"Boney" (1972) TV series 1972-1973

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

21 January 1972 (Australia)

Genre:

Crime

Plot Keywords:

Based On Novel | Character Name In Title

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

James Laurenson	...	Detective Inspector Bonaparte (26 episodes, 1972-1973)
Kate Fitzpatrick	...	Constable Alice McGorr (13 episodes, 1973)

Runtime:

60 min (26 episodes)

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Flinders Ranges, South Australia, Australia

Company:

Portman Productions

Trivia:

There was controversy as the result of the fact 'that John Laurenson', a white man, was hired to play Inspector Bonaparte. However, the producers had mounted a search for a half-caste Aborigine and had not been able to find one despite many weeks of searching.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

A Little-known Aussie Gem.

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

'Boney' was an aboriginal policeman working in Australia, full name Bonaparte.

Although primarily aimed at kids, it had a sufficiently mature theme to draw in adults too. Each episode opened with 'Boney' dressed in tribal costume and engaging in an aboriginal dance, as some sort of ritualistic affirmation of his roots.

Originating from the early 1970's, one might have expected a great deal more racism in the show than was actually presented. In fact, the only prejudice I recollect directed towards him arose on account of him being a copper. Which was a bit of a crock, to say the least. Clearly, the censors, makers, sponsors, whatever, didn't want the truth to be shown.

That said, it had an innocent little charm all its own. Rather more intelligent than 'Skippy', but a million miles from 'Mad Max'. The actor who played the part of 'Boney' was actually a New Zealander called James Laurenson. And although he looked aboriginal in the programme, to this day I'm not sure if he wasn't simply made-up. It was a short-run series (unlike the eternal 'Skippy'), but Laurensopn has enjoyed a very long career in film and is active in British television even today.