, and is the most startling feature of the many associated with the production. The attention to detail in the series recreated the era beautifully, and for anyone who had followed the actual events upon which the script is based, they could be forgiven for thinking they were witnessing a documentary filmed with a secret camera, so outstanding was the writing, directing, production and acting by all the players responsible for getting this television masterpiece to the screen. The release in its state of origin of this program was delayed for years for legal reasons, but it did not date in the slightest, TV gold amongst the dross.

Quite simply the best Australian television ever produced.

[tiggyr · 10/10 · 1 August 2001]

Blue Murder is far and away the best piece of television I have ever seen.

Never in my life have I seen a more well acted presentation. Every actor here is in top form, every scene works. This is not TV that tries to emotionally lead the viewer, it shows these brutal and truthful events as they occurred, and thats what makes it so engrossing, and so watchable, never once do we feel patronised by the makers.

Tony Martin is fantastic on every level as Neddy Smith, the seedy Sydney underworld character, portraying him to a tee. Steve Bastoni gives a totally believable performance as Micheal Drury. As Drury he gives Australian television possibly its most powerful scene ever after being shot in the kitchen of his family home. I can honestly say that this scene, where he tries to maintain control of himself while bleeding to death and trying to protect his family is the most anguishing scene of a mans life slipping away that I have ever witnessed.

However, the rest of the production is stolen by one man, Richard Roxburgh as the corrupt policeman Roger Rogerson. Roxburgh is a standout here, his is embued with that tough smoke and beer stained swagger that one associates with the 'old school' style of policing in the 70's and 80's in New South Wales. He and his police mates impeccably re-create the seedy and corrupt feel of tones of that plagued the NSW police through the 80's and 90's, complete with boozey lunches, prostitutes and revenge killings.

Blue Murder was not shown in my home state until 6 years after its production. It was considered too powerful, too close to the truth. It was feared it may influence several court cases that were proceding at the time along with the Corruption Commission set up to investigate such activities. With this in mind it is mind blowing to finally see what the rest of Australia has been privy to for the last 6 years.

Though 6 years old when first screened here, there's no doubt that Blue Murder is a landmark in Australian television. Its just such a shame that our best work seems to sprout from our darkest moments...

accurate

[biggod · 10/10 · 30 July 2001]

It says a lot about the accuracy of information in this series that it was not shown on TV in New South Wales (the Australian state where the action takes place) during the trials and inquiries (including a Royal Commission into corruption in the NSW police force) involving the main 'characters'. The story is just astounding.... hard to believe these were the daily activities of the NSW police. Excellent acting throughout, including that of Alex Dimitriades, which convinced me that he is not just the pretty boy of 'Heartbreak High'. It really was compulsive viewing for me when it was first screened.

The ABC don't disappoint

[Alligator_80 · 10/10 · 19 November 2006]

Isn't it ironic that a channel criticized for its lack of Drama, can claim to have perhaps the greatest Drama TV shows; Brides Of Christ and this Blue Murder? Still the one for QUALITY TV programming, the ABC shot this TV show in our faces in 1995 (except NSW where Neddy Smith was still awaiting trial) and remains the greatest and most controversial Australian drama ever produced. Like Chopper, it's unsettling viewing for many, but boy it sure is compelling. I don't need to go over the details; just see it for yourself. As many viewers have said, it's almost as if you're watching a documentary. Fantastic story, script, acting, FANTASTIC EVERYTHING!!! 11/10 (And that's not an error)...

Blue murder

[dorijuli · 10/10 · 6 October 2005]

I never seen any other film which turned up my stomach like this, but not because if the film would'n gruesome, but because it was perfect. At first I can't understand lot of things, especially why shows the commonly brute and dump criminals such an interesting persons, then came the two brilliant murder-scene (on the boat, and at the river) when I feel the salty air and hear the bubble of water in the silent of night after the horrible acts. The murderers were people too, if they were not any of kind of it. It is that realism which constitute the true literature (because the film is literature too, only visual), but very rare from the beginning when the film industry was born. The "Australian film" are an exception. And the Blue Murder is the crown of it. If I could write in English any good, I would write a sort notice (with ten thousand words) about what the difference of the Australian actors, scenes, lines, photography etc. compared any other country's film-industry (expecially USA), but I can't. (I heard that sigh!) Sorry. L. Katona

The Best Australian film / Mini Series ever!

[wisey · 9/10 · 4 February 2006]

Simply, and I don't mean to sound like a pessimist, Australia, which I love and live in, rarely produces films of rare quality. If you look over the last 10 years and you see the film that has been judged by the AFI ( who the f.... are these people) as best picture you will see such classics as "Somersault" (2004) taking out the major award. You'll see "Little Fish" winning some recent awards – what an absolute joke.

Anywho, I've tried for a while to get my hands on this Australian film / mini series called Blue Murder (1995). You can now dig it up, it's finally on DVD. You'll surely note through the film why the Australian Police Force (New South Wales PF in particular) tried their best to ban this film.) Quite simply there is nothing this country has produced that can even be put in the same category as this film.

Upon viewing just one time, you'll carry with you for the rest of your days Richard Roxberghs's performance as real life Detective Roger "The Dodger" Rogerson and Tony Martin's portrayal of the high profile criminal and police informant Neddy Smith.

This action packed Australian film is clearly in a league of it's own with its brilliant script, it's unremorseful search for the truth and it's portrayal of the Police Force in Australia.

Hopefully times have changed since when the film was set in the late seventies and early eighties for the APF to today, but this ugly chapter will always be remembered.

Unforgettable. 10/10.

Indeed it was

[Philby-3 · 3 August 2001]

Members of the New South Wales Police Force, now called the Police Service, are the spiritual descendants of that raffish group of officers and men called 'The Rum Corps' who once took over the fledgling colony of New South Wales and expelled the Governor, the unhappy William Bligh. They were not called to account for that action and have been getting away with it ever since, even on occasion with murder. This 3 hour film traces the rise and decline of two policeman, one honest and the other a fine inheritor of the old traditions, and the careers of some of the criminals they were supposed to be catching. Made 5 years ago, its showing in NSW was held up until July 2001 because of outstanding charges against some of the principals, even though all the events depicted took place at least 10 years before the film was made.

It is an exciting story and I found it enthralling, despite knowing its broad outline. The core of it is the evolving relationship between gung-ho armed hold-up squad detective, Roger Rogerson, and the criminal he 'manages,' Arthur 'Neddy' Smith. Early on, Rogerson makes it clear that he is in charge and Neddy will do what he is told. As the story progresses, and Rogerson sinks deeper into the mire, Neddy becomes a partner, until the end they are co-conspirators in a number of evil deeds. Inevitably the 'management' of crime becomes criminal activity itself, and the bent copper turns out to be just as bad as the criminals he exploits.

Rogerson and the rest of the 'barbecue set' (his police cronies) were a bit unlucky that in the early 80s the NSW government by some oversight managed to appoint an honest police commissioner, John Avery, who, despite being a bit of a boy scout, made some inroads into entrenched corruption in the Force. Rogerson was also unlucky that the federal crime authorities, eager to prove their worth, spotted him as a target. Yet, despite being shown in the film as responsible for several killings, Rogerson's only convictions are for operating a bank account under a false name (which contained the proceeds of a Bentley he had sold) and then lying about it on oath.

This is a particularly well-made film, with a grainy realism appropriate to the subject matter, good locations (the real places, mostly) and good lighting, cinematography and editing. Some of the acting is also first-rate. Richard Roxburgh is quite uncanny - he IS Roger Rogerson, and Tony Martin gives us an interesting well-rounded Neddy, a character it would be easy to portray as a monster. Bill Hunter as always steals his few scenes as Black Angus McDonald, the (now dead) corrupt senior policeman who protects Rogerson, and Steve Bastoni is quietly effective as the hesitant but honest and rather brave policeman Michael Drury.

I also enjoyed John Hargreaves, all good-humoured guile, as barrister Chester 'Funnel-Web' Porter. Chester, a legend of the Sydney Bar, represented Rogerson on a criminal charge – trying to bribe Drury into giving false evidence. After getting a celebrity acquitted in difficult circumstances previously, Chester had been presented by some of his fellow barristers with a T-shirt bearing the legend 'Chester Porter walks on water'. In the end, however, even Chester cannot save Rogerson, the most highly decorated policeman in the state, from public disgrace.

Roger the Dodger is still around, in fact he was reported recently as admiring Richard Roxburgh's performance (as well he might). As for the rest though, 'it's all bullshit mate.'

Postscript 2006: "The Dodger" by former policeman Duncan Macnab chronicles Roger's rise and fall.

Kick-in-the-guts stuff

[ennor · 10/10 · 3 May 2008]

Having just watched this mini-series for the 3rd (and possibly last) time, I'm still gob-smacked by how true to life it is. It's not pretty, or nice, or feel-good - it's ugly and violent and brutal and bloody, and to watch the whole 3-and-a-bit hours in one sitting, as I did today, feels a bit like being kicked in the guts by a very big man!! Firstly, there's extraordinary attention paid to detail, with cars, houses, clothes, hair-styles, being true to the 70's and 80's when this true story is set. The outdoor scenes are SO Sydney that you can almost smell the city itself. The story belts along at a pace which requires the viewer to pay close attention.

And then there's the cast: For me, this is Richard Roxburgh's best work ever - he walks, talks, lives and breathes Roger Rogerson, so much so that we dislike him, but have to admire his brashness and even his matiness. Tony Martin's Neddy Smith is very 3-dimensional, and mention must also be made of Gary Sweet as Chris Flannery, and Steve Bastoni as Michael Drury, the straight cop in a barrel of bad apples.

Women play only minor roles in this story, but this is because it's a story of male culture in a male-only world. This is the NSW Police Force which evolved from the early days of the NSW British colony, and as such, I'm sure this mini-series will stand up in years to come as a window into the history of Australian male culture, the culture of 'mateship'. One can be forgiven for making parallels with "Goodfellas", but "Blue Murder" is Australian to the core.

An extremely well made, documentary style series, which packs punches all the way through.

Aussie crime drama 10/10

[jhherron · 10/10 · 28 June 2020]

I'm still of the opinion that this is the best telemovie/production I have ever seen. So powerful it led to the Police Royal Commission, several arrests and the reform of NSW police (for better and worse). Several of the real life individuals said the acting was identical to the real life characters specifically Neddie Smith, Roger Rogerson and Dale 'hitman' Flannery.' I once saw Richard Roxburgh watch Roger Rogerson watch him play himself. Surreal. Terrific score and has you on the edge of your seat throughout. The Neddie Smith commentary is suitably fitting, especially the last line. Some of the language and scenes have entered the Australian vernacular, especially the 'old Kooka' stove. An absolute must see.

definitely worth seeing.

[kat_leitch · 10/10 · 12 August 2004]

Blue murder was as dramatic, realistic and fascinating as I'd hoped. Directed by Jenkins, its definitely in the tradition of his television shows, even sharing much of the cast with Heartbreak High, and in particular - Wildside. Gritty and real -to - life, Blue murder is a deep and dark portrayal of the police corruption in Sydney during the late 70's and early 80's. Particularly impressive is theyr'e portrayal of Warran LanFranchi, and Sally Huckstepp, even using her daughter Sascha as a cast member in the film. The movie is an excellent example of what the Australian film industry can do, though often doesn't. If you enjoyed Chopper or Two Hands, this film is in much the same vein. If you want more, I would absolutely recommend renting or buying any episodes of WildSide, which can be brought at the ABC shop online, same director and cast, and much of the same setting - police in the grittier parts of Sydney, only with less corruption - post the Royal Commision.

Best police force money can buy.

[ms1975 · 9/10 · 4 April 2006]

A brilliant insight to corruption in the N.S.W Police Force, The "Brotherhood" during the 1970's & 1980's

Theft, Murder, Adultery and that was just the police.

See how the police where involved in dealings of smuggling, armed robberies and outright assassinations.

Operating hand in hand with known criminals, rigging trials, even ordering hits on honest cops to keep their dealings under raps.

This is a must watch movie for all Australians showing the true stories of corruption in the N.S.W Police.

As the title suggests. It was Blue Murder

Amazing

[neonblade-2 · 10/10 · 24 June 2021]

I'll keep this short.

Some reviews here claim this is the finest work ever produced for TV in Australia.

They're probably right.

The entire cast is excellent.

I met Rogerson a couple of times back in the early eighties.

As another reviewer said here, Richard Roxborough IS Roger Rogerson.

His portrayal is uncanny.

Tony Martin is superb in this.

The attention to detail in this series is astounding. This was really brought home to me by a detail in one scene which could only have been known by paying a lot of attention to minor details while reading the actual police reports on the events surrounding Warren Lanfranchi's murder.

This series deserves to become a cult classic.

blue murder classic

[dro59850 · 10/10 · 15 May 2009]

i don't generally comment here. but, i'll make this an exception. this tele-mini-series, in my humble opinion is better than 90% of what the rest of the world produces. other poster have covered the plot, etc, so i won't repeat that stuff. truth is, i was connected unwittingly to some of this in real life. my second wife Robyn Walkinshaw had an affair with Kenneth Carter Langstom, bodyguard of Tony Ustis, just before he was killed by Flannery. you'll say - so what, i suppose. this movie goes further than you think, into this underworld. pity that we, now in the country cannot maintain this very high standard of movie making. you know why? because we've been sold to interests overseas, and those same entities do not want Australia to have it's own personality anymore. Blue Murder? what is happening here now in 2009, make this most excellent mini-series seem like nostalgia for a "better" time. Australia - what happened to you?

Very powerful, Underbelly should bow before Blue Murder

[safenoe · 8/10 · 15 September 2016]

Two supporting performances stand out in Blue Murder. Of course the main performance by Richard Roxburgh stands out as controversial NSW Police Force detective Roger Rogerson. But two supporting performances are of Steve Jacobs as one of Roger's sidekicks, and Loene Carmen as Sallie-Anne Huckstepp. When I saw Loene's performance I actually thought the producers were using real-life footage of Sallie-Anne Huckstepp, seriously, that was how compelling Loene's performance was.

Steve Jacob's acting is worthy of note. I must admit I thought it was Steven Jacobs, the youthful Aussie actor, who beefed up for the role, but Steven Jacobs is different to Steve Jacobs. The scene where Roger and his team threw the solicitor overboard was rather chilling and almost banal.

I look forward to the sequel called The High Road which will again feature Richard Roxburgh.

A great realistic Aussie TV mini series..

[ashleywincer · 13 November 2002]

Well I had to order it especially from Melbourne to find a copy of it on DVD, but I finally recieved it. I heard about it playing on TV in Victoria but not in NSW for a a long time after it was made. But apparently it finally aired in NSW.

Anyway I am from Melbourne and from what I understand about what police have been doing in the past, it is very realistic. It is a good insight to what Australian law enforcement is like and has been like throughout its history.

Some people may find the mini series a little on the violent side, I liked it for the realism of it and the bluntnes of it. I hope to see more television or feature films like it again in the future. I believe Australia has a bright future in tv and film making. I just hope they keep on pushing more projects overseas, as I'm getting sick of the Hollywood movies with little plot.

Just Brilliant

[andy.marshall · 31 July 2001]

What a pity that we in NSW and the ACT couldn't see this for five years. But then you can see just why. How good is Tony Martin as Neddy Smith? How graphic was the scene when Lanfranchi got blown away? How come Rogerson isn't in jail right now?

An unfortunate but true look at the dim years of our police service.

[roostsman · 1 July 2003]

An absolutely sensational look at the pre- wood royal commission years of the NSW police service. the domination of Detective Sergeant Roger Rogerson and Neddy Smith were very real. The use of well known Australian actors and inner city landscapes makes this all the more authentic. The reality of this film caused it to be banned in the state of New South Wales, the state which police service the film portrayed. For anyone that likes "crooked police" style dramas. This is for you, though violent at times it is all the more real.

Deja Vu for viewers

[Michael_Grech · 21 August 2004]

Although this mini series is sensational, there was one thing that stood out more than anything else. Most of the actors in this series has been in another film as an almost identical character.

Take a look at the cops in Blue murder. They are played by the likes of Gary Day, Steve Bastoni, Bill Hunter, Dennis Miller (has he ever been in a movie acting as anything else but a cop ???)Warrick Moss, Paul Sonkkila, Ken Radley and the list goes on and on. The biggest suprise is Gary Sweet who is usually a cop but this time he plays a bad guy and I must say he does it quiet well. His wife in the show however is played by Skye Wansey and this is not the first time she has played a Loser's wife. In this show she is playing Christopher Flannery's (1980's hit man)wife and we have all seen her playing Jimmy Loughnan's pregnant mole in Chopper.

Besides all of this, Blue murder is great and it will be interesting for all viewers. I can assure you that you will think twice before trusting a police officer after you watch this one !!!