SPECIAL SQUAD

Tough cases for an Australian elite police unit. The squad's protagonists are Anderson (Alan Cassell), Smith (Anthony Hawkins), and Davis (John Diedrich). Special Squad, produced in 1984, was clearly modelled on The Professionals, and two of that show's producers, Raymond Menmuir and Gerry O'Hara, were involved, plus prolific Sweeney and Professionals writer Ranald Graham. Hardly highbrow entertainment, but lots of car chases and fistfights, along with exciting camerawork and a suitably hard-hitting synthesizer title theme will keep those who are in the right mood on the edge of their seats.

EPISODE GUIDE

Sources:
Jovan Evermann: Der Serien-Guide, Berlin 1998
http://www.wwwentworth.co.uk/spsquad/specsqud.htm
http://www.screensound.gov.au/cgi-bin/waxhtml.exe/olc/olcsearch.wxh?sDBCode=PR

Executive Producers: Hector Crawford, Ian Crawford & Terry Stapleton
Producer: Raymond Menmuir
Associate Producer: Ross Jennings
Story Consultant: Gerry O'Hara
Story Editor David Wilks
Director Of Photography: Dan Burstall
Theme Music: Graeme Lyall

(1.01) Trojan Horses tx n/a Guest Stars Gerard Kennedy (Harry Tait) Max Phipps (Arthur Lambert) Barry Pierce (Morgan) Peter Sumner (Nick Hardy) Rob Hewitt (Pete) Reg Gorman (Ryan) Liddy Holloway (Mrs. Tait) John Penman (George Casey) Richard Healy (Martin) Nigel Bradshaw (Gant) Ian Shrives (Hitman) Lisa Dombrovski (Rita Louise Nelson) Barry Branchflower Monique Daams Bruce Carter Marcus Eyre Writer Shane Brennan Director Ross Jennings
GERMAN: Trojanische Pferde
Anderson and his men have to deal with a violent war between two rival gangs.
(1.02) The Expert tx n/a Guest Stars Tim Robertson (Roberts) Sean Myers (Manchevski) Bill Pearson (O'Halloran) Paul Bertram (Cox) John Larkin (Manager) Valma Pratt (Shauna) Paul Karo (Skinny) Janet Kingsbury (Alice) James Taylor (Prison Governor) Thomas Coltraine (Jackson) Syd Jackson (Coogan) Kevin Colebrook (Fisherman) Howard Eynon (Fellows) Frankie Holden Norman Hancock Chris Waters Jim Ewing Writer John Upton Assistant Director John Wild Art Director Sally Shepherd Stunts Chris Anderson Special Effects Brian Holmes Bruce Bright Editor Lindsay Parker Director Arch Nicholson
GERMAN: Der Killer
When the squad steps on gangland boss Roberts' toes, foiling an attempt to steal a load of gold bullion, a hit man is hired to get Anderson out of the way.
Good action scenes as usual, some fine acting; the repartee-by-the numbers (Diedrich) spoils the fun a bit.
(1.03) Code of Silence tx n/a Guest Stars Peter Sardi (Frank Parrissi) Anna Jemison (Teresa Parrissi) Nicholas Bufalo (Michael Frantini) Lucianno Catenacci (Tony Frantini) Ronnie Valente (Luigi) Nic Gazanna (George Frantini) Peter Paulsen (Doctor) Osuald Maoni (Priest) Peter Aanensen (Kelly) Tom Oliver (Tobin) Robert Baxter (Roberts) Nick Carrafa (Camilleri) Dena Panozzo (Maria) Marian Sinclair Kate Jason Steve Curtis Dorothy Cutts Alton Harvey Writer Vince Moran Director Rod Hardy
GERMAN: Bomben und Gemüse
The squad crosses swords with the local mafia.
(1.04) Easy Street tx n/a Guest Stars Susie Lindeman (Lindy) Keir Saltmarsh (Ray) Glennen Faye (Len Cotton) William Zappa (O'Keefe) Trevor Kent (Doggy Barker) Keith Kaye (Tony the Tramp) David Slingsby (Corrigan) Louise Siversen (Laura) Sally Cooper (Shop Girl) Johnny Quinn (Car Salesman) Ruth Yaffe (Barmaid) Diana Greentree (Mrs. O'Keefe) Keith Polydakis (Shopkeeper) Teresa Loitou (Shopkeeper's Wife) Bob Baines Juliana Allan Maureen Edwards Paul Glen Peter Heath Writer Steve Wright Director Paul Moloney
GERMAN: Das süße Leben
(1.05) Counterfeit Lady tx n/a Guest Stars Suzanna Lobez (Susan Webb) Regina Gaigalas (Jan Edwards) Norman Coburn (Griffin) Ian McFadyen (Evans) Sean Scully (O’Neill) Tim Hughes (Purdy) Vincent Ball (Senior Official) Robin Cuming (Doctor) Christopher Connelly (Dawes) Conor McDermottrow (Harris) Robert Giltinan (Muscles) Lesley Baker (Chamber Maid) Howard Stanley Rob Morgan Howard Eynon Paul Makin Dale Stevens Writer Patrick Edgeworth Story Consultant Gerry O'Hara Assistant Director Jamie Leslie Art Director Sally Shepherd Stunts Chris Anderson Special Effects Brian Holmes Bruce Bright Editor Ralph Strasser Director Arch Nicholson
GERMAN: Die Doppelgängerin
The squad’s best-laid plans to catch a narcotics gang go wrong as the criminals always seem to be one step ahead of them.
(1.06) The Long Secret tx n/a Guest Stars/Writer/Director n/a
GERMAN: Kriegskameraden
(1.07) The Second Mr Swift tx n/a Guest Stars Alfred Bell (Arthur Kay) Briony Behets (Rhonda Watson) Anastasia Aspeling (Shauna Lee) Burt Cooper (Harry Koch) Ken Wayne (Ted Baker) Rob Steele (Captain Pierce) Tommy Dysart (Scottie) Myra De Groot (Grace Kiddell) Doug Bennett (Logan) Terry Trimble (Guard) Gary Samolin (Kuprin) Richard Healy (Dog) Angela La Bozetta (Aide) George Dixon Christine Calcutt Michelle Glass Avril Gay Laurie Dobson Writer Colin Free Director Ross Jennings
GERMAN: Der zweite Mr Swift
(1.08) The Würzburg Link tx n/a Elizabeth Alexander (Edith) Frances Bell (Burnett) Gerard Maguire (Hansen) Philip Quast (Jaeger) Joseph Fürst (Raddich) Monica Maughan (Mrs. Trane) Lisa Aldenhoven (Gina) George Harlem (Stokey) Wayne Cull (Tim Stevens) John Ramsay (Gunshop Owner) Mathew McDougal (Matthews) Gurvan Patterson (Raddich's Aide) Peter Brennan Mitchell Fairclough Peter Lord Adrian Vanderift Stewart Lowe Terry Brittingham Writer David Phillips Director Catherine Millar
GERMAN: Die Frau aus Würzburg
(1.09) Same Time Friday tx n/a Guest Stars Jim Smilie () John Wood (Cawley) Writer David Wilks Story Gerry O'Hara Director Chris Langman
GERMAN: Nächste Woche Freitag
TV host Lorraine Sutton is kidnapped by Sharon Hobbs - a desperate and determined woman.
In a Professionals-like opening Davis drops his girlfriend and Smith explores the scene of the crime!
(1.10) Duel tx n/a Guest Star Nina Landis () Writer Luis Bayonas Director Arch Nicholson
GERMAN: Durchgefallen
Various challenges from an unknown opponent (communication disturbance, a bank robbery etc) keep the squad on their feet. Meanwhile, Smith puts the skills of potential new recruits to the test.
Excellent stuff, fairly reminiscent of The Purging of CI5. The German title gives the whole plot away (so don't try to find out what it means!). Sometimes I wonder how stupid you can get.
(1.11) The Set-Up tx n/a Guest Stars Dina Mann () Writer John Upton Director Paul Moloney
GERMAN: Die Falle
(1.12) The Golden Run tx n/a Guest Stars Simon Chilvers Writer Ranald Graham Director Catherine Millar
GERMAN: Der goldene Weg
Who is the mysterious man with the reflector sunglasses shooting his way to the top of the drug syndicate?
(1.13) Jacko tx n/a Writer Luis Bayonas Director Arch Nicholson
GERMAN: Jacko
Smith infiltrates into a salvation army home (as 'Jacko') to uncover a cop killer. He's in for a good deal of loyalty from an unexpected party.
Another winner, an adequate crime-in-the-streets thriller. One remarkable scene has Smith expressing honest sympathy for his temporary peers.
(1.14) Slow Attack tx n/a Guest Stars Roz Gentle (Judith Deans) Peter Dahlsen (James O'Shea) Shane Briant (Ian Cummings) Brian Moll (Charlie Everett) Bartholomew John Victor Kazans Tim McKenzie Gloria Ajenstat Rod Williams Nicholas Brennan Ben Mendlesonn Alain Capel Lyn McLeod Chris Aristidou Peter Howard Geoff Fontaine Oswin Wright Writer Philip Dalkin Line Producer Ross Jennings Story Editor David Wilks Script Editor Tony Cavanaugh Assistant Director Bob Donaldson Photography Dan Burstall Art Director Sally Shepherd Stunts Chris Anderson Special Effects Brian Holmes Bruce Bright Editor Lindsay Parker Director Paul Moloney
GERMAN: Mord im Stadion
When an English cricketer is shot dead, the main suspect is an IRA gunman.
Includes a fine motorcycle chase sequence.
(1.15) Country Girl tx n/a Guest Stars n/a Writer Cliff Green Director Arch Nicholson
GERMAN: Die letzte Party
Davis and Smith are assigned to find out why a female C&W star was killed.
Straightforward, action-packed, somewhere between Bad Day at Black Rock and Hunter's Blood. Highly recommended!
(1.16) War tx n/a Guest Stars n/a Writers Everett De Roche Vince Moran Director Catherine Millar
GERMAN: Der Apotheker
A chemist kills a young mugger with a shotgun – more than self-defence?
(1.17) Wild Man tx n/a Guest Stars Tony Deary (Darren Craig) Marion Heathfield (Mrs Craig) Nick Waters (Ferris) Peter Tulloch (Walsh) Alberto Vila Steve Bastoni Peter Black Philip Stammers Dino Nicols (Greengrocer) Craig Edwards Chris Hargreaves Johnny Santo Eddy McShortall Chew Waitong Simon Duncan Writer Ranald Graham Line Producer Ross Jennings Script Editor Tony Cavanaugh Assistant Director Sean Nash Art Director Sally Shepherd Stunts Chris Anderson Special Effects Brian Holmes Bruce Bright Editor Ralph Strasser Director Paul Moloney
GERMAN: Der Kraftprotz
Darren Craig, an ex-rugby player, breaks out of jail for one last fling at life.
Straight and simple, extremely violent. Some of this looks familiar to those who have seen McCloud - Top of the World Ma! and Sitting Target.
(1.18) The Chen Legacy tx n/a Guest Star Bryan Marshall Writer Shane Brennan Director Chris Langman
GERMAN: Das Vermächtnis
Diedrich is very convincing posing as a martial arts half-wit. Disciplined police procedural, not much in the way of action. Watch out for a familiar face among the guest cast.
(1.19) Child of Fortune tx n/a Guest Stars Arthur Dignam (Grayson) Anna Crawford Robert Grubb (Sims) Steven Grimes (Lane) Anne Jenner Dianne Cavanagh Billie Hammerberg Peter Paulsen Yoni Prior Luigi Villani Tony Porter Bruce Carter Danny Nash Lorraine West Bill Johnston Stewart Bates George Crawford Writer Ranald Graham Line Producer Ross Jennings Script Editor Tony Cavanaugh Assistant Director Jamie Leslie Art Director Sally Shepherd Stunts Chris Anderson Special Effects Brian Holmes Bruce Bright Editor Ralph Strasser Director Tim Burstall
GERMAN: Das einzige Kind
Gangsters kill their way into Consolidated Investments and take the Chairman's little daughter hostage.
Excellent. Exciting. Unpleasantly violent. The story which details the operations of both the squad and the opposition is reminiscent of It's Only a Beautiful Picture.
(1.20) Business as Usual tx n/a Guest Star Ivor Kants Writers Shane Brennan Kris Steele Director Mark Joffe
GERMAN: Geschäft ist Geschäft
When a nightclub owned by a notorious businessman-criminal is robbed, the squad determine to nail him.
(1.21) A Wild Oat tx n/a Guest Stars Rhys McConnochie (Mathieson) Jay Hacket Jennifer Hagan Judy Ann Stewart Alister Smart Robert Patti Kirk Alexander Keith Robinson Meg Clancy Margaret Atkinson Susanne Hintze Ian Swan Anthony Garrity Robert Bennett Douglas Horton Libby Higgs Glen Robbins Writer Leon Saunders Line Producer Ross Jennings Story Editor David Wilks Script Editor Tony Cavanaugh Assistant Director Jamie Leslie Photography Dan Burstall Art Director Sally Shepherd Stunts Chris Anderson Special Effects Brian Holmes Bruce Bright Editor Ralph Strasser Director Brian Trenchard-Smith
GERMAN: Die Jugendsünde
From the director of Turkey Shoot, one of the notorious (and priceless) German video releases always proudly displayed by professional traders.
(1.22) Mates tx n/a Guest Stars Robert Coleby Jackie Woodburne Writer Luis Bayonas Director Rob Stewart
GERMAN: Alte Freunde
(1.23) Big Bad World tx n/a Guest Stars n/a Writer Cliff Green Director Howard Rubie
GERMAN: Hohe Politik
The attempted assassination of a visiting Third World dignitary propels the squad into the intriguing, back-stabbing world of foreign affairs.
The furious intro sequence shows just what these people are capable of. Shades of The Ojuka Situation and The Untouchables here.
(1.24) Earlybird tx n/a Guest Stars n/a Writer Michael Harvey Director Rob Stewart
GERMAN: Falsche Fährten
A gang of criminals arrive in town and the squad allows their operation to go ahead – with the intention of catching them red-handed.
(1.25) The Bribe tx n/a Guest Stars/Writer/Director n/a
GERMAN: Angels Spiel
(1.26) Farewell to a Comrade tx n/a Guest Stars Alex Menglett Judith McGrath Sally McKenzie Chris Milne Syd Conabere Writer Shane Brennan Director Michael Caulfield
GERMAN: Kostikovs Geheimnis
Includes one of those S.S. scenes which are not for the sqeamish. Nice incidental music.
(1.27) In the Cause of Justice tx n/a Guest Stars/Writer/Director n/a
GERMAN: Was lange währt ...
(1.28) Hot Streets tx n/a Guest Stars Les Dayman Writer Michael Aitkens Director n/a
GERMAN: Albys Rache
(1.29) Killer tx n/a Guest Stars/Writer/Director n/a
GERMAN: Die Terroristen
(1.30) The Patchwork tx n/a Guest Stars Chris Orchard Peter Stratford Maggie Millar Writer David Phillips Director n/a
GERMAN: Die Spur des Fälschers
(1.31) The Brothers tx n/a Guest Stars/Writer/Director n/a
GERMAN: Unter Brüdern
(1.32) Until Death tx n/a Guest Stars Bruno Lawrence (Poole) Ilona Rodgers (Helen Anderson) Wyn Roberts (Supt.) Willie Fennell Gennie Nevinson (Kate) Timothy Bowles (Larkin) Betty Bobbitt (Daisy) Writer Vince Moran Director Rod Hardy
GERMAN: Bis der Tod uns scheidet
Anderson killes a young criminal in the line of duty. His elderly lover, Poole, is out for revenge.
Nice incidental music (synthesizer guitar), excellent camerawork. By this series' standards an emotional episode, and quite convincing. Don't like the ending though. German version completed by end credits of The Expert.
(1.33) Ghosts tx n/a Guest Stars Dennis Miller Ivar Kants Max Meldrum Allan Faulkner Jenny Seedsman Writer Vince Gil Director n/a
GERMAN: Der silberne Wächter
(1.34) The Haley Inheritance tx n/a Guest Stars Dennis Grosvenor Christine Amor Sean Scully Patrick Dickson John Frawley Howard Priddle Writer n/a Director Colin Budds
GERMAN: Haleys Millionen
(1.35) Suzie's War tx n/a Guest Stars Marina Finlay (Suzie) Mercia Deane-Johns Tony Bonner Lou Brown Michael Long Harold Baigent Tony Rickards Michael Long Kurt Schneider Dennis Lees Marcus Eyre Vernon Wells Sandro Martino Gumpy Phillips Tony Tucci Norman Stirling Greg Severiny Greg Rekers Writer Luis Bayonas Story Editor David Wilks Script Consultant Graham Hartley Script Editor Tony Cavanaugh Assistant Director Barry Hall Photography Dave Connell Stunts Chris Anderson Special Effects Vivienne Rushbrooke Art Director Sally Shepherd Editor Peter Carrodus Director Dan Burstall
GERMAN: Die Rockerbraut
Davis goes undercover to stop a violent war between rival biker gangs.
This one enters Stone territory (anyone remember Sandy Harbutt's cult hit?).
(1.36) Return of the Cat tx n/a Guest Stars Allan David Lee Martin Vaughan Bruce Spence Lucky Grills Dennis Moore Michele Fawdon Writer John Upton Director John Power
GERMAN: Der Kletterspezialist
(1.37) Pigs tx n/a Guest Stars Peter Cummins Taylor Owynns Maxine Klibingaitis Darren Boyd John Godden Rod Zuanic Desiree Smith Joan Brockenshire Kate Jason Don Vaughn Paul Fyfield Esme Melville John Mortimore Tommy Dysart Lawrence Sutton Peter Patay Pat Lawrie Karen James Writer Shane Brennan Story Editor Graham Hartley Script Consultant Tony Cavanaugh Assistant Director Barry Hall Photography Bob Kohler Stunts Chris Anderson Special Effects Vivienne Rushbrooke Art Director Sally Shepherd Editor Peter Carrodus Director Ken Cameron
GERMAN: Straßenkinder
Davis and Smith try to rescue a man attacked by a gang of back street kids – only to be severely beaten up in the process.
More unsettling violence. Characters-by-the-numbers, as in Death Wish III, though they're a little more human here. The dubbing's atrocious, a bloody rush job.
(1.38) Mombasa tx n/a Guest Stars John Ewart Tim Hughes Eva Sitta Gus Mercurio Paul Karo Writer/Director n/a
GERMAN: Der Söldner
(1.39) The Haunting tx n/a Guest Stars Jane Menelaus John Jarratt Jan Freidl Cliff Ellen Sandro Martino Writer Luis Bayonas Director Tim Burstall
GERMAN: Rückkehr eines Alptraums
A model prisoner, years ago arrested by Smith, is going to be released prematurely, and Penny, a key witness in his trial, fears for her life.
Pleasant entertainment as usual. (Pic: Bathtub)
(1.40) Rotten Apple tx n/a Guest Stars/Writer/Director n/a
GERMAN: Videos aus Amsterdam
(1.41) Mad Mountain Mama tx n/a Guest Stars/Writer/Director n/a
GERMAN: Der Fluch der Hexe
(1.42) Life After Teddy tx n/a Guest Stars/Writer/Director n/a
GERMAN: Arme Schlucker
(1.43) Gone for the Doctor tx n/a Guest Stars/Writer/Director n/a
GERMAN: Zufluchtsorte

Note: It is likely that approx. half of the episodes were part of a second (1985) season. Information as to exactly when the season break occurred is not available at present.

With thanks to Mark Anthony Craig, John Lenton and Mark Riemenschneider for providing the viewing material and additional info.

Links:

http://www.crawfords.com.au/libary/drama/special.shtml (Crawford Productions back catalogue summary)
http://www.wwwentworth.co.uk/spsquad/specsqud.htm
http://www.screensound.gov.au/cgi-bin/waxhtml.exe/olc/olcsearch.wxh?sDBCode=PR

This is an unofficial and non-commercial website. The rights to Special Squad are held by Crawford Productions. The sole purpose of this page is to promote the abovementioned series - no copyright infringement is intended. However, should the copyright holders be unhappy with my use of screenshots the material in question will be removed immediately.

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