A zombie reawakens (and original Visitors' Book)

Now that I'm in the middle of sprucing up the new blog version of my old website, iiNet informs me that they have located and restored the most recent (2012) version of the old Number 96 Home Page. Yay! So it will make it easier to continue the revamp, and it's a relief to know my previous work continues to exist without relying on Wayback Machine.

I was asked about the email messages I used to have on my original home page's "Visitors' Book". The earlier messages (from 1996-97) were archived to save space, but these ones were still available in my files! Some of my comments are quite out of date, of course. (The dates would also mean that my first email from Michael Howard, aka Grant Chandler, arrived sometime after February 1999. Alas, it is trapped on my old computer.)

Karen Herkes-Ott, 5 Feb 99
Well, I did say when I finally got online I'd check out your website. What can I say? It's fantastic! I really like the flat windows' links - very nice concept. Be seeing you!

Shane, 20 Jan 99
A friend told me about your "Number 96" website and I've just been enjoying all of it. It's GREAT! I'm 43 so "Number 96" came into my life with its premiere just as I started HSC at the age of 16. It was a fantastic time with so many taboos to be knocked down and 96 met the calling on all fours. Down in Victoria, we got the show with a few extra cuts. I remember the opening night had two blackouts... Later the next year, I know they pulled a bit out of the Black Mass scene. Unbelievable now but trendsetting then! I'm wondering if you are the author who advertised in Sydney's street press back in late 94. I remember an ad for an author who wanted material from devotees for a book on "Number 96", to be published in 1996. I was visiting my brother up there and read the ad. I was excited about the future publishing of the book devoted to my FAVOURITE TV show. Sad it hasn't happened. Thanks for a great website. I hope your book finally gets released - with a tie-in video: "The Best of...". Aaaargh! Nirvana!

Yep, that was my ad in Sydney's street press, but my book hasn't happened! Yet. - Ian.

Cameron P., 18 Jan 99
Thanks for your website.

Stephen B., 25 Dec 98
Love the site.

Linda, 24 Dec 98
I adore the "Number 96" site. I've only had a real quick look (saw the link in aus.tv newsgroup). Have bookmarked it and will go back later. Yep, I remember that first episode with Briony Behets.

Sheila Kennelly ("Norma Whittaker"), 27 Aug 98
Enjoyed the website. Will send you some pics when I get your address from Elaine. Love, Sheila.

Wow! Hi Sheila! Thank you! And thanks for surfing through - Ian.

Marc B., USA, 23 Aug 98
Just wondering if any videos of "Number 96" exist? Or if any books have been published about the show? I would be interested in both. Would love to see what all the characters looked like. Thanks.

Nothing on commercial video, I'm afraid. And my book was finally accepted by a publisher... and then rejected a few weeks later. "No market", they all say. Sigh... - Ian.

New Weekly, 17 July 98
I'm from "NW" magazine, and we need pics of Deborah Gray when she appeared in "Number 96". Kevin Dickson assures me that you can help me out.

Brad H., 24 Jun 98
In my business as a website designer I'm always trying to enlighten people as to the potential of internet and what it can bring to people. Your site is a good example of this. As an Australian living here in Japan for sometime I never thought I would come across "Number 96" information, but a quick search with my favourite search engine ("Metacrawler") and here you were. Thanks for the wonderful memories. As a healthy teenage Australian, not only did I spend hours glued to the set in hope of catching Abigail but also following the carrying-on of what must be one of the busiest and weirdest block of flats in the Southern Hemisphere. Totally enjoyed the site.

Mark C., 15 May 98
You may well already be aware of this, but tonight the Nine Network screened an episode of "Babylon 5" which guest-starred none other than Chard Hayward - ie, Dudley Butterfield. While it was a fairly prominent guest part he wasn't easy to identify at first, as he played a member of the Minbari race. (Don't know if you're familiar with the show; although the Minbari are humanoid and the front of his face was showing, they have different shaped and placed ears, no hair and a bone crest at the back of their heads). However, his voice was still clearly identifiable as that of Dudley. How he came to appear on the show I have no idea!

Artie S., 10 May 98
You don't happen to have a copy of the "Number 96" theme in .WAV format do you?

Sorry, no! - Ian.

Marc, USA, 28 Apr 98
Thanks for the rest of the characters. Now I have a better understanding of the show.

Marc, USA, 26 Apr 98
Just finished reading up to O. The character descriptions certainly help to make the plot synopses more clear. I hope you were able to get P-Z on tonight. Haven't checked your site yet. I think all your info on the show would make a terrific book. I would love to see some episodes of the show. Are they available on video in Australia? Thanks again for putting your info online.

Marc, USA, 25 Apr 98
I wrote to you awhile back about your great "Number 96" website. However, when I was unable to get into the site a month or so ago, I thought (hoped) you were finishing the character information. Just letting you know that at least one person is patiently waiting for G through Z.

Chris C., 3 Apr 98
Hey Ian, please update the "Number 96" page. I love it.

Kjell and Marie F., Norway, 1st Apr 98
I visited your home page while I was looking for a website about "A Country Practice". You had info on a lot of programs, but not that one. Do you have any idea where I can find some information?

Megan McGlashan, 29 May 98
Perhaps the most remembered Dorrie-ism has been overlooked: the absolute beginning was "beresk". It has actually entered Australian common word usage. As one of the original Cash Harmon production team, I still find myself having to stop and think before I say beserk! People who have never seen "Number 96" use that word. (David, you have a lot to answer for! And you were right about the "Number 96" baby.)

I think you'll find "beresk" peppered throughout the site, but I'll add it to the Dorrie page as well. It's also in the Macquarie Dictionary! Thanks so much for writing. I'll pass your comments on to David Sale.

Rod H., 17 Mar 98
I visited your websites. Very good. That's the first time I've seen a "Number 96" site. Heheh. Very kewl. Takes me back (whoops... showing my age there).

J.A. Cullen, 1 Mar 98
What about the directors of "Number 96": Peter Benardos and Brian Phillis? They were both fantastic characters. I'm a former crew member, married to a former crew member. We fell in love on the set of "96". The hours were so long there was no one else to meet! Seriously, a really great show and a great time to be in TV. Thank you for your website.

Johnny Lockwood ("Aldo Godolfus") c/o Powerhouse Museum, 15 Feb 98
Just read your page. This is the first email ever sent by me. Good luck in the future.

I'm honoured, Aldo! Thanks for writing - Ian. (Johnny and his daughter, Joanna, attended a temporary exhibition of recent technologies at the "Powerhouse" and there were demonstrations of... the Internet!)

Marc P., USA, 1 Feb 98
I really like your "Number 96" web page; very informative. However, I'm just wondering when you're going to complete the Character Information pages? I find that your character information helps to understand some of the plot/story of the show, so that's why I am interested in the rest of it. I live in Chicago and I have an interest in some TV shows, especially the soap opera/continuing serial types. I remember watching the American version of "Number 96" many years ago - didn't last long. So I found your website about the original show quite interesting.

Yes indeed! Just trying to clear some webspace by moving my "Star Trek" stuff over to "Geocities". I ran out of room!!! :-) People said I would never fill 5 MG! Thanks for writing - Ian.

Lynette B., 27 Dec 97
Finally found your homepage - very cleverly done.

Elizabeth, USA, 2 Dec 97
Just found your web page. I live in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Adelaide where I tuned in to the show every night it was on. Love your site; will enjoy reading about all the cast. I met a number of the cast at a promotion in Adelaide when the show was at its height and they were as lovely as they were on the show. Did they ever release the movie of "Number 96" onto video? Keep up the good work.

The movie has never seen video release, though it was recently revived on the big screen and on TV - Ian.

Shaun M., 25 0ct 97
I was surprised to see "Number 96" and "The Box" on "Where Are They Now?" last night! I wasn't expecting it! :) Great stuff. Any more stories scheduled for the show?

I helped with the research on the Don/Simon kiss (or non kiss as the current footage exists today). I really doubted Peter Luck's people would be able to get both Joe Hasham and John Orcsik interested, but ta-dah. I'm just disappointed they didn't tell me when to come in for taping of that segment. I was there for Arnold and Patti - Ian.

Robert L., 12 Oct 97
What is Channel 10's position regarding a repeat run of "Number 96"? I was born in 1968 and never saw an original episode of the series though I have, of course, seen the entire "bomb blast" episode and movie at the Astor Theatre, St Kilda (Melbourne) as introduced by Elaine Lee. (She's my favourite.) As you may have guessed I regard myself as a huge fan based solely on the (many) clips and snippets that have been aired over the years but would love to see the real thing! Has anyone written to Channel 10 about this? What was their reply? PS The movie version is excellent and I (and the rest of the audience) picked out the same three politically incorrect bits that you have listed... Other aspects that generated big giggles from the audience was the obvious cut right at the end where the Harlequin tackles the speeding car as it crashes out of control (Don *is* a fast mover, isn't he?) - and the nurse's hat in the hospital scene that follows. Also Sonia's nightmare (that lampshade!), Jack asking for a beer - and "a gin and tonic for the sheila" - and Jack's shock when Sonia's husband matter-of-factly explains that Sonia has had the best psychiatric help possible, including LSD! And of course Maggie's outfit in her first scene (visiting Vera by Claire's pool) got a huge laugh, as did the scene of Vera recapping with Maggie her shady past and that her grandfather was (gasp!) black. Actually, all of Maggie's scenes got big laughs!

Gillian R., 22 Sept 97
Yahoo! A friend put me onto this page. About time too!

Christopher J., 11 Sept 97
How fantastic! Just when you get sick of surfing through all the crap, up pops a little gem like this. What a flashback. I was having a total childhood experience reliving all the memories of "Number 96". Just seeing the pic of the flats was exciting. Thanks for a most comprehensive and totally fantastic journey into TV history. It must take a lot of time and dedication to make something like this. Have any actors from the show expressed any desire to do any interviews? That would be heaven. Keep up the good work. You shall hear from me again. Too cool!

Thanks for the great email. Interviews? Have we got interviews! - Ian.

James Elliott ("Alf Sutcliffe"), 9 Sept 97
Greetings from James Elliott. Congratulations on the good work you have so far carried out on the history of "Number 96" and for your website! If there is any way I can assist with any information please contact me. Warmest wishes.

I'm honoured to have you surf through! Thank you for the support - Ian.

Roger Cash, USA, 5 Sept 97
We just stumbled onto this site by chance and were thrilled to see the picture to include Nancy Cash. The late Don Cash is our uncle and although it's been years since his departure from the States, and eventually his death, it was still nice to see some reference to him. We've downloaded all the info on the web site and it would be nice if you could correspond back.

It's a thrill to hear from you. Email on its way! - Ian.

Lesley Lee, Malaysia, 16 Aug 97
I've always had fond memories of "Number 96". Don (aka Joe Hasham) now lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he is a stalwart of the theatre world, and his voice is heard on many of the commercials over TV. Great nostalgia trip. Thanks.

Thanks for writing, Lesley. Joe and I have been in touch. I hope I can make use of my interview with him -- if not on this website, perhaps in my book - Ian.

Alistair F., 26 Jul 97
Just writing to say how much I enjoyed your home page. I was a great fan of "Number 96" and must say I still am. Once again, congratulations on a great effort and thanks for the memories... Keep up the good work. By the way, when I visited Sydney a couple of months ago I finally found the actual "Number 96" building in Moncur Street. A childhood dream come true. Don't worry, my friends think I'm a sick man! I'm just glad to know there are others around just like me.

Jim W., 10 Jul 97
I have just leaped to the home page to click on all those windows. Great stuff! You really must be praised for the hard work you have put into this site! Loved the "Villain of the Month"; Harry Collins was a great choice. I hope you can one day do a special on the Pantyhose Strangler, one of my favourite "Number 96" storylines. I always remember the night Arnold Feather found his wife dead - our family was devastated! You enquired how I found your site. Well, it was... pure luck in fact. For some reason, I was thinking of "Number 96" and I just took an off-chance at a search on Yahoo (I think). Lo and behold: I found your site. On vacation in UK, eighteen months ago, I saw a programme called "Eurotrash" which had some "Number 96" stuff on it - was that you on the programme? My friends in the UK found it quite bizarre, especially the clips they showed. Anyhow... keep up the good work.

Yep, that was me on "Eurotrash"! - Ian.

Michele S, 5 Jul 97
I have checked out the site again, and once again all I can say is you have a brilliant site. It is magic how we can now visit a window and see who used to live there. I am really looking forward to seeing "Where Are They Now?", and any input you might have had towards it. Has there been any mention at all, from any TV station about airing "Number 96" again? Even if it is late at night. It may not be a ratings winner, but it I bet every 'person' and their dog would be glued to the screen. If nothing else, to revisit something from the past...

Melissa L., 2 Jul 97
It had, admittedly, been a while until now - Wow! Well done! It looks great and you have certainly been busy! So much info! Very well put together. Re the "clickable map": Very cute! Congratulations! I thought the comments from the media and those who used to be involved in "Number 96" (such as the director) really sum up how great your page is! Rest assured, I will pass on the address to those I know will love to see it!

Christopher F., 2 Jul 97
I was at your site yesterday (Perth Time), and it hadn't changed, so you work fast! I'm just about to pop in and have a look (the anticipation is driving me beresk!), and I'll look out for the return of "Where Are They Now?" Such a pity that you can only see a complete episode of "Number 96" at the "National Film & Sound Archive". Halfway through the 25th anniversary year, I hope that Ten does something to commemorate the fact, even if it is another repeat of "They Said It Wouldn't Last" (using someone other than Abigail this time round). Always hoping, and on the lookout for further changes.

I've been helping Channel 7's "Where Are They Now?" with research. They filmed a "soap opera deaths" episode a few weeks ago with Johnny Lockwood. Next Saturday, they tape "soap opera marriages" with Jeff Kevin. Then comes "soap opera births" in a few weeks and they'll probably mention little Emma Sutcliffe's birth from the night after the bomb - Ian.

Jeff C., 2 Jul 97
That webmap thing is just the ants' pants!

Australia's Internet Directory Magazine, June/July 97
Re "Featured Site": "Number 96 Home Page". You are much too young to remember the scandal this caused when it was first launched with Abigail being sultry and smouldering all over the set. In the 70s it was the definitive soap opera. We were more innocent then.

Greg Benardos, son of Peter Benardos (Executive Producer/Director), 18 Mar 97
Well, I was considering creating a "Number 96" page but never got around to it... I have spent a good time reading your stories and reminiscing over the show that was an early part of my life. I can't wait to tell my father about your site and would be happy to convert any messages for him.

Brian Phillis (Executive Producer/Director), USA, 1 Mar 97
It was a pleasant surprise, while surfing the 'net, to reacquaint myself with the greatest, most successful piece of trash television ever produced. Your website reminded me of people and events that had long faded from memory. I haven't had a good night's sleep since. It's nice to know that, after so many years, people still appreciate the show. Thanks for the memories.

Paul & Sylvia Harmon, Malaysia, 18 Dec 96
Hi! Found your page and loved it!! What a lot of work you have put into it. Looking through it, I am surprised you were not able to interest anyone in a book yet. I am sure when they finally see the light, it will be a bestseller. As you know, for the last three years, I have been directing television commercials in Malaysia with Joe Hasham. I am sure he will love to look at your site, too. I will be sure to show it to him tomorrow. Congratulations on your site. All the best.

Kevin Dickson, Sydney Star Observer, 7 Nov 96
"Website of the Week": Relive the memories as the movie hits TV screens this week. Then go check out the website entirely devoted to the stroppy inhabitants of "Number 96".