1975

Ian's Number 96 episode guide: 1975

Number 96 synopses © 1994, 2020 Ian McLean and Lindsay Street Productions. They have been rewritten and annotated from information derived from Sydney and Melbourne editions of TV Week and TV Times, cross-referenced with original Cash Harmon documentation and viewings of episodes. No text may be reproduced without the express permission of the author. To use this material in research, you are requested to inform the author and credit his contribution accordingly. Thank you.

CLIFFHANGERS:

Can the deli survive its stern new owner, Freda Fuller?

Will Don Finlayson's sister, Carol, believe that her fiance, Brad Hilton, is a homosexual?

Did Lucy Sutcliffe's secret cause the destruction of Michael Bartlett's family?

Will Tracey Wilson endure another beating from her husband, Peter?

Has Harry Collins returned from the grave?

Who killed Patti Feather?

670. (13/01/1975) It is 1.30am and Don has ordered Brad to leave Flat 4 immediately, but Brad continues to argue. Don realises that he should have woken up to him from the start. Carol staggers out of her bedroom, complaining that it is the middle of the night. Why is Brad dressed? Brad claims that Don propositioned him. Incredulous as to Brad's lies, Don flings the front door open, just as Detective Sergeant Short ascends the staircase. All three are ordered back into the flat, as "there's been a little trouble upstairs" and no one is to leave the building. Short continues up to Flat 6 and Andy points out where Patti's body was found. In Flat 5, Marilyn and Edie have been watching a movie on TV in their sleep attire. Marilyn tries to get Mummy to understand Daddy's supposed need to "seek mental stimulation elsewhere" was his way of saying that he was leaving the family for "The Bullock". The news shatters Edie. Marilyn is also concerned about what has been happening with Michael. Mrs Sutcliffe received a phone call from Tom (in New Zealand) yesterday, but Michael had claimed that his father was dead? Alf comes into Flat 8 fuming, having just driven all the way back from Kurrajong to talk to Mrs Cole. Lucy informs him that there has been another murder: Arnold's Patti. Andy brings a dazed Arnold upstairs and Lucy offers Arnold his old room back, as Michael is out. Andy warns that Arnold is acting as if nothing has happened. Next morning, Alf is having a cup of tea in bed. Lucy mentions that Michael never came home, even though Lucy made up the sofa and left him a note. Alf snaps at her when he thinks she is suggesting that Michael is the killer. Alf agrees that Michael has been lying to them. That Mrs Cole who came to the door recently was not the real Mrs Cole. Lucy tells Alf about the call from Tom. So Michael lied about Tom's death and also about Lucy being left money in the will? Detective Sergeant Short is still in Flat 6, interviewing Tracey, who had been on nightshift at the hospital, and Andy, who has been staying with Vera but was going downstairs for a walk (in the rain!) when he met Arnold, returning from Canberra. In Flat 4, Dudley is back from Aunty Brenda's and hears about Patti. Carol makes serious accusations: were Don and Dudley setting it all up so that Don could proposition Brad while Dudley was away overnight? She is very angry and intends moving out today. Lucy talks to Freda over the phone in Flat 8. It seems that Arnold cannot accept that Patti is dead; he is down in the deli, working away as if nothing had happened! Michael arrives and tries to avoid the Sutcliffes' questions. Michael accuses Lucy of killing his mother, as if she'd taken a gun to her. His motive for lying to Lucy was revenge. Michael admits that he wanted to break up Lucy's family so she'd know what his bedridden, invalid mother went through, knowing that Tom was in love with another woman. In Flat 5, Short is ready to depart when Edie's meandering commentary begins to incriminate Daddy, who went missing around the time of the murder. Sometimes when Marilyn makes Daddy angry, "he could cheerfully strangle her". Only yesterday, Daddy was angry about Marilyn leaving her pantyhose in the bathroom. Don and Dudley visit the deli to check on Arnold. He seems oblivious to recent events. Arnold mentions that the takeaway food service is being discontinued but there is still some goulash left. At the bar of The Red Baron, Brad and Carol are waiting for a table. She can't understand why Don would act the way he did to Brad. She will pack her things and move into Brad's. Brad states that he needs to be by himself while it all gets sorted out. Michael comes to Flat 5 to explain to Edie and Marilyn about the situation concerning Lucy. Marilyn jumps at the chance to invite Michael to stay. Mummy thinks it's a good idea, too. Andy and Tracey come into the deli and are shocked to see Arnold serving behind the counter. He mentions that he and Patti will soon be off to Tahiti. Dudley is unable to establish an alibi. Don is worried that Dudley doesn't take the situation seriously. When Dudley produces his Wynyard-to-Beecroft rail ticket, Detective Sergeant Short does not accept it as proof of actual travel. The lunch at The Red Baron has been a tense situation. Brad accuses Carol of being "a possessive woman" and storms off. In Flat 5, Edie makes up a bed for Michael on the sofa. Marilyn comes in after a visit to the Paddington Town Hall. Daddy has taken a week's leave from his job. She then went to Mrs Bullock's home - and she is on a week's vacation! It seems obvious that they have gone off together [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

In Melbourne, GTV-9 had been airing "Days of Our Lives" in prime time over the summer, ready to do a ratings battle against "Number 96" when it returned for its 1975 season on ATV-0. Coincidentally, Tropical Cyclone Tracy was the name of the severe weather event that devastated the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia, early on Christmas Day in 1974. Tracey Wilson was about to become newsworthy. Since "The Red Baron" is a studio set replicating a corner of actual restaurant within the "Holiday Inn" in North Sydney, why would Dudley head to Wynyard Station to catch the last train to Beecroft? The blond extra, Mark Markham, can again be spotted as the "maître d'hôtel" of "The Red Baron" restaurant. Peter Flett's Michael Bartlett moves into Flat 5, as does his end credit. Frances Hargreaves' Marilyn gains a mispelt surname, "McDonald", which will last for several weeks. The family name is officially spelt "MacDonald".

671. (14/01) Tracey is reading a newspaper on the couch in Flat 6 when Arnold arrives from closing the deli at its new time of 6.00pm. She hides the paper under a cushion. Arnold greets her, then calls out for Patti. Tracey mentions that Mrs Sutcliffe was expecting him upstairs. Arnold is puzzled; it is unlike him to forget a dinner engagement. In Flat 3, Dorrie has her feet up while Herb is doing the ironing. With her delicatessen job, she is now "a working wife". Dorrie discusses how poor Mr Feather has gone completely "non compos Menzies" and quite "beresk". Dorrie is still jealous about Flo's election to President of the Paddington Senior Citizens Club, and is ropable that the position comes with a presidential allowance, so Flo has once again found herself homeless. It is politically undesirable to share the same flat. Daphne Begley can't put Flo up, as she's taking the bed out of the spare room to install a ping pong table. Dorrie disputes that Flo has "a mandate" and has requested a recount on the voting. Herb reprimands them both about their squabbling. In Flat 7, Vera and Andy tell Tracey about the latest development in the Pintor Collection art robbery. The police are suspicious that Harry Collins' name came up in the investigation, but with its main tip-off coming from a Vera Collins. Surely, there is a connection? Vera still has no doubt in her mind that Harry died in that fiery car crash last year. She had to identify the body, but Harry's wallet and watch were on the charred body. Nothing to worry about! In Flat 1, Norma tries to remember Patti's last movements for Detective Sergeant Short, but Les tries to take over the questioning. Next morning, in Flat 7, Andy tells Vera of the lastest findings on the doping of "I Kid You Not". An old private eye colleague, Paul Dougherty, has found new details on Bert Kelly's stableboy, Scott, and his brother. The brother was seemingly planted into Billy Barnes' stable by Kelly himself, not long after Andy and Vera moved "I Kid You Not" over to Billy. Andy's plan misfires: Scott did come forward to the AJC (Australian Jockey Club), but claimed that Andy had approved Jim Sutton to offer him hush money. Rather, this money was to encourage Scott to talk to the officials. Now Vera and Andy are deeper in trouble than ever. Flo is hogging the phone in Flat 3, suggesting an extraordinary meeting to organise the upcoming Jenolan Caves bus trip. Dorrie has added a blazer to her work outfit and her style emulates Mrs Fuller herself. In Flat 8, Alf wants Lucy to tell Tom that his son, Muchael, is "a psycho". Arnold comes out for breakfast and says that he misses Patti when she is on nightshift. Alf mentions going to the deli and Arnold asks if he can reassure Mr Godolfus that he will be downstairs shortly. Alf is incredulous. In the deli, Freda tells Dorrie that she seems overdressed - and Dorrie accepts it as a compliment! Herb wants to collect the garbage but Dorrie reprimands him for wanting to take it through the shop. Freda tells him to go right through. Alf tries to buy a box of matches, but Freda explains that they only come in packets of twelve boxes now. Alf refuses to buy in bulk and storms off. In the wine bar, Flo helps Norma to unpack some bottles. They discuss Flo's search for new lodgings and remember the Paradise Street fire that led to Dorrie taking Flo in. So how come Dorrie is tossing her out now? The Senior Cits Presidency, of course. Flo says that Dorrie thinks Freda Fuller is the greatest thing since Skippy Corn Flakes. Les is found with pantyhose around his neck in Flat 1, but he is just conducting an experiment - on himself. He tells Norma and Flo that he has just proven that it was impossible for the three female victims to strangle themselves. He apologises for ruining a pair of Norma's best pantyhose. Tracey notices Andy examining the locks of Flat 6's front door. Andy is convinced that the Strangler must have had a key. Tracey invites him to move into the flat with her. He can protect Tracey, but who will protect Andy? Outside the wine bar, Les is disguised as the street artist again. Roma's paintings are displayed along Lindsay Street. Freda comes past; she wants to replace the deli's window signage. Who did the wine bar's signwriting? Les knows that the firm in Bondi will be busy for four weeks, but he has done a signwriting course and will gladly help her out. She declines, then casts aspersions upon Roma's "hideous" paintings, which will chase away her customers. (Flo reckons that Mrs Fuller has the same effect.) In Norma's Bar, everyone laughs about Crimebuster Whittaker. A commotion causes them all to race outside, where Les has tackled and pinned down the man in the trenchcoat. Detective Sergeant Short introduces them to Detective Constable Johnson, who had been doing undercover surveillance of the building. In the deli, Freda shows Arnold an error that he has made in the bookkeeping and Dorrie manages to trigger him with a dose of reality concerning Patti. Freda takes him through to the back and Detective Sergeant Short comes in to ask Dorrie about using the Redphone. Dorrie assumes that he has come to question her, as "conserge", about the night of Patti's murder. In the wine bar, Les tries to defend his actions. Andy quotes Short: "Stay out of this Whittaker, or I'll have you locked up." Les is appalled by the lax policework: "Three unsolved murders and no arrests." He can't believe that no one has followed up the Reg MacDonald lead. Vera is incredulous that Reg is even considered a suspect. Reg disappeared when Patti was strangled. Norma sends Les down to the cellar to get the camp bed. Her mother is coming from Armidale for a visit. Norma is not looking forward to it. In Flat 8, the Sutcliffes cajole Arnold to play cards with them. Arnold must face grim reality: he finally realises that Patti has been murdered. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Tracey Wilson is obviously reading the latest news about Patti's death and the Pantyhose Strangler, considering how quickly she hides the newspaper when Arnold Feather comes home. The "Australian Jockey Club" and "Sydney Turf Club" Merger Act of 2010 merged the two clubs under the name of the "Australian Turf Club" (ATC). It was first mooted in 2003. The fire at "Gosford Mansion" in Paradise Street, Paddington, occurred offscreen in Episode #313. The disguised Detective Constable Johnson, portrayed by an uncredited extra, was first noticed by Les Whittaker in Episode #669.

672. (15/01) Michael drops into the laundrette because his afternoon lecture was cancelled. Would Marilyn like to go to the movies? Marilyn suggests they take Mummy with them, since there is still no word from Daddy. Marilyn mentions how gloomy Mummy has been. Meanwhile, Edie is having a delightful afternoon entertaining Vera and Don in Flat 5. Her guests prepare to leave, as they have a booking for dinner at The Red Baron, but Edie tries to tempt them to stay a bit longer. A coffee and an Adora Cream Wafer? Vera invites Edie to join them. Vera insists that they make a trip to her friend at Hair 2000 in Pitt Street. She will also lend her an outfit. Edie thanks a smirking Don for his (actually, Vera's) generosity. Dorrie antagonises a deli customer when she weighs some devon-ham sausage, but has her finger on the scales. The customer storms out. Freda delivers a difficult message: Dorrie's trial period "has been a trial" (for Freda) and Dorrie's services are no longer required. In Flat 5, Vera introduces Edie, who has been glammed up for her night out. Marilyn and Michael approve of the stunning transformation. Don pretends not to recognise Edie. As soon as they are alone, Marilyn and Michael dash into her bedroom! A pair of pantyhose are uncomfortably close to the bed. Having closed up the shop, Dorrie brings up the topic of wages. Freda reminds her that she had agreed to no wages for the week's trial period in the deli. Dorrie will miss this old shop. She, Mr Evans and Mrs Patterson will be taking their business elsewhere. At the restaurant, Vera laughs as Edie is whisked off to the dance floor by a handsome man. Vera says, "She's so sweet and she doesn't get much fun out of life." Don thinks that Vera has become a sentamentalist. They discuss Reg's disappearance, its timing with Patti's murder and how Les still thinks that the police need to be made aware. As Don pays the bill to the "maître d'hôtel", Edie is returned to the table by a different dance partner. Edie mistakes Don's standing up as an invitation to return to the dance floor! Vera thinks it is hilarious. In Flat 3, Dorrie is determined that the deli is now off-limits. Herb complains that it is a long walk up to the other shops. Dorrie doesn't want Flo to hear about Mrs Fuller sacking her. Herb says that Flo is having a hard time finding a new place to live, but Dorrie believes it is "all my eye and Mary Martin"! Flo arrives, having made a sacrifice for the sake of friendship. At an extraordinary meeting of the Senior Cits, Flo resigned as President. Dorrie is surprised. Now Flo won't have to leave the flat. When does Dorrie need to take over? Flo explains that Dorrie should have been at the meeting: Myrtle McIntyre is the new President! Don says goodnight to Vera and Edie at the door to Flat 4 and reminds them to lock their doors. Inside, he finds Carol, sitting forlornly in the dark. She explains that she spent the previous night at a girlfriend's, then went to Brad's place to have it out with him. He was in bed with a fellow whom Carol knew from work! She ends her disagreement with Don. Flo pops into Flat 5 to borrow some shoe whitener and invites Edie to watch them play bowls, but before that, to come for some tucker with Dorrie and Herb. Carol is still apologising to Don in Flat 4, and wants to go with him on his work trip up north. He doesn't want Carol staying in the flat by herself, as Dudley is working in the wine bar until midnight. Who does he suggest she stay with? Everyone in the building seems to be a suspect in the Pantyhose Murders. A thump outside Flat 7 spooks Vera. She flings the door open, but it is only Herb collecting garbage! Vera is on her way to the AJC tribunal. Herb shows Vera tomorrow's funeral arrangements for Patti which are in today's newspaper. Mrs Olsen organised everything. Vera is relieved that she won't miss the funeral. Dorrie comes into Flat 3 with two armsful of groceries from the supermaket. Flo, while preparing her bowling shoes, recalls the convenience of having a deli downstairs. Dorrie intends to encourage the other residents to join her boycott. She has a brainwave: a personalised shopping service that would keep everyone from patronising the deli. Dorrie is only just hearing that Edie will be a lunch guest today. Marilyn and Michael arrive home to Flat 5, thinking they will have time for a tryst. While Marilyn slips into something more comfortable, Michael pours them some sweet sherry. Edie emerges from the kitchen, preparing to go down to Flat 3 for lunch. She asks why Marilyn isn't wearing clothes, but is soon explaining that Mr Whittaker invited her to a ball tonight. Edie is so excited by her new, busy social life, she doesn't care if she ever sees Daddy again. Later, while in bed together, Marilyn suggests that she and Michael should get married. He wonders if marriage isn't a bit "old hat"? Marilyn describes her vision of their future wedded bliss. In Flat 3, Edie has smuggled in some gin to put in the teapot. When Dorrie tastes it, she is impressed by this new supermarket purchase and tells Herb to remember the brand. Dorrie also finally hears about Herb and Edie attending the Curbing & Guttering Centenary Ball while she was away. In Flat 4, Don needs to borrow money and sends Carol to get Dudley's wallet from the bedroom table. The wallet reveals a strange secret: photographs of Lorelei Wilkinson, Patti Feather and a girl whom Vera recognises as the first Strangler victim from Chestnut Lane! [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

There are probably no surviving records of official synopses for this episode and Episode #673. Plots are drawn from brief episode descriptions in the TV magazines, plus viewings of the episodes. "Hair 2000" was Elaine Lee's regular hair salon at the time. There may have also been a connection between that business and a resident of 83 Moncur Street, Woollahra; several businesses of actual tenants were namedropped in scripts in compensation for the fame of their building. The blond extra, Mark Markham, again plays the "maître d'hôtel" of "The Red Baron" restaurant. There is a continuity error with Michael Bartlett's pants. He is wearing blue denim flares but, in the next scene, a pair of beige trousers are discarded beside Marilyn MacDonald's bed.

673. (16/01) Marilyn and Michael plan a strenuous evening in Flat 5, knowing that Mummy is off to a fancy dress ball with Mr Whittaker. Marilyn suggests a costume for Edie: Salome the Belly Dancer, making use of those silk scarves that Aunty Jeanne gave her for Christmas. Carol has come to have dinner in Flat 7 with Vera and Andy. The phone rings and Andy thinks it was the call he was expecting. Instead, it is Don for Carol. Andy tells Vera that he has a surprise for her. In Flat 5, Edie is getting ready for the ball while a radio newsreader (Kevin "Kev" Golsby) updates the story on the Paddington Pantyhose Murders. There is a knock at the door. She opens it - and a masked man in a black cloak and top hat is standing there! Edie faints. A fearful Carol tells Vera that Don will be away longer than he expected and Vera insists that Carol stay with her, and not in the empty Flat 4. Andy announces a very lucrative offer for "I Kid You Not". Billy has agreed that the offer is "fair dinkum". Vera worries about selling her gift horse from Jack, and had been excited about the forthcoming "Wiltshire Stakes". Andy jokes that Vera only wanted her photo in the society pages of the newspaper. He promises to write an article on the sale, now that he has his job back! In Flat 5, Edie wakes up on the couch to the sounds of thumping from the kitchen. She arms herself with a garden gnome (Edies's "little men"). The disguised Les comes through and greets her. Edie explains that she thought he was the Strangler. He had considered that costume option, but went with Count Dracula. Marilyn closes up the laundrette and sends Michael off to get takeaway hamburgers. She locks the door behind him. In Norma's Bar, Vera has ordered champagne but Norma notices that Vera looks a bit down. The Harry Collins reports are getting to her. At the other end of the bar, Freda is having a white wine after a hectic day. She mentions to Norma that she had to sack Dorrie for incompetence. They discuss Arnold's situation. Freda has mixed feelings but can't run the deli without him. There are squeals from the customers as Count Dracula and Salome enter the bar! Les read Sister Warren's invitation incorrectly; it was not a fancy dress ball at all, it was a formal dress ball. They had to walk back to Number 96 because the taxi drivers were scared of Les's costume. Andy lifts Edie onto a stool and she bellydances for the crowd. In the laundrette, the front door has mysteriously opened. Marilyn is scared. Michael abruptly returns without the hamburgers - all of the food shops were closed - and they consider how the door became unlocked. Someone has a duplicate key? Next morning in Flat 5, Edie almost catches Michael darting out of Marilyn's room and onto the couch. Edie tells them about the disappointing ball, but she did enjoy dancing in the wine bar. Carol returns to Flat 4 to find Dudley examining the three photos that were found in his wallet. He owns the Lorelei snap but is mystified as to how the photos of Patti and the girl from Chestnut Lane got in there? In the deli, Vera and Freda discuss Dorrie's threat to boycott the shop. Les is in disguise again, surveilling Lindsay Street, but Vera greets him by name. Freda is unimpressed by him smoking his pipe in the deli. In the wine bar, Andy, Norma and Dudley discuss the murders. The mysterious, jobless Tanya Schnolskevitska (Natalie Mosco), her comrade, Joseph, and Joseph's male friend, arrive. They plan to hide out in Norma's Bar to avoid the KGB informant who is lurking outside. Dudley assures them that Mr Whittaker is harmless. Tanya wonders if she met Dudley on the ski slopes of St Moritz? He asks for her details in case she wants to work in the bar. In his top pocket, Dudley is stunned to find another photo. This one is of... Marilyn MacDonald! Edie is vacuuming Flat 5 and chatting to Michael as he studies. She admits to not missing Daddy even one little bit. "Mrs Bullock can have him!" Edie dashes into the bedroom and grabs her husband's framed photo. She sobs. In the wine bar, Les - still in disguise - is taking down notes as Carol and Norma discuss the photos of the four young women. They also ponder the suitability of Tanya as a waitress. Dudley joins them. He's just been upstairs to see Arnold. The funeral is tomorrow and Dudley fears for Arnold's ability to cope. In Flat 7, Andy ponders over the appropriate asking price for "I Kid You Not". The phone rings and he must prepare Vera for a shock: Harry Collins is still alive, and wants to talk to her! [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

There are probably no surviving records of official synopses for this episode and the previous Episode #672. Plots are drawn from brief episode descriptions in the TV magazines, plus viewings of the episodes. Marilyn MacDonald's mention of "everyone goes as Charlie Chaplin" is a reference to Flo Patterson's fancy dress ball costume from Episode #450. Marilyn also makes a rare reference to Christmas, which is never celebrated onscreen at "Number 96" due to the series' early-December cliffhangers that are not resolved until mid-January. (With the strong connection between "Number 96" and "The Mike Walsh Show" it is possible that Marilyn's "Aunty Jeanne" was named for upcoming Channel TEN celebrity, Jeanne Little. Jeanne had first appeared on "The Mike Walsh Show" in 1974 to plug her ailing Paddington dressmaking business!) The radio newsreader, heard by Edie MacDonald, is voiced by Kevin "Kev" Golsby, who was previously heard in the same role in Episode #650. Kev also portrayed Rudi Savanto, departing in Episode #624. The actor will return as Trevor Banks from Episode #908. Vera Collins mentions the "Wiltshire Stakes" horse race; previously it was being called the "Wiltshire Classic". (There is a "Wiltshire Stakes" in England as well as an annual bicycle race in Salisbury, Wiltshire. In Australia in the 70s, there was a popular range of kitchenware with this brand name. There is also a "Wilshire Stakes" horse race, without the "t", in the USA.) Sister Warren and Valerie Mason get namedrops. Natalie Mosco, who joins the regular cast as Tanya Schnolskevitska from this episode, was familiar to viewers as the bellydancer at a bus stop in a long-running TV commercial for Fry's "Turkish Delight" chocolate bars. One of the b/w photos found in Dudley Butterfield's wallet will give viewers their only glimpse of Denise Coleman, the first victim of the Pantyhose Strangler (killed offscreen in Episode #645). The other photos were of Lorelei Wilkinson (Josephine Knur), who was strangled in Episode #649, and Patti Feather (Pamela Garrick), who was found dead in Episode #669. The photo of Marilyn (Frances Hargreaves), found in Dudley's shirt pocket, is seen only from the back, but appears to be in colour.

674. (17/01) Dorrie and Flo are exhausted doing the shopping service for the other residents. After struggling up the stairs to Flat 3 with a full trolley, they realise that Herb is nowhere to be found. Flo remembers that they have to order a wreath for Patti's funeral. Dorrie thinks that Arnold is still "non compos Menzies". Dorrie is unimpressed when Herb comes in with the home delivery toothbrush that he bought for Tracey. In Norma's Bar, Les is telling Dudley about the practice of his work colleagues sneaking in a snooze in the hospital morgue. Norma rushes in with the news from Andy that Harry Collins is alive! Vera's clairvoyant vision was right, after all! So who was burned to death in that car accident? In Flat 8, Tracey and Arnold have joined the Sutcliffes for tea. Lucy encourages Alf to tell the old story of the woman who almost gave birth in his cab. Tracey mentions the time that she and Patti helped a woman to give birth in a hospital lift. The mention of Patti's name causes Arnold to retire to his bedroom. In Flat 4, Dudley tells Don about finding the photograph of Marilyn in his shirt pocket during his wine bar shift! Don finds the mystery of the now-four photos difficult to comprehend, and so does Dudley. Vera rings Lucy in Flat 8. She is at the police station and is worried that she will be unable to attend Patti's funeral because she is still being questioned over the Pintor Collection robbery and Harry's involvement. Dorrie arrives at the door to enquire about poor, dear Mr Feather, the tragic orphan: "no mother's love, one leg, and now this!" Les arrives home to Flat 1 from work, just in time to "assist" Detective Sergeant Short to question Dudley and Norma some more. "Marilyn hasn't been strangled, has she?" asks Les. Les brings up the photos in Dudley's wallet, then shoots holes in Dudley's alibi for last night's mystery of the laundrette door. Short is impressed and tells Les that "we'll make a policeman of you yet." In Flat 8, Alf has organised for Arnold to fly to Perth after the funeral to visit with the Sutcliffes' son, Jim, little Sebastian, and Alf's mother. Arnold feels that he has nothing to live for now that Patti is dead. In the kitchen of Flat 1, Don tells Dudley about Short questioning him on Dudley's movements. Someone definitely planted those photos on Dudley - but now he has destroyed the evidence by burning them. Don warns that Dudley has made himself look more guilty than ever. In the laundrette, Lucy explains that there are only two keys to the front door of the laundrette: Lucy's and Marilyn's - but Short has a shiny new one, found in Lindsay Street by Mrs Evans! He tries it in the lock and it works. Since only Lucy's friends ever enter the laundrette's back room, her key could only ever be borrowed by someone that she knew! In Flat 3, Dorrie mentions that she put the key evidence in Detective Sergeant Short's hands "postee hastee". Everyone in the building is reminiscing about the Pantyhose Strangler's victims and this afternoon's funeral for Patti. Herb ponders if the murders are being committed by a "Human Fly". Dorrie says that that is as unlikely as the murderer turning up to Patti's funeral. Herb reckons that that could be "on the cards". In the wine bar, Don, Dudley, Tracey, Norma and Les leave for the funeral. Arnold is going with the Sutcliffes and Mrs Olsen. In the foyer, Dorrie is castigating Flo and Herb when Arnold descends the stairs. At the cemetery, Reverend Peacock presides over the service. Arnold is very distressed. Later, in Flat 8, Arnold retires to his bedroom. Once alone, he breaks down. In Flat 3, Dorrie is critical of the service, Reverend Peacock and Patti's nursing colleagues, who all looked like they'd just come from work! Herb tries to explain that they were honouring their fallen nursing companion. Flo guesses that when she passes away, the Senior Cits might all turn up in their bowling uniforms! Herb mentions that Dudley had done the catering for the wake held downstairs, but no one has seen him since the funeral. In the wine bar, Norma and Don admit to Detective Sergeant Short that they don't know where Dudley went either! At the climax of a very sad day for the tenants, Short announces that he has a warrant to arrest Dudley for murder! [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Dudley Butterfield mispronounces Tanya's Russian surname as "Schnol-have-a-pizza". Reverend Peacock might be a relative of Judge "Beakie" Peacock, who is namedropped by Amanda Von Pappenburg in Episode #450. An unexpected, strong wind blew through the outdoor funeral scene for the late Patti Feather. The more superstitious members of the cast found this to be an unsettling omen. A styrofoam headstone ("In memory of Charles J Gibson, Born 1918, Died 1956") can be seen rocking back and forth in the foreground! In a later scene, Dorrie Evans actually mentions the wind at the funeral, obviously lines written after the day of location shooting. A stray end credit for the already-departed character of Brad Hilton (Terry Bader) appears onscreen. Andy Marshall (Peter Adams) has also been moved back into Flat 7.

675. (20/01) After the funeral, the Sutcliffes catch up with Vera, inviting her in for a drink in Flat 8. They tell her that they arranged for Arnold to stay with their son, Jim, in Perth. Vera explains that Harry Collins did not die in the car crash after all. After the shock of seeing him again, she couldn't face Patti's funeral and just wandered around The Domain. The burned body belonged to a thief who had bashed and robbed Harry. Vera now feels nothing for Harry, who will be doing gaol time for the art robbery. In Flat 3, the supermarket service is taking off and Les will be printing business cards for Flo and Herb to hand around. The supermarket manager is very pleased. Dorrie receives an unexpected call from Claire Houghton, but her Dig Up a Treasure babysitting duties, for Lady Mendl's friend, would preclude Dorrie's attendance at Claire's high society luncheon at Buckingham Lodge. In Norma's Bar, Andy, Tracey, Carol and the Whittakers discuss how Detective Sergeant Short is still trying to arrest Dudley for murder - but Dudley has seemingly vanished! Norma is unimpressed by Les's summation of Dudley's suspicious character and "dark impulses". Don comes in, having unsuccessfully tried to defend Dudley to the police. Next morning, in Flat 3, Herb and Flo are unable to cover Dorrie's booking to babysit Gloria Devine's children, but Les arrives and suggests a unique solution for Dorrie's dilemma. Les will dress in drag to impersonate Dorrie! Over their breakfast of grapefruit in Flat 4, Carol doesn't think that Don is upset enough about Dudley's disappearance. Don gets defensive. Tracey and Andy are in bed in Flat 6. While Arnold is away in Perth, Andy will move in with Tracey to help her feel more secure. Les is reading 1001 Mass Murderers in Flat 1 and criticising Shorts's handling of the Pantyhose Strangler case. Letting Dudley slip through his fingers like that? Norma gets very testy with Les. She hopes that Tanya will accept their job offer. The phone rings and it is Herb with a message for Les. "Dorrie has given in, whatever that means..." says Norma - and Les dashes into action! On the Boulevard Cafe, Vera and Lucy again chat about Harry and the Pintor paintings. Alf is standing nearby and joins the discussion. Vera won't be accepting the reward money and the police don't believe in ESP (Extra Sensory Perception), anyway. Don's attitude has everyone puzzled when he arrives to catch Alf's taxi; the two men bicker about Dudley again. Vera and Lucy worry that Don is deliberately not defending Dudley. Les is undergoing a transformation into a "fac-si-mile" of Dorrie. She is highly critical and dubious, telling Les not to be "faecetial". Mrs Devine, after all, is "a leading socialist" in Point Piper. Carol, Tracey and Andy are first into the short-staffed Norma's Bar for lunch, but the menu only has Chicken Chop Suey and Fried Rice, which the local Chinese restaurant has already delivered. To top it off, Les has gone off gallivanting with some mad scheme. Carol also feels that Don is acting suspiciously about Dudley. Tanya arrives and is considering taking the job in the wine bar because she loves Australians. Herb and Flo walk "Mrs Evans" down to the main foyer and head off to the supermarket to complete today's shopping service. Alf encounters Les in drag and smoking on his pipe in Lindsay Street. When Alf realises who it is, he lifts "her" skirt and warns "Mrs Evans" not to get arrested. A flirtatious Tanya is monopolising Andy in the wine bar and Tracey is unimpressed. Tanya claims to have defected from the Bolshoi Ballet while performing in Rio De Janeiro. She was rescued by a Mexican bullfighter who disguised her as one of his pecadoras. In Flat 8, the Sutcliffes laugh over Les's impersonation. Alf mentions that Don got out of his cab and went straight acrioss to another one at the taxi rank, as if he was trying to conceal his final destination. Over coffee in Flat 7, Carol tells Vera that she has given up on training air hostesses because she kept running into Brad all the time. It's back to job hunting! As Carol is leaving for a 4.30pm interview, she asks Vera if Don was ever jealous of Dudley's friendship with Lorelei. Vera settles on her lounge and tries riffling a copy of Woman's Day, but she is soon dozing. Herb and Flo are sorting all of the groceries into separate bags in Flat 3. Dorrie returns in a buoyant mood from Claire's function, rattling off some of the "cream de la crem" attendees: "Lord and Lady Lumberdale, Lady Betsy White, the Rhinegolds..." She opens the front door to Les, still in drag. She is pleasantly surprised to learn that Les managed to pull off his impersonation. Furthermore, Mrs Devine wants "Mrs Evans" back for more babysitting tomorrow. In Flat 7, Vera awakes from a nightmare - screaming - and races into Lucy's, next door. Vera needs a brandy. She actually foresaw Marilyn being strangled. But this means that Vera also saw the identity of the killer! [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Tanya Schnolskevitska gives her middle name as "Elizaveta", but tells everyone not to worry about it. Tanya claims to have trained with the "Bolshoi Ballet", the internationally-renowned classical ballet company based in Moscow, Russia. The first surviving official synopsis to feature the character of Tanya has her name spelled "Tania", but "Tanya" in the end credits. By Episode #681, the accepted spelling becomes "Tanya" in the synopses.

676. (21/01) In the laundrette, Marilyn and Michael try to console Edie over Reg's absence. He left Mummy after over 20 years of marriage? She is so depressed. "I suspect it's just a stage I'm going through," says Edie. Marilyn tried to warn Edie about Alderman Mrs Bullock, but she wouldn't listen. Edie is distressed that will be eating alone again tonight and wanders home. Michael refers to Dudley as "the fink" for turning out to be the Pantyhose Strangler. Michael always suspected him. He heads back to the flat to keep Mrs Mac company but will return to accompany Marilyn home at 9.00pm. Michael promises that he has a big announcement coming up. Tanya enters the deli seeking to purchase some Russian caviar. Freda has discontinued it but offers lumpfish roe as an alternative. Tanya is unimpressed and leaves, but Freda chases her onto the street and offers to order her in some caviar if she intends buying it regularly. Tanya mentions that she is considering taking a job in Norma's Bar. Freda decides that she wants Tanya to work for her in the deli, if she has had experience - and Tanya will ponder the offer. She spent two years at Tiffany's of Fifth Avenue in New York, selling jewellery and fine furs, so she can certainly sell garlic sausage. In Flat 8, Lucy takes Vera's dream very seriously and wants her to tell the police that she "saw" Marilyn's murder. Vera is reluctant after the stolen paintings debacle. She doesn't want to tell Marilyn, either. Vera also can't believe that the killer could be the person whom she saw in the dream. "It's too absurd." Dorrie castigates Flo and Herb in Flat 3 for being so weary after delivering all of their clients' supermarket groceries. Dorrie thinks of how Lady Betsy White looked "so miraculate", sitting at Claire Houghton's table in Buckingham Lodge, and now Dorrie is uneasy about sharing the same table as "a veritable pair of raggle-taggle gypsies". They expect that Dorrie will be helping with the groceries tomorrow but Dorrie is now part of Mrs Houghton's Point Piper luncheon set. She may also be called upon to babysit for Mrs Devine, but Herb is doubtful since it would be obvious that Dorrie was not Les (in drag). Flo intercepts a call from Claire and discovers that Dorrie has not been telling the whole truth. Does the cheque for waitress duties get made out to Dorrie Evans or to Dig Up a Treasure instead? Tanya sees Freda closing up the shop and races to accept the job offer, having consulted with her astrologer. Tanya tells the story of when she worked as a lion tamer in Budapest. Her astrologer warned her not to go on one night. Her replacement, Nicolai Nikolaevich, lost his head to the lion. (It was Nicolai's fault; he had forgotten to feed them.) Lucy arrives at the laundrette and offers to close up, so Marilyn can head home with Michael. She sends Marilyn to get her belongings from the back room so she can warn Michael to be extra protective over Marilyn. Vera had foreseen Marilyn as the next murder victim. Michael reminds Marilyn that he has "something important" to tell her tonight. Flo and Herb approach Flat 5, intending to ask Edie if she wants to make an order for the supermarket tomorrow? Reg suddenly returns from a week's sojourn in Woy Woy. Over the washing up in Flat 3, Dorrie tells Flo exactly what she would do to to Reginald P MacDonald, running away with another woman for a "candlestine" affair! Dorrie is only just learning that Michael now lives in Flat 5 after his tiff with the Sutcliffes. ("Why wasn't I told?") In Flat 5, Reg insists that he spent the week alone in the Woy Woy hotel room, to punish Edith for neglecting her domestic duties. Mrs Bulloch was in Queensland. He wants Edie to resign from all of her committees and for Marilyn to stay with her Aunt Evelyn to evade the Pantyhose Strangler. Tanya takes up her position at the deli and Freda mentions the "silly boycott" going on. Tanya boasts that she has a special magnetism that will attract lots of male customers. Herb sneaks into the deli and meets Tanya. She tries to sell him what Herb calls "continental tucker" but he only needs birdseed for Mr Perky, as the budgie doesn't like the supermarket brand. Tanya confesses her love of men with bald heads, like her Uncle Nikita. Dorrie happens to walk past the deli window just as Tanya is getting all flirty with Herb. Dorrie storms in and orders Herb away from Tanya. Freda hears the kerfuffle and comes into the shop. Dorrie is no longer part of Mrs Fuller's "clientelly". In the laundrette, Vera warns Marilyn to be careful. Lucy wants Marilyn to package up some items for Mrs McIntyre before she goes off on her special date with Michael. Again, Lucy urges Vera to speak to Detective Sergeant Short about her dream. Vera knows that the police would not believe her. Reg and Edie have lunch in Norma's Bar and he hears how Edie was being looked after by the other residents in his absence. Edie mentions that the police want to talk to him, since he left Sydney the night that Patti Feather was murdered. In Flat 3, Flo questions how little Dorrie seemed to accomplish while Flo was delivering orders to Paradise Street and Chestnut Lane. Dorrie and Flo discover that the business cards promoting their supermarket shopping service are printed on the reverse of the cards that Les once used to sell cemetery plots. Over coffee in the wine bar, Reg decides that he will allow Edie to stay on one committee: the Gumnut & Banksia Preservation Society. Michael and Marilyn arrive in the bar to announce an important decision. Reg tries to insist that Marilyn should go to stay with her Aunt Evelyn until the Strangler is caught. Michael and Marilyn see no need for that as they have just eloped at the Registry Office. Reg and Edie are very surprised as Marilyn flashes her wedding ring. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

The real Nicolai Nikolaevich (1856–1929) was the Grand Duke of Russia, not a lion tamer. Myrtle McIntyre gets another namedrop. Evelyn is a sister of both Reg MacDonald and Fay Chandler. She is next referenced in Episode #695. Frances Hargreaves' Marilyn is still being credited with the mispelt surname, "McDonald", despite having just eloped with Michael Bartlett.

677. (22/01) In the wine bar, Edie takes Marilyn's news better than Reg. Edie wants to order champagne. Reg questions Michael's ability to provide for his new wife but Marilyn was under the impression that they could stay on in Flat 5, since they all get along so well together. Reg still thinks that the whole idea is preposterous. Vera is being served by Tanya in the deli when Alf comes in. He snipes at Freda, then wants an introduction to Tanya but Vera can't pronounce "Schnolskevitska". Tanya is still spinning wild tales in the deli; her last boyfriend was a gun-runner for an African revolutionary. Too many Tsetse flies in Africa! The boyfriend was eaten by crocodiles while crossing the Zambezi River. Freda is disbelieving, having heard about Tiffany's as Tanya's previous workplace. Vera is saying goodbye to Alf, who is starting a shift in his taxi. Tracey approaches her, wanting to have an important discussion. Edie is already sloshed but she brings up Michael, Marilyn and Andy to Flat 5 so they can continue celebrating the Barletts' marriage and the sale of "I Kid You Not". Reg arrives home from the police station and is unimpressed to find the impromptu party. Tracey is chatting with Vera in Flat 7. What if Peter, who has mysteriously disappeared, is the Pantyhose Strangler? The attempt on Tracey's own life was bungled and she now fears that Patti was murdered by mistake. In Flat 5, Reg realises that a marriage cannot be annulled if it has already been consummated! Reg then suspects that Marilyn is pregnant. She denies it. Reg is unimpressed that Michael failed to ask Reg's permission to propose to his daughter and then elope. Tanya tells Freda in the deli that Norma was very upset when she found out about Tanya's new job. A very seedy Andy comes in, seeking a remedy for the consequences of the unexpected wedding reception. Andy adds Acapulco in Mexico to Tanya's list of exotic places in which she has (supposedly) previously worked. Vera comes in, seeking a remedy for an upset stomach, and begs off on dinner with Andy, despite selling the horse. Andy walks her into the main foyer. In Flat 5, the newlyweds are doing the washing up. They are looking forward to more celebrations in Marilyn's bedroom. Alf comes to the rescue when Vera is found writhing in agony on the floor, at the entrance to Flat 7. Next morning, in their bedroom in Flat 5, the MacDonalds reminisce about their honeymoon at Minnamurra Falls. Reg is irate that a non-functional alarm clock - and one additional person living in the flat - has put his whole morning routine in jeopardy. Marilyn, Michael and Edie keep beating him into the bathroom. Reg is going to be very late getting to the TH. Andy chats to Tanya in the deli. She regales them with the tale of her boyfriend, Rufus, a Chilean war correspondent, who was killed by a poison dart in Brazil. Alf tells Andy about taking Vera to the hospital last night. Suspected appendicitis! In Flat 5, Edie and Reg talk at crossed purposes again. Reg, at first, thinks that Marilyn is pregnant. In the laundrette, Tracey accidentally lets out a secret that upsets Marilyn: she had not heard about Vera's dream that identified her as a victim of the Strangler. Michael is annoyed by Tracey's lack of tact. Edie has forgotten to prepare Daddy's luncheon in Flat 5 because she is baking a wedding cake. Marilyn tells Michael that they should never keep secrets. He can't wait until Dudley is arrested. Alf hears the news about Marilyn and Michael's elopement. He is concerned, and explains to Andy, over beers in Flat 8, that he had to turf Michael out recently, following his bizarre behaviour around Lucy. Alf gets a phone call from Lucy, who is still at the hospital. Vera doesn't have appendicitis, after all; it seems that she was poisoned. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Minnamurra Falls is near Kiama, NSW. Alf Sutcliffe's beer cans have a promotion for the 1974 "America's Cup Challenge" yacht race, in which Alan Bond & Ben Lexcen's "Southern Cross" (Australia) unsuccessfully challenged "Courageous" (USA).

678. (23/01) Les is getting ready in Flat 3 for another babysitting session for Mrs Devine. He is considering a career change as a professional nanny, based on his recently successful impersonation of "Mrs Evans". His new name could be "Miss Hotchkins"? Dorrie and Flo arrive from the supermarket, laden with grocery bags. As Les heads off to Point Piper, Flo realises that she and Dorrie have managed to duplicate the orders. In the laundrette, Norma hears all about Vera's near-death experience from the Sutcliffes. Alf mentions that Vera claimed to have had only a light lunch yesterday but, later, also a drink with Don. Don visits with Dudley, who has been hiding out in a hotel. Detective Sergeant Short and Constable Ted (Frank Menzies) search Flat 7 for any food items in open tins or jars. Herb arrives while they are there, and explains that he had hoped to convince Vera to use their grocery service. Herb arrives back in Flat 3, while Flo and Dorrie are bickering over the extravagance of taxis that will eat into their shopping service profits. Herb is bursting to tell Dorrie about Vera, but Dorrie stops him. She suggests that she, Flo and Herb should pool their money and invest in a small car to assist with their supermarket deliveries. Upon learning about Vera's condition, Dorrie demands to know why Herb did not tell her immediately. Norma is run off her feet in the wine bar and resents Freda for poaching Tanya to work in the deli. Carol mentions that she has resigned her job as a flight attendant trainer, because she kept running into Brad. She now suggests that she could work as a waitress - and Norma offers her the job. An off-duty "Sarge" Short drops in for a glass of Moselle and Carol is excited to serve her first customer. Norma presses him about Vera's dream. He spoke with Mrs Collins at the hospital this morning. As they talk, Les enters as "Mrs Evans" and only Short recognises him at first. Don comes to see Lucy in Flat 8. Has she seen Vera? Lucy and Alf tell him about Vera's poisoning and then question the absent Dudley's motives. Don gets very angry. Since Dudley hasn't been in the building for three days, they could just as easily suspect Harry Collins! Norma drags "Mrs Evans" into Flat 1 and orders Les to get changed immediately. The Whittakers have an increase to the family when Norma's mother, Mrs Anne Florentine (Aileen Britton), comes to stay, choosing this very moment to arrive. Les greets her at the door dressed as "Mrs Evans". Later, Anne has a cup of tea with Leslie. "I'm not one to complain," she says, then has a litany of complaints to unload. She is unimpressed and confused that a woman (Dorrie) would send a man to do her job, dressed as a woman! Norma comes past to check on her mother and Mrs Florentine is shocked that Norma is serving the meals herself. Norma hands off the tray of Chinese takeaway Sweet & Sour to Carol. When Carol asks for a few minutes to dash upstairs to see Don, Norma agrees and sends Les into the bar. Norma hears about the long train journey from Armidale, then tries to ask about her brother, Pat. Patrick is getting married and the new partner is common, so Anne is moving in with Norma indefinitely. Carol arrives in Flat 4. She is still distressed over Don's unusual behaviour. Other residents have noticed, too. It is almost as if he believes that Dudley is guilty? In Flat 3, Flo and Herb are not interested in renewing their driving licences. Flo hasn't driven she was in the AWAS (Australian Women's Army Service), so Dorrie announces her intention to learn to drive. Dorrie demands that Herb samples the tea in case it is poisoned, even though he was the one who made it. The Sutcliffes chat in Flat 8 and wonder about Vera's dream and the poisoning. Both Don and Andy spent time with Vera yesterday. It couldn't be Don. In Norma's Bar, Anne says that she expected a higher class of venue. She is not impressed that the missing chef is, according to Leslie, "a crazed, psychotic killer". Both Anne and Don want Les to stop talking about the murders. Don storms out. Next morning, in Flat 1, Anne is disappointed that the Earl - Leslie - renounced the family title. (It passed to his brother, Andrew in Johannesburg, along with all of the clan's debts.) Anne had already told her friends and neighbours that her daughter was the Countess of MacCraddonow! She can see little evidence of Norma's ladies' college education. Anne is more forgiving of the Earl, saying, "The Aristocracy are renowned for their little eccentricities". There is a knock at the front door. Norma is horrified by the arrival of two deliverymen and a large number of suitcases, suggesting that her mother really does intend a long stay. In Dudley's hotel room, Detective Sergeant Short thanks both him and Don for their cooperation. The trap is closing in on the Strangler; Dudley's disappearance is a part of the police operation to catch the serial killer. Short doesn't believe in clairvoyant dreams, but the Strangler obviously does. The detective is very relieved that Vera survived the attack on her life. The police now know who the Strangler is, but Short had not anticipated the killer turning poisoner as well. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Prominent scuff marks on the wall behind the couch in Flat 1 and Flat 7 are now also in the same location in Flat 3. The three sets share the same walls. Aileen Britton, who portrays Anne Florentine would return as two different characters in 1977, Miss Gumble in Episode #1167 (although the character was previously namedropped in Episode #645) and Mrs Carlton-Bell in Episode #1192. She would also go on to play a regular role, Joyce Blair, in "Arcade".

679. (24/01) Marilyn has planned a special Flambéed Beef lunch in Flat 5 for Michael and Daddy. Her first meal as a married woman! Edie is excited to watch it ignite. The meal is a complete disaster, though, because Marilyn uses furniture polish on the food thinking it was brandy. There is a happy reunion for Norma when Dudley returns to the wine bar. He explains that, with all the evidence piling up against him, he was sure that he was being set up for the crimes. Detective Sergeant Short comes to Flat 6 and asks Andy and Tracey if they have Arnold's telephone number in Perth? The Sutcliffes would know, but they are not home. "Just routine" questions? In Flat 5, Reg and Edie are heading out. Michael is staying home this afternoon to study. Reg has mislaid some important notes for the DTC - statistical data on sewage outflow to the eastern suburbs' seaboard - and they finally realise that Edie had written her shopping list on the back of the document. She must memorise the list on her way downstairs. As soon as they leave, Marilyn emerges from the bedroom in her underwear. Michael abandons his studies! On the staircase, Mummy is confused by her list, but she is reading the wrong side. Detective Sergeant Short passes them and Reg castigates him. As a father of a young, blonde woman, Reg is disturbed that the Strangler is still at large. Andy's actions are raising suspicions so Short visits Flat 4 to talk to Don and Dudley about him. Carol invites him in. Andy now resides in Flat 6? How well do they know him? Les is restacking his inventions and junk in Flat 1 to make more room for Anne's camp bed. He is using "dimensional planning", but Norma is dubious. Anne reminisces about lunches at the Hotel Australia but Norma informs her that it has been pulled down. Anne, who is "not one to complain", assumed that a wine bar run by an earl and a countess would be "a meeting place for high society". Norma points out that her mother was always ashamed that Mr Florentine was a mere publican. Norma recommends the nearby Beauregard Hotel. Anne can't afford that, but she does not get the old-aged pension because that would be accepting charity. In Flat 4, Don asks Dud how Carol is faring as the new wine bar waitress. Up until now, she has only had to serve Chinese takeway; now she will be serving Dudley's "exclusive, gourmet 'spag bol'!" Andy arrives to welcome Dudley back. He is on his way to visit Vera in the hospital and mentions Short's latest visit. Are the police close to arresting someone? Andy leaves and Don and Dudley ponder why Short was suddenly so interested in him? Marilyn, wrapped only in a towel, catches Michael rummaging her drawers in Flat 5 and he covers by saying that he is planning a surprise for her. Michael chases her around and they get caught by Reg, who feigns disapproval, and Edie, who is delighted that the children are having fun. In Norma's Bar, Dudley likens his recent "miscarriage of justice" to Joel McCrea in Sullivan's Travels, but Anne doesn't understand his reference. She finds movies to be a "vulgar form of entertainment" and Dudley to be "rather forward". (He keeps calling her "Mrs Florry" and she is not impressed.) At one of the tables, Tracey is suspicious of Andy, who suddenly says that he will be working tonight, covering the trots. Tracey feels stood-up and tells Carol that she and Andy are supposed to be getting married when their divorces come through. Is she now having second thoughts? In Flat 5, Edie hopes that grandchildren will soon be on their way. April Bullock rings Flat 5 and Edie is finally satisfied that she really was in Townsville, Queensland, and not Woy Woy. In the wine bar, Anne keeps criticising Dudley "Butterworth" to Norma - and Norma is getting irritated. Les is off to work at the hospital and Anne presents him with a paper bag containing "some salmon paste sandwiches and a fruit roll". She assumes that Norma never supplies him with a midnight snack? Les plans to give Vera a book, 1001 Deadly Poisons, as light reading during her convalescence. Tracey and Carol are offended that people think that Les's book is a laughing matter. Tracey asks Don if the police think the Strangler will strike again? It is the evening shift at the laundrette, and Michael warns Marilyn not to leave until he gets back just after 10.00pm. If she waits, she'll learn about Michael's big surprise. Edie comes into the wine bar for champagne, to celebrate that Mrs Bullock wasn't in Woy Woy. Norma chastises her mother for complaining about her serving staff. Norma thought she was coming to town for only a couple of days. Edie puts the champagne on the slate because she is out of housekeeping money. Carol notices that Don has slipped away quietly and mentions her concern to Dudley. It is a night of terror for Marilyn in the laundrette. Once again, the locked front door has mysteriously opened and is making a banging noise. "Oh, my God, it's you!" screams Marilyn as the murderer is suddenly revealed to her! [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

In 1968, the "Australia Hotel" in Castlereagh Street was purchased by MLC. At first, the stated intention was refurbishment and maintaining the hotel. However, they closed it on 30th June 1971, demolishing it in almost-record time, to erect a modern then-$200 million, 68-storey, office block/skyscraper in its place, the "MLC Centre". The movie, "Sullivan's Travels", was released in 1941. This episode was later showcased in Foxtel/Austar TV1's "Television's Greatest Hits: The Best of Number 96" (2000), introduced by Andrew Mercado.

680. (27/01) A crazed Tracey Wilson advances on her new victim, Marilyn, with a pair of knotted pantyhose the Strangler's only weapon. They end up in the back room of the laundrette, but are soon followed by Detective Sergeant Short and two police officers. As they take Tracey out of the room, Michael and Don race in to comfort Marilyn. In Norma's Bar, Dudley compares Mrs Florentine to Dame May Whitty, the famous English movie actress from The Lady Vanishes and Mrs Miniver. Anne dismisses the idea. While Norma loved going to the movies with her late father (including an icecream before the Movietone News and a Violet Crumble at intermission), Anne much prefers "something more cultural". She used to accompany her son, Patrick, to recitals at the Armidale School of Arts, to listen to Josephine Wardell on the pianoforte. Carol wonders where Don went but, just then, he enters the bar with Marilyn, who looks rather fragile. Michael is with them and wants her to go straight upstairs. Don asks Norma if she has any brandy and she will fetch some from Flat 1. Don explains that Tracey was the Pantyhose Strangler all along. The police are trying to calm her down at the laundrette - she was hysterical! In the back room of the laundrette, Tracey confesses how much she hated the victims' guts. They were all so... happy. Denise was an empty-headed little hairdresser, prattling on about the boyfriend she was about to marry. Lorelei, a brainless tart, who could curl her finger to get any man she wanted. Patti, so happily married to her darling Arnold. And Marilyn, who got married just like that! Tracey is apologetic about losing control tonight; prior to this everything was planned out. She is only sorry about getting caught. Another few seconds and Marilyn would have been dead. Reg and Edie toast themselves with champagne in Flat 5. Reg approves of it and Edie points out that it is the same brand that the Baroness gave him the night he stayed with her. Daddy instigates a guessing game from their honeymoon, which involves thinking of a number and then removing an item of clothing if the guess is incorrect. As the game progresses, Marilyn and Michael arrive home and explain the incident with Tracey. The police used Reg's own daughter as bait? Les is making up Anne's camp bed while Norma expresses frustration over Tracey's killing spree. "The more beautiful they are, the more deadly," observes Les, comparing Tracey to Lucrezia Borgia, or Lizzie Borden. Anne comes in from the bathroom. The water in her bath was quite cold, but Norma reminds her that she was in there for over an hour! (And now she gets the camp bed again!) Following Tracey's arrest for her attempt on Marilyn's life, the police think the mystery of the Pantyhose Murders is resolved, but Tracey has other plans. Mrs Florentine does not approve of sleeping on a camp bed. Gary might have had no complaints about it, but he is much younger and more supple. While demonstrating the sturdiness of the bed, it collapses under Les. In the now-closed Norma's Bar, Don and Carol wait for Dudley to return from the kitchen. Don assures her that Marilyn was actually under constant guard while the police waited for the killer to make a final move. Dudley joins them in the bar just as Andy enters from the street. He has heard on his car radio that an arrest has been made in the Strangler case, but who? They confirm that it was Tracey who was the killer. Andy relates his previous conversation with Peter, where he had described that Tracey was a masochist, always wanting Peter to beat her up. Peter had to drink to put up with his dire situation. During further questioning at the police station, Tracey claims to be "normal". She goes on a tirade about how much her parents hated and ignored her. Tracey was a complete stranger to Denise, but that didn't stop the girl from prattling on about love when Tracey came in for a shampoo. Tracey suddenly realises that she is making her confessions too easy. She likes pain; they can force the truth out of her! Tracey make a run for the door, but she is lifted up, screaming and writhing, by the two uniformed officers. In Flat 5, Edie suggests that Daddy might be hungover from all the champagne. (Edie passed out over Marilyn's shocking news, not the champagne!) Michael takes a cup of tea into Marilyn in their bedroom. He presents her with a belated engagement ring. That was the surprise that he had mentioned. Andy meets Detective Sergeant Short on the staircase. He is on his way upstairs to check on Marilyn. Short explains about finding a discrepency in Tracey's alibi on the night of Patti's murder. Then they found a gap of 30 minutes in her alibi for the night of Lorelei's murder and located the taxi driver who had taken a woman on the five-minute ride from Paddington Town Hall to the corner of Lindsay Street. In Flat 4, Dudley and Carol discuss how Tracey had access to so many keys. He relates how the residents dutifully lock their front doors, then proceed to hide their keys on door jambs, under doormats - "they scatter them around like confetti, the silly sausages!" Anne comes into Flat 1's kitchen complaining of another restless night on the camp bed. Dudley arrives, comparing the full kitchen to the Diamond Horseshoe on opening night. In Flat 6, Andy gets a shock: Tracey is back, having escaped from the police station. She wants Andy to go away with her. In Norma's Bar, Edie is canvassing ideas for a wedding breakfast for the newlyweds, Marilyn and Michael. She tells Dudley that she has difficulty making a packet sponge properly. Andy manages to get Tracey settled in the bedroom of Flat 6. He sneaks out to dial the number for Detective Sergeant Short. She overhears him - and leaps to her death from a front window, landing on the street outside the deli. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

This episode was broadcast in colour. "The Lady Vanishes" was a movie from 1938 and "Mrs Miniver" was from 1942. Abel Hoadley first produced chocolate-coated "Violet Crumble" honeycomb bars in 1913. The script suggests that it against Norma's liquor regulations to serve fortified drinks, such as brandy. (Marilyn MacDonald is over 18, and has been seen drinking wine in the bar prior to this episode. In NSW, the legal drinking age was set as 18 in 1905; prior to then, it was 16.) Edie MacDonald refers to an incident from Episode #576 and #577, when her husband visited Amanda Von Pappenberg to return a $50 note, and was coerced to drink many glasses of champagne with the Baroness. Gary Whittaker was last seen in Episode #534. He is next onscreen in Episode #842. "Billy Rose's 'Diamond Horseshoe'" is a fictitious nightclub featured in the 1945 movie, "Diamond Horseshoe". (In 1971, an attraction with this name opened at "Walt Disney World Resort", Florida, in USA.) The scene of Tracey Wilson's body lying on the footpath, among the "Boulevard Cafe" furniture, has been flipped during editing. The signage under the deli window is in reverse. Coincidentally, Tropical Cyclone Tracy was the name of the severe weather event that devastated the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia, early on Christmas Day in 1974, while the series was on its summer hiatus. (Yet another of the series' wacky coincidences concerning current events.) Chantal Contouri would return as Lara Boltolavic in the Cash Harmon telemovie pilot, "McManus, M.P.B.". (The telemovie even includes a pantyhose in-joke.) Episode #680 was later showcased in Foxtel/Austar TV1's "Television's Greatest Hits: The Best of Number 96" (2000), introduced by Andrew Mercado. Also the last of 32 consecutive colour episodes (#649-680) were released on DVD in 2008, "Number 96: The Pantyhose Strangler" (Volume 1), by Umbrella Entertainment Australia. Episode #680 included a commentary with Chantal Contouri and TV historian, Andrew Mercado.

681. (28/01) The Sutcliffes are in Vera's hospital room as she prepares to be released. She has just learned of the news about Tracey Wilson being the Pantyhose Strangler. Lucy asks if it was Tracey who was revealed by Vera's dream about Marilyn getting murdered. It was - and suddenly Vera realises that Tracey must have been the one who poisoned her! They had met in the deli that day and gone upstairs for coffee. Andy is being consoled by Don and Dudley in Flat 4. He is blaming himself not not acting earlier on Peter's revelations about Tracey's masochistic tendencies. Don points out that Tracey, having killed three innocent young women, was facing life in a mental asylum. In the delicatessen, Dorrie, Herb, Flo and Tanya watch the ambulance, containing the deceased Tracey, move off. "The quality of mercy is not 'stained'", says Dorrie, misquoting "the immortal Bard". Tanya recognises the line from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, but Dorrie insists that it was something she read in the Christian Science Monitor at the dentist. Tanya knows the play from a reading she did in Vladivostok. Freda comes in from Flat 2. "What droppeth to the ground beneath...?", in this case, was "a demented murderess from a third-storey window". Not good for business! Freda asks Dorrie if she has her shopping order and Dorrie is offended. They only came into the deli because a police officer wanted the pavement cleared. Dorrie, Flo and Herb emerge onto Lindsay Street just as Arnold arrives in a taxi from the airport. "How are things at 'Number 96'?" Later, in Flat 8, Arnold is coming to grips with Tracey's death. If only he had said no to Patti's request to let Tracey move in with them? Alf and Lucy discourage him from taking any blame. Arnold ponders his future. Perhaps hotel management, but the opportunity in Tahiti is long gone. He requests to stay on in Flat 8. The Sutcliffes are thrilled; Arnold is like a second son to them. Freda castigates Tanya in the deli for encouraging the customers to engage in idle gossip. Freda intends to make Arnold an offer he can't refuse. In Flat 3, Les commences teaching Dorrie to drive. He has set up a lounge chair as a driving simulator. "Press, pull, steer and brake. Press, pull, steer and brake." Dorrie complains that the seatbelt is too tight, and she must leave for bowls in fifteen minutes, but Les stresses the importance of safety. He needs to dash downstairs to help Norma with her mother, leaving Dorrie to practise. On the top-level landing, Andy meets the returned Arnold and they offer condolences to each other. Andy seems rather short-tempered but is soon knocking on the door of Flat 7. Vera opens it and is surprised to learn that Andy is leaving Number 96. Flo and Herb arrive home to Flat 3 with armfuls of groceries and find the abandoned Dorrie - flat on her back and wailing - still anchored to Les's simulator "like a veritable 'Prisoner of Zebra'!" Dorrie demands that Flo ring Mrs Terry about her missing the bowling session. Flo cuts Dorrie free and realises that the simulator's seatbelt is a restraining strap for a surgical corset. In the deli, Arnold has returned for the second time to speak to Mrs Fuller. Tanya offers to make him a coffee while he waits but he refuses politely. Freda arrives and is determined to secure his services She is prepared to be generous, offering him full managerial control of the shop, plus the use of the flat, rent free. Arnold is stunned! Vera visits Don in Flat 4 and they toast to her recovery. They agree that Vera will miss Andy very much, but the sale of "I Kid You Not" has suddenly made her "a woman of means". She plans to upgrade her sewing machine and give dress designing a serious go. Dudley arrives. He reckons that Vera will be "the Edith Head of Sydney". He quizzes Don on his whereabouts this afternoon. Don is cagey and says that it was work-related. Dudley has prepared the wine bar meals in advance, so he wants Don and Vera to join him for "a night out on the town". In Norma's Bar, Les brings celebratory drinks to the table where Arnold and the Sutcliffes are sitting. Arnold has accepted Freda's job offer but will stay on in Flat 8 rather than moving into Flat 2. In Flat 4, Dudley lets Vera in. Both are dressed in their finery. Don is still in the bathroom, so Dudley tries to hurry him up. Is Don's health a cause for concern? Dudley finds him unconscious on the bathroom floor! Flo tries a little blackmail in Flat 3 to get her own way; she reckons that, if anyone asks about Dorrie's embarrassing afternoon, she might just say that Dorrie was "all tied up". As soon as the deli closes, Tanya comes into the wine bar, looking for Arnold. Does he still require her services? He assures her that Tanya is definitely needed. She is relieved. Russians "always look on the black side", she jokes. Dorrie, Herb and Flo arrive in the wine bar and join Arnold's table. Dorrie goes over to give Les a piece of her mind for leaving her tied into his driving simulator. Alf is bemused that she is taking driving lessons from Les. Les manages to charm Dorrie by suggesting that she is "too advanced" for the simulator. Practical experience is better. He invites her outside. Meanwhile, Lucy reminds Alf that it is nearing the time to get his taxi back to the rank. He can't be late for "the 'omecooked steak and kidney pud" to celebrate Arnold's return. It has been boiling for two hours! Dorrie finds that her driving lessons are not incident-free: patrons run for their lives as Alf's taxi suddenly comes crashing through the front window of the wine bar! [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

William Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice", is believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1894) is a novel by Anthony Hope. Movie adaptations came out in 1937 and 1952. Edith Head was an eight-time Academy Award-winning costume designer in Hollywood. The extra who often portrays Myrtle McIntyre can be seen in the wine bar. 32 more consecutive colour episodes (#681-712) were released on DVD in 2010, "Number 96: Aftermath of Murder" (Volume 2), by Umbrella Entertainment Australia.

682. (29/01) Over dinner at The Red Baron, Dudley and Vera express their concerns about Don. Don's meal has hardly been touched and he is currently in the restroom. Trixie O'Toole (Jan Adele) sneaks up behind Vera, signalling to Dudley not to spoil the surprise. Trixie puts her hands over Vera's eyes. Vera is thrilled to see her. Trixie explains that she has been performing in clubs in Brisbane. She points out her restaurant date, Alistair, who has a beard and an eyepatch and is the foreman of a sardine factory. Keen to order some new garments, Trixie is pleased to hear that Vera is using the money received from the sale of "I Kid You Not" to return to dress designing. Alf's taxi has caused much damage in Norma's Bar and Les has to organise the glazier and signwriter to restore the front window. In Flat 1, Anne is still on a tirade about Les and Norma living in squallor. Meanwhile, in Flat 3, Dorrie is applying several Bandaids to her face, then blames Herb for refusing to learn to drive; she wouldn't have had the accident otherwise! Next morning, in Flat 1, Norma is surprised that Les is already home from work, and has even prepared breakfast while she and Flo were cleaning up in the bar. Anne is in the bath again. Norma goes in to order her out - and ends up falling into the bathtub! In Flat 4, Dudley urges Carol to encourage Don to go and see a doctor. Trixie arrives at Flat 7 to order some glittery show garments. Since Trixie's landlord gave the lease on her old flat to someone else, Vera invites her to move into her spare room. Anne has been visiting interior decorators and insists on showing the Whittakers the wallpaper that she is recommending to transform Flat 1. Dorrie realises in Flat 3 that she will need to earn some money to pay off the damage to Alf's taxi and the wine bar's window. She decides to head up to Flat 7 and offer her services as a fashion model for Vera's new business. Vera can't get rid of her. Dudley mentions to Vera about finding numerous appointments for doctor visits in Don's diary. They wonder why Don has chosen not to confide in them about his health? Anne comes to Flat 3 for afternoon tea and mentions to a boastful Dorrie that Leslie doesn't even have a driver's licence. In Norma's Bar, Trixie, Flo, Dudley, Carol and the Whittakers react to Vera's bright idea of adding a piano to the wine bar. Flo fancies herself as "a Winnie Atwell" and will play showtunes for the patrons. Norma can't believe her own eyes: Aldo and Roma Godolfus have returned home! Everyone is excited to see them. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Jan Adele's Trixie O'Toole returns for a new story arc. She was last seen in Episode #639. Pianist Winifid Atwell, originally from Trinidad, found popularity in the UK and Australia, in the 50s, 60s and 70s, mostly with ragtime tunes. Channel TEN Publicity wanted it to appear that Johnny Lockwood and Philippa Baker had departed the series permanently, from the end of Episode #663, so the return of Aldo and Roma Godolfus (from the USA) took the audience by surprise. Johnny had to turn down a substantial role with Crawford Productions while keeping his return secret. Once again, the vacant Flat 6 features a large question mark during the end credits. The surname "Godolfus" is correctly spelt in the credits (but not the official synopsis), having mistakenly shown onscreen as "Godolphus" for a time, from Episode #593.

683. (30/01) The deli is full of customers but Freda is furious that Arnold still has the shop open at 7.00pm. Now that he is the appointed manager, he felt that the trading hours should return to the previous closing time of precisely 8.30pm. Surely Tanya will be expecting overtime? Tanya, as a student of the Bolshoi, didn't even think of overtime. If she is happy in her work, who cares about money? She is used to living on a handful of rubles. Arnold tries and fails to point out the many advantages of staying open late. Freda can either accept Arnold's judgement, or take over the management of the shop herself. In Flat 5, the MacDonalds are planning a surprise wedding celebration for "the children", Marilyn and Michael, tomorrow night - but Reg has given Edie a budget of only $15. She needs $40 at least. Reg reminds her that the Good Lord managed to feed the masses on two loaves and five fishes. Aldo and Roma are sitting in Norma's Bar with Trixie and Vera. They are soon joined by Norma and Don. Having just closed the deli, Arnold comes into the wine bar. He must break the sad news to Aldo and Roma about Patti's death, and that Patti's friend, Tracey Wilson, was the Pantyhose Strangler. Aldo and Roma are booked into the Beauregard Hotel, but Arnold insists that, tomorrow, they should move into the now-vacant Flat 6. To Reg's frustration, the amorous Michael and Marilyn claim to be still watching Kojak in Flat 5, not realising that a vampire movie has been playing for over an hour. Edie comes into the room carrying her purse. Reg demands to know where she is going, but her mention of "a secret" piques Marilyn's curiosity. Reg switches over to the ABC to watch a documentary on irrigation problems in Pakistan. In Flat 4, Vera tries to get Don talking about his medical condition; she knows that Dudley is extremely worried about him. In the wine bar, Trixie and Norma decide to help Edie with the party arrangements since Reg has been so frugal. Edie thanks Norma, calling her "a real Blacktown person". As Don is getting ready to see Vera out of Flat 4, he suffers a dizzy spell. Vera is very concerned. Next morning, in Flat 5, Marilyn and Michael announce plans to eat out tonight, which threatens to ruin the surprise party. Reg and Edie make them promise to come home instead. They reluctantly agree. Don visits Vera in Flat 7 and makes her promise not to tell Dudley about his fainting spell. The doctor has told him that Don is just run down and needs to take things easy. Vera opens the door and Trixie falls through backwards, dropping herself, her suitcase and several boxes onto the floor. Freda comes into the deli with the day's float for the till - and is castigated by Arnold because he and Tanya have been unable to provide customers with their change. Arnold suggests that Freda doesn't trust him. At the main entrance of Number 96, the Godolfuses chat with Don about business options now that they are back in Sydney. Aldo and Roma then visit the deli and are shocked by all of Freda's changes. Mrs Fuller is surprised that "Feather" didn't even inform her of their return. Arnold objects, since most recent conversations with her have been so tense and work-related. Roma asks Tanya if she likes working in the shop and Tanya says that it is very different to the Amsterdam "sexual aids" shop that she last worked in. Roma gives Arnold her shopping list but most of the fresh lines have now been replaced by packaged items. The Goldfuses leave the deli reminiscing about the good old days. In the laundrette, Marilyn and Michael consider moving out of Flat 5. Living with the in-laws never works. They decide not to comply with Daddy's demand and will be going out tonight anyway. Vera enters the kitchen of Flat 7 and finds Trixie and Edie in there, preparing all of the food for the party. She is not impressed at first, but is soon coopted to help. In his doctor's surgery, Don receives some shocking news. According to Doctor Langton (John Keithley), Don's health is not good. After numerous tests, there is evidence of an infection in his bloodwork. If the infection is found lurking in one of Don's organs, then they will know how to treat it. If it is a disease of the blood itself, and symptoms continue, the worst possible prognosis is that Don may have only six months to live. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

This episode was broadcast in colour. The Telly Savalas-led series, "Kojak", had commenced airing on the 0-10 Network from 21st April, 1974. Aristotle Onassis gets another namedrop. John Keithley, who portrays Doctor Langton, is later known by the surnames "Keightly" and "Keightley".

684. (31/01) Trixie is with Edie in Flat 5. She is unimpressed by Edie's fruit punch for the surprise party to celebrate Marilyn's marriage to Michael. Only two flagons of white wine and a dollop of lemon squash? Trixie sneaks a bottle of brandy into the mix. Reg arrives and announces that he has invited the TC to the function and raises Edie's catering budget by $40. She can spend it "as you will". Trixie has a glint in her eye and Edie suddenly understands. In Flat 8, the Sutcliffes, Arnold and the Godolfuses enjoy Lucy's homecooked "Welcome Home" lunch together. Aldo reckons that American food tastes like cardboard. Roma refers to Freda as a cold woman. Alf stirs Aldo about his wandering eye for the beautiful Russian woman (Tanya) whom he met in the deli today. Roma tells them about Joe and Delores Hackenback, an American couple who boarded their plane in Honolulu, bound for San Francisco. When the Godolfuses realised that they were too late to save Irving Lubinski from prison, the Hackenbacks invited them to stay at their property, which has three swimming pools! Joe and Delores plan to visit them in Australia soon. A grateful Roma invites everyone to Sunday lunch but Arnold declines. He doubts that he could enter Flat 6 again. Meanwhile, Dorrie decides to apply for a job advertised in the newspaper for a "charming, still, statuesque' showbiz assistant. It pays $75 per week. Flo suggests that St Vitus might be advertising for a dancing partner. "Flo, there's no call to be 'faecetial'" (sic). Edie has spent the extra $40 and returns to Flat 5 with two bottles of gin hidden under a box of Arnott's Crinkle Cut Potato Chips. She empties the gin into the punchbowl. In the laundrette, Marilyn complains about Daddy ruining her plans for the evening, but Michael has changed her mind again. They are going out! Reg finds Edie lying on the bed with a mudpack on her face, making herself beautiful for the party, as suggested by women's magazines. Reg is mock-horrified by her appearance and wonders if the magazine was Popular Mechanics? Edie's fruit punch gets laced with more additives: Reg pours in a whole magnum of champagne! Michael comes to the laundrette again and tells Marilyn that a university friend urgently needs new flatmates in Randwick. They'll ditch the plans to go out and will return to Flat 5 tonight so they can pack, ready to move out. Dorrie (to be known by her stage name of "Dorothy Carter") is almost skewered against a door by a professional knife-thrower named Leroy Larue (Paul Faranda) who enthusiastically auditions her in Flat 3. She screams! Trixie is about to help Edie with her hair when Reg arrives home to Flat 5 with TC Edward Duncan (Brian Moll) in tow. Trixie tries to serve the TC some punch and he pinches her buttock. He assumes the punch is as weak as water and adds more life to the party by pouring tequila - "ambrosia of the Gods" - into the punchbowl from his own hipflask. While Trixie works on Edie's hair, they debrief about the contents of the now-potent punch. In Flat 8, Aldo disagrees that the MacDonalds are close to teetotallers; he has often seen Edie "as 'fast' as a newt!" Lucy says that Marilyn and Michael were still planning to go out, but finally changed their minds. Alf has already left to do a shift in the taxi but Roma, Lucy and Aldo head down to the party. Arnold will follow them shortly. In Arnold's bedroom, he is again reduced to sobs. In Flat 3, Dorrie has made up her mind to sue Mr LaRue for throwing knives at her, even though Herb is willing to repair the door with wood sealer. She can then use the financial settlement to pay for the damages to the wine bar. Dorrie will fill in her solicitor, Don Finlayson, at the party. On his way to Flat 5, Arnold is tempted to enter the Feathers' old flat next door. He hears Patti's voice echoing in the flat. Reg is schmoozing with the TC about the disposal of sewage, but Trixie is tiring of the TC's wandering hands. Lucy and the Godolfuses are amused by the strength of the punch. Edie offers Dorrie a second cup of fruit punch; she accepts because "fruit is so nutritious". Arnold is able to warn the partygoers in Flat 5 of the approach of Michael and Marilyn on the main stairs. They have resolved to inform Mummy and Daddy about the Randwick flat immediately, then pack and leave. The lights are turned off as the newlyweds enter Flat 5 and... "Surprise!" Marilyn is ecstatic to see everyone there. In the kitchen, the TC is still bothering Trixie. He wants her to call him Eddie. Trixie tries distracting Eddie by mentioning that she once put out a 12" LP - with a 13" hole. She jokes that it sold well in Italy, where "all the natives thought it was licorice pizza". In the loungeroom, Arnold tells Lucy that there are times when he can see a glimmer of hope. Dorrie is getting sloshed on punch. Trixie brings out Edie's two-tiered wedding cake from the kitchen. As Marilyn cuts it, the top tier suddenly deflates! A change of luck is in store for Alf: he bursts into the party to announce that he has won the lottery! [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

"St Vitus' Dance" (Rheumatic chorea) is a movement disorder caused by a bacterial infection. The phone number prefix in the newspaper ad is "237" (signifying, in the 70s, an inner-city suburb of Sydney.) Paul Faranda, who portrays Leroy LaRue, previously played a different character, Angelo, in Episode #301. (Due to a typographical error in the official synopsis, Leroy's surname is rendered "Larve". It is correct in the closing credits.) Dorrie Evans tries to serve Leroy "devon-ham sandwiches", harkening back to the "devon-ham" radio of Episodes #86 and #626. The Evans' daughter, Joan Parker, last seen in Episode #287, is namedropped in this episode. Brian Moll returns to his role of Edward, the younger, randier TC (of the Paddington TH), who was last seen in Episode #639. Now mistakenly referred to in dialogue as "Mr Buchanan", the end credits call him simply "T.C." Reg MacDonald had referred to the previous TC (as portrayed by John Rayner) as "Ian Buchanan" in dialogue from Episode #624, even though the surname "Duncan" was first used for Ian in Episode #493, and re-established onscreen for Edward in Episode #982. Ian and Edward's mother is always "Mrs Buchanan". Jan Adele often taunted scriptwriter David Sale over the dialogue he liked to include for Trixie O'Toole. Many of Trixie's comedic one-liners were Jan's own jokes, which David would simply add into the scenes. As most of the partygoers are residents of "Number 96", there are very few people of the Bartletts' ages in attendance.

685. (3/02) "To be a Russian is to be a soul in torment," Tanya says to Dudley as he is cleaning up in Norma's Bar. She has been reading The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Dudley much prefers Ninotchka, the 1939 movie, of course, with Greta Garbo. Tanya lights up at the mention of Paris and begins an anecdote about her darling Philippe, whom she met there. (His impressive moustache had those curly ends, but there was a shortage of beeswax at the time.) Tanya mentions that she can swear in fourteen languages, but is also almost broke. Freda Fuller is refusing to pay her or Arnold their wages. When Arnold had complained, she accused him of muddling up the account books! Dudley doesn't believe it; Arnold can balance accounts "like Bette Davis can keep smoking". As the Godolfuses leave the party in Flat 5, Reg is about to wish them a safe journey home when he realises that they are currently his next-door neighbours! Edie is quite sloshed. Reg wants to know where Trixie and the TC ended up? Don seems to be the only party attendee who is not getting sloshed on Edie's potent punch. Edie attempts to top up the punch cups for Lucy, Don and Alf. Lucy thinks "it's champion" of Alf that he let Dorrie off the hook (regarding the damage to his taxi) after his unexpected lottery win. In Flat 6, Aldo reckons that Alf "was born with a silver 'fork' in his mouth". Arnold wants the Godolfuses to stay on in Flat 6, but they, too, have some unpleasant memories of Number 96. Aldo refers to Freda as "that witch on a broom handle". Roma and Aldo's new plan is to go into the restaurant business. Roma declares that it will definitely involve Arnold. In the main bedroom of Flat 5, Edie tries to help Daddy get ready for bed. She hasn't enjoyed a party so much since the Sewage Ball in Blacktown, when old Mr Postlethwaite lost his toupée! The TC being so besottted by Trixie poses a distinct threat to Reg's future in LG. In the kitchen, the Bartletts have a row because, while Michael is still keen to move to Randwick immediately, Marilyn has cooled on the idea after her parents threw her such a great party. In the bathroom of Flat 4, Dudley needles Don about the excess of alcohol he consumed last night. Don claims that the more he drank, the clearer his head seemed to become. Dudley is surprised when Don orders up a huge breakfast. Lucy is in a cheerful mood in Flat 8 and chats to Arnold about the lottery win. Alf and "Chiller" Thomas have been buying tickets together for the past two years. Alf staggers out with a hangover. Lucy jokingly boasts that she will buy herself a silver-blonde mink coat, and might go to David Jones for new furniture. She is supposedly receiving a Mini Minor car, amongst Alf's many other promises. In Flat 6, Roma has opened up the curtains and brings a hungover Aldo breakfast in bed. ("Kidneys, mushrooms...") Wasn't Aldo was intending to inspect some potential restaurant sites today? Mrs Fuller's company accountant, Mr Mayhew (Henri Szeps), arrives at the deli and introduces himself to Tanya and Arnold. He insists that he will be collecting the takings each morning, and has a letter of authority from Freda. Arnold reluctantly hands over the bank bag, but he and Tanya are worried. Have they just been robbed by a conman? In the laundrette, Marilyn complains to Lucy that Michael practically ignored her at breakfast. He is cranky that she no longer wants to move out. They also discuss the lottery win. Lucy fancies buying a little house. Meanwhile, in Flat 6, Aldo is wearing his loudest American shirt as he reads through ads in the newspaper; he finds a perfect, moderately-priced, restaurant property in Rose Bay. "Hunky dory! That's an American expression." Roma thinks that the restaurant sounds romantic. She offers to ring the number. Maybe they will think that she is Aldo's secretary? She advises Aldo to change his shirt and hat. "They see that hat, they will double the price!" Reg, returning to Flat 5 for luncheon, almost catches the hungover Edie downing a Bex powder with a glass of milk. Is Mother serving him leftover, crumbed-chicken drumsticks from the party? The TC was missing from the TH this morning, which may be ominous. Reg sees Edie spooning custard, not mayonnaise, onto the reheated tuna boats. Daddy is unimpressed. Edie races for the bathroom. Michael has come to the laundrette wanting Marilyn to go to lunch with him. He wants to discuss their future living arrangements. Lucy sends them off. A buoyant Alf arrives, suggesting that he and Lucy could use the winnings to return to England. Dudley has new concerns about Don's mysterious condition. Dudley catches him drinking in Flat 4 instead of going work. All this eating of rich foods and overindulging in alcohol? In the deli, Freda has just left but has still not paid her workers their wages. Arnold gives $20 to Tanya from his own wallet because she claims to be "as flat as a puncture". She then uses the money to buy a $19.50 jar of Beluga caviar because it is "so nourishing". In Flat 8, Alf's lottery joy soon turns into rage. His partner, "Chiller", had put the winning ticket into his own name only, and is now refusing to share the winnings. Alf has no claim on the prize. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Brian Phillis.]

"The Gulag Archipelago" is a three-volume non-fiction series, written between 1958 and 1968, by Russian writer, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, a Soviet dissident. First published in 1973 by the Parisian publisher YMCA-Press, it was translated into English and French the following year. The volume used onscreen appears to be a mocked-up prop. The comedic movie "Ninotchka" was released in 1939. Although Tanya Schnolskevitska doesn't seem to recognise that name, soon there will be many references to the fictitious "Ninotchka Vodka". (There is a cocktail of that name, which features vodka, creme de cacao and lemon juice.) Too much of the interior set of the deli is shown on camera. There is additional wall shown to the right of the entry door, and the newspaper rack is along that wall instead of parallel to the counters.(Some of Freda Fuller's many changes?) Henri Szeps, who portrays Mr Mayhew, was a last-minute replacement to read the lines originally written for Sheila Bradley. (Another scene concerning Freda is said to happen offscreen.) Sheila had to drop out of her role as Freda much earlier than contracted, due to the actor suffering a temporary facial palsey. Mr Mayhew is not mentioned in the official synopsis for this episode and he is not credited onscreen. Henri makes another uncredited return as that character in Episode #687. Later, he takes on the recurring role of Phillip Chambers (from Episodes #937-938) and Solly Goldman in Episodes #1147-1148. A new inside angle on the deli set shows an impossibly-large section of wall to the right of the entry door, a mismatch to the width of "Moncur Flats" itself. The expression "hunky dory" is more of a British saying, and was the title of a 1971 David Bowie studio album. (The earliest known reference in print is found in the USA, in a 1862 collection of songs performed by "Christy's Minstrels", a "blackface" minstrel group founded by Edwin Pearce Christy. He was believed to have been of Irish origin.) There is a stray end credit for John Keithley as Doctor Langton, but that character does not appear in this episode.

686. (4/02) While Norma washes the front window of the wine bar, Anne is full of praise for the hospitality that Dorrie Evans showed her recently. Norma tries to warn her mother that Dorrie will worm all her secrets out of her before she can say "Schnolskevitska"! (Norma is impressed with herself; she finally pronounced Tanya's surname correctly.) Les arrives with two piano removalists. They are wheeling in the piano for Flo's Cocktail Hour singalongs. Norma doesn't remember agreeing to the piano idea, but Anne thinks it will be some much-needed class. Can they even afford it? According to Les's interpretation of Be Your Own Solicitor, Dorrie is still fully liable for the damage to the window if the insurance company refuses to reimburse them. Norma is unimpressed, especially when the row of upended barstools tumble to the floor. While setting the table for lunch in Flat 3, Dorrie tells Herb that she does not believe Flo's story about going to have cauliflower cheese with "that dreadful Daphne Begley". Flo is probably conducting "a 'candlestine' assignation" with some man! Alf arrives, Herb offers him a beer, and Dorrie is effusive as she thanks Alf for his "sense of 'perspectum'" in forgiving her debt. She receives terrible news: Alf has actually come to retract his offer. A bewildered Dorrie snatches back the beer before he opens the can. Later, in Flat 8, Lucy suggests that Alf should get some legal advice over Chiller's actions from Don. Alf agrees. In Norma's Bar, the Happy Hour is a roaring success. The pianist, Florence Patterson, Wizard of the Pianoforte!, is resplendent in a silver gown, rhinestones, a tiara and a corsage. Anne puts in a request for "the Governor's favourite" tune, Advance Australia Fair, even though she only met him once, in 1945. Vera explains to Norma that she came down to the wine bar to escape the TC. He turned up to Flat 7 looking for Trixie (who had managed to avoid him all day). Over the washing up in Flat 7, Trixie continues to be an object of attraction to the randy TC. He had wanted to meet Trixie ever since hearing about "that wonderful weekend" at Mrs Buchanan's beach house. Trixie reminds him that she and the MacDonalds managed to burn the beach house to the ground. She gets a brief chance to vouch for Reg: the TC should promote such a loyal member of LG. The TC begins to tell a blue joke about "the vicar and the Boy Scout". Dorrie and Herb enter the wine bar - the noise can be heard two streets away! She then notices that Flo is the pianist... and she is wearing Dorrie's tiara! Dorrie threatens to call the Noise Abatement Society and that only makes Norma more determined to continue the nightly events. Behind Dorrie's back, Herb is up on a stool, conducting the crowd as they sing. Next morning, in Flat 7, Vera and Trixie laugh about the previous night's events. Vera is sworn to secrecy about the possibility of Reg's promotion. Dorrie castigates Flo over working for the Whittakers, but Flo is playing the piano to raise money for charity. Les arrives, with Be Your Own Solicitor under his arm. He informs Dorrie that she is directly responsible for all of the damage from the taxi accident. Dorrie objects to Les's "legalistic mumbo jumbo" over the whole "debaclee". What about the insurance claim? Les says that the window is not covered by "'Acts of God' and natural disasters", and Dorrie is certainly classified as a "natural disaster". In Flat 1, Anne hoodwinks Norma into giving up the double bed. Mrs Florentine is worried that she is developing a migraine and rejects the breakfast that Norma is cooking for her. Anne blames the polluted city air. Trixie is unpacking a trunk full of colourful costumes in Flat 7. The TC has invited her to a fancy dress ball. She shows Vera a sequinned mermaid costume. One of Trixie's first solo appearances was in Lovelace's Aquatic Revels and she had to sit on a rock singing, All the Nice Girls Love a Sailor. They had a big tank dressed up as grotto and all the chorus girls were in lobster costumes. On opening night, "some idiot" poked a hole in the tank and flooded the front stalls. Trixie holds up the furry suit she once wore as Ermintrude, the Roller-Skating Orangutan. Trixie used to perform at the Tivoli opposite a Vaudeville comic named Enery. She climbs into the costume. Vera zips her up just as the TC turns up at the front door! The TC is only briefly taken aback, then invites Trixie to lunch in the wine bar. Lucy and Alf are in the laundrette. Don has told Alf that, without a written agreement, he doesn't have a leg to stand on regarding Chiller and the money. Lucy receives a letter from a worried Tom Bartlett in New Zealand. Tom can't understand Michael's silence these past months, with all mail being marked "Address Unknown". Alf forbids her from getting involved. Over lunch in Norma's Bar, the TC tries to propose marriage to Trixie but she wants nothing to do with the idea. Les suggests buying a Murphy Bed for Norma's mother. She can't keep sleeping in their bed. Meanwhile, Anne sneaks into the kitchen of Flat 1, helps herself to a large serving of Steak Josephine (pepper steak) and takes it back to the bedroom. Dorrie's financial situation is desperate again, but Alf's negative attitude towards her is unrelenting. Dorrie is visiting Lucy in Flat 8, to try to gain her sympathy, since she and Herb live on "a G-string budget", after all. Alf storms in. He was not keen for the police to become involved over Dorrie's accident, but the cab's owner now knows that Alf had left the keys in the ignition. Once again, Alf demands the $500 from Dorrie, and he wants it now. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Brian Phillis.]

This episode was broadcast in colour. Among Flo Patterson's "Happy Hour" play list are "The Lambeth Walk" (1937), "Along The Road to Gundagai" (1922), "California, Here I Come" (1924) and "Knees up, Mother Brown" (1938). After "Number 96", Ron Shand performed in a major stage production of "Me and My Girl" (1985-86), which features "The Lambeth Walk". In 1977, a plebiscite chose "Advance Australia Fair" as the country's "National Song". (It was subsequently proclaimed the "National Anthem" in 1984 by the then-Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen.) In 1945, Anne Florentine would have met the Governor of New South Wales of the day, the 2nd Baron Wakehurst (aka the Right Honourable John de Vere Loder). The Buchanans' Mona Vale beach house burnt down in Episode #631. There is still a "Noise Abatement Society" (NAS) that exists as a charity in the UK. Lovelace Watkins was a Las Vegas-based, African-American singer. The performer had a long association with Australia's Gold Coast, and helped raise money for the city following the floods of 1974 (hence Trixie O'Toole's anecdote about flooding the theatre). Lovelace was named "Ambassador-at-Large" by the Gold Coast Mayor. "Ship Ahoy! (All the Nice Girls Love a Sailor)" is a music hall song from 1908. The mask of Trixie's Ermintrude costume is more like a gorilla, than an orangutan. When Trixie grabs the TC on the top landing, the whole wall wobbles. Current blackboard specials in "Norma's Bar" are "Beef Stroganoff" ($1.80) and "Steak Josephine" ($1.70).

687. (5/02) To Roma's delight, she discovers that the furniture from Flat 2 was never sold, as had been the plan. Unfortunately, when Aldo returns to Flat 6, he informs her that the Rose Bay restaurant that they planned to buy at auction was out of their price range. It went for five times what they could afford to pay. In Flat 3, Dorrie complains to Herb that her trip to Epping, to squeeze the money that she owes from her sister, Connie, was a waste of time. She is also angry with "that migrant", Alf Sutcliffe, for changing his mind on the $500 of damages to his mate's taxi. Flo comes into the loungeroom, dressed in her finery for Happy Hour, but Dorrie reckons she looks like "a veritable chicken dressed up like a lamb." How can Flo go down to the wine bar knowing that Dorrie has "a veritable 'Storm of Damascus' hanging over her head"? Flo offers to loan her $70, but she could also pass around a hat claiming that it was for a needy charity. Dorrie is offended. While serving in the deli, Tanya tells a customer the whole story about Freda's absence from the shop. Arnold tries to explain to her not to do so. It is worse conditions than Siberia; does Mrs Fuller stay away for 24 hours to avoid paying their wages? In Flat 5, Reg is deep in thought during dinner, when Edie asks him if he has a Lodge meeting tonight? Edie plans to go to the wine bar to listen to Mrs Patterson on the piano. Reg is concerned about the TC's time is being monopolised by Trixie. He saw the TC this evening, dressed in a loincloth, assisting a gorilla into a taxi. Edie seeks clarification, but a sullen Marilyn suddenly erupts in anger. Here is a daughter with a broken heart but her parents can only talk about stupid, trivial matters. She storms out! Edie had noticed that Michael spent last night on the sofa - and tonight he didn't show up for dinner. Edie thinks that they, as parents, should do something. Aldo comes home to Flat 6 and boasts about a Bondi premises that is within their price range for a restaurant. Financially, it will work because it is a rental property. Aldo suggests celebrating tonight at The Blue Danube. Flipping through The Sun newspaper in Flat 3, Dorrie refuses to accompany Herb down to Happy Hour in the wine bar. She doesn't want to be around "those dreadful Whittakers" and describes the outfit that Flo was wearing as "Shirley Temple in 'The Twilight Zone'". On Edie's way to Norma's Bar, she drops in to Flat 3 to ask Dorrie's advice on helping the young Bartletts with their current marriage difficulties. Dorrie proclaims, "A wife must take her husband in hand, regularly. Metaphysically speaking, of course!" She lends Edie a book, entitled Tranquility of Marriage, which she and Herbert had found very helpful in their early days of matrimony. Meanwhile, while waiting for a taxi on Lindsay Street, Aldo and Roma call into the deli to gossip with Tanya and Arnold. Roma greets Tanya in Russian, but Tanya hesitates. She waits for Roma to restate her question in English for Arnold's benefit. Tanya never converses in Russian if English-speakers are present. Aldo understands: it is why he and Roma no longer have accents. Arnold gives them a bewildered look. The Godolfuses share their news about the Bondi plans. Their taxi honks its horn and they race outside. Arnold receives a phone call from Freda, who gives him a piece of her mind about incompetence. Although he and Tanya have been without wages for over two weeks, Freda dismisses them from their employment. They are not to show their ugly faces in the shop again. In Flat 5, Reg is dressed for his Lodge meeting and finds Marilyn sulking on her bed. She is inconsolable. Reg steps out into the loungeroom as Michael comes in the front door. Michael has a brown paper package in his hand. As Reg heads off to his meeting, he suggests that Michael do something about his daughter's unhappiness. Marilyn ignores Michael's presence - until he pretends that he will be packing his belongs to leave. She squeals and they hug on the bed. In Flat 3, Dorrie sobs as she tells Edie about her grim situation. Reg knocks on the door and informs his wife that things seem to be improved for the newlyweds. Edie is thrilled. She then explains that Dorrie has a financial problem. Are there any jobs going at the TH? Reg mentions that the Paddington TH is seeking a new part-time tea lady. Dorrie practically pounces on his words: "I'll take it!" Reg promises that he will look into it. As he departs, Edie suggests that Dorrie could accompany her down to listen to Flo's piano tunes. Dorrie declines. In their bedroom of Flat 5, Marilyn and Michael decide that bickering is almost worth it when they can enjoy making up afterwards. He gives her a present: How to Achieve Sexual Happiness Though Married. He bought it at "one of those sex shops". They agree to try everything in the book. Michael suggests that they could go downstairs to the wine bar for some soda, which is said to be an aphrodisiac. A despondent Dorrie watches TV in Flat 3. A news segment hash Brian Bury (Himself) interviewing Australian housewives about the current cost of living. Dorrie is tearfully agreeing with the sentiments of those being interviewed. Later, Dorrie is sitting beside Flo at the wine bar piano, still teary, but joining in the singalong. Reg passes Norma's Bar during Happy Hour, on his way to his Lodge meeting, just in time to witness Edie, perched on Flo's piano, singing, "My Heart Belongs to Daddy". She waves as he passes. Inside, everyone is enjoying the singalong except Arnold, who is on the phone. He seems stunned. Life may be looking much brighter for Flo, but storm clouds are gathering over Aldo's former shop. Still upset by Mrs Fuller's treatment of him, Arnold joins Tanya's table to tell her that a friend, who works for the same wholesalers used by the deli, has advised him that previous orders were not paid. Furthermore, Don has confirmed that all rent for the shop is still owing! As Arnold leaves the bar, he encounters Mr Mayhew outside the locked deli. The accountant tries to evade the question of Mrs Fuller's obvious financial woes: unpaid wholesalers' bills, outstanding wages, firing the staff - is she heading for bankruptcy? Mr Mayhew follows Arnold into the foyer of Number 96. He states that Freda has just put the deli up for sale, leaving Arnold with no options at all. [Episode written by Michael Lawrence; directed by Brian Phillis.]

"The Sword of Damacles" is referenced in "The Bible" (Exodus 34:6-7), but is definitely not "The Storm of Damascus". Reg MacDonald's Freemasons' Lodge meetings were last mentioned in Episode #538. The "Tranquility of Marriage" book appears to be a title created especially for the script. Although there is an author given on the cover of another prop book, "How to Achieve Sexual Happiness Though Married", the name is not seen clearly onscreen. In relation to Michael Bartlett's claim about soda, studies have shown that aerated drinks may increase testosterone levels in men. Channel TEN's Brian Bury again plays himself. In Episode #182, Brian had played himself, interviewing Dorrie and Herb Evans on TV about the plight of Australian pensioners. The distinctive voice of Moya O'Sullivan can be heard as one of Brian's TV interviewees. Moya will begin appearing as Phyllis Pratt (pictured, inset) from Episode #733. Songs in the wine bar include "Bye Bye Blackbird" (1926) and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" (a Cole Porter song written for the 1938 musical, "Leave It to Me!"). An earlier version of the first phone call made to Arnold Feather, was originally devised as in-person dialogue. Freda Fuller's scene was described in the official synopsis as: "In the middle of everything, Freda enters. Later on, she fires Tanya and Arnold." Henri Szeps makes another uncredited appearance as Mr Mayhew, providing onscreen closure for the absent Sheila Bradley. Too much of the external building's left side appears on screen and the street scene depicted through the foyer doorway lacks room for the road with its two lanes of traffic. Brian Moll's TC is credited onscreen but does not appear in the episode, although there is a dialogue reference to him (and Trixie O'Toole's Ermintrude costume from Episode #686).

688. (6/02) Next morning, sick of sleeping on the camp bed in Flat 1, Norma worries that she is paralysed. Has rigor mortis set in? She decides that she wants her own bed back. Norma threatens to call the doctor if her mother is still unwell today. Les assures her that he has looked up Mrs Florentine's symptoms in 1001 Ailments, but Norma says that she doesn't care, as she's already crippled for life! The Murphy Bed is on order, and is supposed to arrive today. In Flat 4, Dudley is very concerned about Don. Carol agrees. Her brother was so drunk after his visit to the wine bar that he couldn't put himself to bed. Carol decides to take the initiative; she could visit Don's doctor. Dudley warns that it would be would be unethical of the doctor. As a family member, surely Carol has a right to know? In the deli, Tanya and Arnold are working off their customary week's notice. Arnold explains to Tanya that it is still necessary that they work out their week's notice. When Mr Mayhew comes in to collect the takings, Arnold informs him that he has taken the liberty of deducting two weeks of salary owed, for both himself and Tanya, plus a further week each of severence pay. Helping himself to a bag of marshmallows from the counter display, Mr Mayhew says that Mrs Fuller had mentioned that the original owners of the deli had returned to Sydney. Would the Godolfuses be interested in buying the shop back? Even though businesses such as the deli were often "a goldmine", Freda needs to liquidate it for tax purposes. Arnold doubts that Aldo and Roma would be interested, now that they have secured restaurant premises in Bondi. Mr Mayhew suggests that if the Godolfuses bought the deli back, Arnold could probably return to his managerial role, and avoid unemployment. In Flat 7, Trixie regales Vera with the hilarity that ensued from her night with the Tarzan TC at the fancy dress ball. Their poor taxi driver nearly crashed twice! Meanwhile, Ermintrude sits motionless on Vera's couch. They have an unexpected visitor: Andy Marshall is back! His old flat around the corner is no longer available, so he wonders about Flat 6? Vera explains that the Godolfuses have been staying there. On the Boulevard Cafe, Tanya is serving Aldo and Roma, who are looking dejected. Arnold comes out to hear that they have missed out on the Bondi restaurant deal. The deli goes onto the market today. Should they try to turn back time? Meanwhile, outside the wine bar, Norma and Les are talking to Dudley about Carol's whereabouts. The mention of a Murphy Bed reminds Dudley of Margaret Dumont in the Marx Brothers movies. Trixie comes into Norma's Bar to make a proposal to Flo. Would Flo be interested in becoming her accompanist for her next RSL gigs? (The last bloke to accompany Trixie used to throw up every time she sang Melancholy Baby) Flo agrees! There is much haggling with Mr Mayhew in Flat 6; Arnold and the Godolfuses are shocked that Mrs Fuller wants twice what she bought it for just six weeks ago! Freda's only message was: "You're going to take it or leave it." Andy has a meal with Vera in the kitchen of Flat 7. He ponders the situation with Tracey, and tries to explain to Vera the sado-masochistic side to the troubled, now-deceased, woman with whom he had fallen in love. He would not have a problem moving into Flat 6 when the Godolfuses move to their new restaurant. "You've changed, Andy," says Vera. In the wine bar, Trixie discusses Flo's wardrobe. Maybe her ballerina costume - yards of pink tule with a muted-chutney sash - could be tarted up with some sequins? Much to Norma's surprise, Les offers to become Flo's agent. Lots of Don's fellow residents, including Norma, have noticed Don's increased drinking. She points out an enebriated Don to Dudley and wonders what is up? Don is slurring his words as he chats to Tanya, suggesting that Dud - his best friend in the world, whom Don loves... like a brother - could ask for the night off, and then he could join him, and Carol and Tanya, for a double date. In Flat 6, the Godolfuses get more bad news about a property. Aldo considers Freda to be greedy. Roma suggests that maybe God has other plans for them? Roma sees that it is all her fault. In Norma's Bar, Trixie and Flo discuss checking out the second hand stores for the old sheet music they need for the act. Norma and Dudley are setting up for the dinner rush when Norma realises that Les is not helping. Also, that Don is still there, and still drinking - and is he also crying? In the deli, Arnold makes another attempt to haggle with Mr Mayhew. Arnold has heard that Freda's millinery store in Parramatta, Le Chaperon Rouge, went into receivership some ten days ago. Surely when potential buyers for the deli hear about this, plus the unpaid grocery wholesalers' bills, Freda will be lucky to sell the deli at all? Arnold suggests that the asking price should be exactly what Freda bought the store for: cash in hand. He and Mr Mayhew shake on the deal. Dudley chats with Vera in Flat 7. If Don goes out in a group, at least Dudley can keep an eye out for him. Vera wonders if Don's dizzy spells are still happening? Champagne flows in Flat 6 as the Godolfuses celebrate the purchase of the deli! Arnold is made an equal partner again. (He already has some exciting ideas for new rosters and Independant Activity periods.) Andy arrives at the front door and is invited in. He hears the good news about the deli. Andy then horrifies Arnold with an unsettling request: now that Aldo and Roma are moving back into Flat 2, he wants to return to living in Flat 6. At The Red Baron, Don, Tanya, Carol and Dudley are about to order dinner. Tanya thinks that the restaurant setting is "quite decadent", but Carol believes the term she is looking for is... "great fun". Don is feeling on top of the world and asks Tanya to dance, leaving Carol and Dudley alone at the table. Carol is reluctant to say what she knows. She swears Dudley to secrecy. According to what she was able to glean from Don's doctor, her brother only has six months to live! [Episode written by Michael Lawrence; directed by Brian Phillis.]

This episode was broadcast in colour. Trixie O'Toole's "Ermintrude" costume from Episode #686 makes another appearance. Actress Margaret Dumont (who played stuffy rich widows in seven "Marx Brothers" movies) is namedropped, as a hint of what is in store for Anne Florentine? In 1965, "RSL" stood for "Returned Services League" but, in 1990, it became "Returned & Services League". Trixie and Flo Patterson rehearse "Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)" from the 1928 musical, "Paris". That song, and "My Melancholy Baby" (1912), were both popularised by Ella Fitzgerald. "Le Chaperon Rouge" is French for "Red Riding Hood". Henri Szeps finally receives an onscreen credit as Mr Mayhew. Henri returns as a new recurring character, Phillip Chambers, from Episode #937-938, and then portrays Solly Goldman in Episodes #1147-1148.

689. (7/02) In Flat 5, Marilyn approaches Michael about his father, Tom, and the letters that have been sent back to New Zealand, marked Address Unknown. Michael claims to not understand what the problem is. Marilyn wonders if Mummy has been sending the letters back? Edie is very confused. Reg emerges from the main bedroom. He is still worried that Trixie is leading the TC astray. Meanwhile, Trixie is trying to eject the amorous TC from Flat 7. Once he has gone, Trixie invites Vera to accompany her to a club tonight, but Vera claims to be tired from her new dresssmaking business. Don, Carol and Dudley arrive home to Flat 4 from their night out. They are all feeling very sentimental, especially Don. He wonders how much Amanda would have enjoyed meeting Tanya? He almost breaks down telling them how much they are loved. Don makes them promise not to go to bed yet as he knows there are several bottles of champagne which Amanda left. Alone in the kitchen, Don tries in vain to pop the cork and sheds many tears. Next morning, the Murphy Bed has arrived at Flat 1, but is it for Norma or for Anne to use? Les reminds Norma that Mrs Florentine is a very sick woman, according to 1001 Ailments. Her loss of appetite, for example. Norma goes into bedroom, only to find her mother munching on a sandwich - and looking guilty. Norma orders her to be up and dressed immediately. A loud noise gets her back out to the loungeroom, where she finds Les trapped underneath the Murphy Bed. Vera finds the bathroom door of Flat 7 shut, so she bangs on it, and calls Trixie by name. No answer. Inside, she finds a near-naked, young unicyclist at the mirror, balancing while shaving. When Vera asks what he is doing there, he simply says, "Practising!" Bewildered and angry, Vera storms into Trixie's room, only to see a second near-naked man - and his unicycle! - in a makeshift bed. Trixie sits up in her own bed, sleepily. Vera is outraged: "I don't even know if these children are over the age of consent!" The first young man unicycles back into the room. Daddy has prepared his briefcase in Flat 5 and is about to head off for the TH. He tells Edie that he is worried about getting the TC to focus on the important issue of drainage, not Trixie. Edie wants to discuss Marilyn and Michael's marital difficulties, but he is leaving that issue in her hands. In the Bartletts' bedroom, Marilyn and Michael are snuggling. They are so besotted with each other, they may stay there all day. "No, all year!" Meanwhile, Edie finds a copy of Femme magazine on the floor near Marilyn's room. She sits down to read an article entitled, 23 Ways to Satisfy Your Husband With a Cauliflower. In Flat 4, Dudley realises that they have all overslept after their big night out. Dud puts on his robe but Don is feeling tired and plans to stay put for a while. Dudley visits Carol in her bedroom. She hasn't slept, but thought about Don all night. Carol is not sure she can keep pretending that all is well. All the tests have led the specialist to think that Don's condition is hopeless. She sobs on Dud's shoulder. Dudley suggests that they contact Amanda in Heidelberg. She'll be the best one to help him. Dud can't think of a single wisecrack or movie title to lighten their moods. In the loungeroom of Flat 7, Vera gives an impassioned speech about Trixie taking her for granted and bringing men home - but Trixie is in the kitchen. Vera is only rehearsing! Trixie comes in with a peace offering of morning tea and a plate of cakes (including lamingtons, a jam donut and a vanilla slice). Trixie explains that she was only being kindhearted when she offered the young twins "a place to kip down" for the night. She's known the performers since they were little kids, they haven't had any bookings, and they hadn't eaten in three days! Trixie hopes that Vera doesn't mind that she fed them the filet steak from the fridge. (It was supposed to be for Andy's lunch!) Setting up for lunch in the wine bar, Norma is in a foul mood. Her mother is "a big faker" and Norma is tired of all the emotional manipulations. First, Anne was pretending to be sick but now she tries the old "No one wants a silly, old woman hanging about..." shtick. (First Patrick and his horrid new partner - and now Norma doesn't want her around either.) Anne apologises, but Les is confused by Norma's tears as Anne goes back into the flat. In Flat 5, Edie is sniffing the aerosol cans that she ordered to help the Bartlett's marriage: Tasty Bod - an aero sex spray, which comes in eight different flavours! She bought all eight. Just then, Reg arrives with the TC and Trixie in tow. The TC has invited them all to lunch in Norma's Bar. The TC is very excited by the Tasty Bod and begins spraying the cans on Trixie. Trixie is unimpressed. "Don't spray that on me; I feel like an armpit!" Andy visits Vera in Flat 7 and, over a lunch that replaces the filet steak ("It met with an accident") Andy tells her that he will be moving back into Flat 6. Vera had not heard about the Godolfuses buying the deli back. Although she is glad about that news, she is less than impressed about his apparent haste to move into the flat where Patti and Tracey died. She finds it rather ghoulish. Andy doesn't see a problem and defends himself as a newspaperman. In Flat 1, Les demonstrates the new Murphy Bed to Mrs Florentine. She doesn't think that it looks very safe. Les gets her to lie down on the bed and it springs back up with her in it, now upside down. Norma interrupts the demonstration. "Where's Mum?" Norma asks. Les replies, "Oh, she's got her feet up. Resting." Soon after her rescue, Anne ends up inside the Murphy Bed cabinet for a second time. At a table in Norma's Bar, Trixie continues to fight off the attentions of the TC, but she may have succeeded in getting Reg considered for an important promotion. Carol tries to convince Don to take a break in Heidelberg, visiting their Aunt Amanda. Dudley agrees that it is a good idea. Just like being in The Student Prince! Don is reluctant; all of his friends are here at Number 96. In Flat 7, Vera tries to warn Andy that he's changed. Before the murders, he was sweet, warm, gentle and likable. Andy doesn't hold back; he doesn't care what she thinks. It's none of her business. Marilyn rings Lucy from Flat 5 to say that she will be running late for her laundrette shift. She has to wait for Michael. When he walks in, Marilyn's accusations silence him: a phone call from his father in New Zealand has revealed the existence of Michael's secret wife. She gave birth to his child last week - and now she's after him for maintenance! [Episode written by Michael Lawrence; directed by Brian Phillis.]

The "Murphy Bed" is named for William Lawrence Murphy (1876–1959), who was the first to apply for a US patent on the system around 1900. One was featured in Charlie Chaplin's "One AM" (1916) and a store in Vancouver, Canada, once remarked in an advertisement: "Gone are the days of Laurel and Hardy where the beds were portrayed as a fold-away trap for your worst enemies." A 1941 Marx Brothers movie, "The Big Store", featured Margaret Dumont as a stuffy, rich widow - and a variety of "Murphy Bed" styles. A draft script for what became their movie "Go West" (1940) had a similar character, named Mrs Ernestine Van Allstyne (an inspiration for Mrs Anne Florentine?), and a "Murphy Bed" running gag. "The Student Prince" was released in 1954. Its theme is "giving up personal happiness for duty". Episode #689 was later showcased in Foxtel/Austar TV1's "Television's Greatest Hits: The Best of Number 96" (2000), introduced by Andrew Mercado.

690. (10/02) In Flat 5, Marilyn wants the truth out of Michael. He still claims it to be "a communication breakdown" with Tom, who is desperate to get him back home to New Zealand and married off to this very wealthy girl. What about the claim that Fiona is already his wife? And with a new baby? Michael says that Fiona is unlikely to be pregnant because she is not that sort of girl. Marilyn is willing to believe Michael. How could Mr Bartlett be so vindictive? Michael and Fiona have no chemistry, but he does with Marilyn. She is relieved! In Norma's Bar, Reg returns from escorting the TC to his car. Reg announces to Edie that he believes the TC will be promoting him. "ADTC to the TC at the TH!" Reg believes that this new position will enable him the opportunity to give Marilyn and Michael a belated wedding gift. He will put their name on the list for a Housing Commission flat. Edie doesn't seem all that elated; Daddy is organising the children's opportunity to leave Number 96! Reg reminds her that the list for available flats is quite lengthy. Dorrie has a shock for Flo in Flat 3. She tells Herb that, now that Flo has a regular income from working for Trixie as a pianist, Dorrie plans to increase her rent by $20 so that she can afford to pay for the damage she caused to Norma's Bar ($250) and Alf's taxi ($500). As if on cue, Alf turns up at the front door to, again, demand the money he is owed. Does Alf not have any of "the milk of human kindness" flowing through his veins? Dorrie was driving without a licence - and learning to drive without a Learner's Permit! Alf is off to the police. Meanwhile, in the deli, Roma is in a panic. The removalists are returning her "beautiful treasures", but handling them roughly. She calls Aldo into the parlour of Flat 2. Tanya is thrilled that Freda Fuller has finally gone from their lives. Arnold tries to remind his three work colleagues of their responsibilities according to his new roster. Marilyn is impatient with Lucy in the laundrette. Lucy knows that Tom is not a liar. Marilyn accuses Lucy - and all oldies - of being jealous of young people who are happy and in love. In Flat 5, Edie is wearing a black negligee and spraying herself with Tasty Bod. Reg has the afternoon off work so Edie plans to seduce him. Reg is offended by her thinking that she was his "tasty morsel" and wanders off. Dorrie comes to the laundrette to plead with Lucy about Alf's demand for payment. Lucy reminds Dorrie that Alf was swindled out of his $12,000 share of the lottery win. She decides to lend Dorrie the $500, as a cheque made out to cash, to pay for the damage to the taxi. Alf must never find out about the loan. Big changes are planned for the deli. The Godolfuses plan to modernise and Americanize the whole shop! Roma and Aldo fill in Arnold about their plans. A soda fountain? A cosmetic counter for beauty products? A door thing that goes "ping pong"? (Or is that "bing bong"?) A closed-circuit TV monitor? Tanya approves but Arnold is shocked! Reg informs Dorrie that she has been successful in gaining the position of TL (tea lady) at the TH. The Godolfuses and Arnold realise that Tanya may lose her job. The deli can't support more than three shop assistants. They bicker about who will tell her the grim news. Dorrie makes Herb watch her count out $500 in cash, then chases after Reg as he climbs the staircase. At first, Reg misinterprets her attempt to ask about the tea lady position as already knowing of his family's latest scandal. She continues up the stairs to present Alf with his money. Marilyn hands in her notice at the laundrette because the Sutcliffes refuse to believe Michael over Tom. In Flat 3, Dorrie decides that she will elevate her position. She will be the TH (tea hostess) to the TC at the TH. She gives Herb a preview of her tea-making skills but forgets to put tea in the teapot, much to Herb's amusement. Her shift ending for the day, Tanya tells Arnold, Aldo and Roma how much she enjoys working for them in the deli. In Flat 5, Reg's plan to surprise the newlyweds has been met with a surprising revelation. Edie is excited about the Housing Commission gift. Reg had to contact the Marriage Registrar for details for the application form. To everyone's horror, Daddy now knows that Michael and Marilyn are not married! [Episode written by Stan Mars; directed by Peter Benardos.]

This episode was broadcast in colour. Earlier that evening, another Cash Harmon Production, "The Unisexers", took up its early evening weeknight timeslot on the Nine Network. The series concerned a group of young people living commune-style, and manufacturing a range of designer denim jeans. The pilot (double-length) episode was taped at the end of 1974, not long after the character of Lorelei Wilkinson (Josephine Knur) had been written out of "Number 96" during the Pantyhose Strangler storyline. The pilot had premiered on the Sunday night at 7.30pm. The series featured Josephine Knur and other "Number 96" alumni, including John Paramor (a Pantyhose Strangler suspect), Patrick Ward and Delore Whiteman, with guests Max Cullen, Toni Lamond, Brian Moll and Colin Taylor. David Phillips would move into the writing team on "Number 96" when "The Unisexers" came to its abrupt end. Scott Lambert, Redmond Phillips and Camilla Rountree would also join the cast of "Number 96". The series ran for only three weeks and then vanished.

691. (11/02) In Flat 5, Michael tries to explain to Reg that he and Marilyn only fabricated their marriage so they could sleep together in Marilyn's room. Daddy gives them a lecture on morality, honour and respect. A scandal such as this could threaten Reg's imminent promotion to ADTC. Mummy wonders if a "trial marriage" might lead to a real one - and Marilyn sees her comment as insightful. Marilyn and Michael's resolve weakens and they decide to get married for real to keep everyone happy. "A real, white, shotgun wedding!" Reg, for a moment thinks that Marilyn might be pregnant, but she boasts that she was on The Pill long before meeting Michael. Mummy thinks that her daughter is so sensible, but Daddy is aghast. In Norma's Bar, everyone is staggered that Dorrie has produced the $500 for Alf so unexpectedly. Where did it come from? Lucy is quick to deny all knowledge of it. Les delivers a presentation on the concepts of poverty, male chauvinism and Freudian slips. Alf declares him daft. He departs but Lucy stays behind to check if the Whittakers intend to charge Dorrie for the smashed plate glass window. Norma warns Les that he will have to pay for the wine bar damages since they cannot claim on the insurance without informing the police. Norma is at her wits' end regarding her mother and regrets telling her to leave. Trixie attempts to get the TC to depart Vera's Flat 7 before she gets home. She turns around to find him on his knees. The TC proposes marriage to Trixie and she intends to let him down. Next morning, Lucy and Alf squabble over the lottery win again in Flat 8. Alf tells a concerned Lucy that he intends to threaten Chiller with physical violence if he doesn't produce Alf's half-share of the lottery win. Trixie visits Flat 1 and tells the Whittakers about the TC's marriage proposal. Trixie had seen him on both knees, with his hands clasped, and was reminded immediately of Al Jolson about to break into a rendition of Mammy. Les is busy with a new, large machine, which takes up a lot of space next to the Murphy Bed. Trixie amuses the Whittakers with her descriptions of the crafty little bugger, the TC. He had the element of surprise, for a start, but he was yet to confirm Reg's promotion, so Trixie doesn't want to foul that up. Mrs Florentine arrives with a pound of chops from the butcher's. She's accustomed to a hearty breakfast! Trixie's anecdote gives Les an idea: he will attempt to matchmake Norma's mother with the TC. Anne could go and live with him, resolving everyone's problems! In Flat 5, Edie has a wedding to plan, and the guest list keeps getting longer with all of their Blacktown connections, including the choir of St Clement's Anglican Church. Reg forbids Marilyn and Michael from sleeping together until they are wed, and until Reg's promotion is declared. Michael is back on the couch! Norma is exasperated by Les's sausage machine. The TC comes to Flat 1 looking for Trixie, who has just darted into the bedroom. While the TC is there, Les puts in a good word for Mrs Florentine. Les builds up her potential as a love match with some colourful, romantic quotations - and Norma is horrified. Anne emerges from the bathroom and is introduced to the TC of the Paddinton TH, just as the sausage machine starts chugging. Anne boasts that Mr Mackville, the Shire Clerk of Armidale, is a close, personal friend. The machine extrudes an enormous sausage that flies out between them. Meanwhile, in Flat 5, Michael and Marilyn are snuggling in her bed. Michael reluctantly agrees to go along with her parents' plans for an expensive, white wedding. Marilyn still has to work out her notice at the laundrette, but now she doesn't care if she runs late. In Norma's Bar, Alf is still in a foul mood over Chiller Thomas. Les points out that Anne and the TC are getting along "like turtledoves". Norma tries to calm Alf down, while it seems that the TC is only sitting with Anne while waiting for Trixie to turn up. The TC is curious at Anne's mention of Leslie's "Earl of MacCraddonow" title. In the laundrette, Marilyn arrives while Lucy is on the phone to Tom in New Zealand. Tom asks to speak to Marilyn but she blasts him for being an evil-minded monster. Edie is setting the table for luncheon in Flat 5 while Trixie flips through Marilyn's 19 magazine. The situation with the TC reminds Trixie of a movie, The Dead Hand of Doctor Green, and then realises that she sounds like Dudley! Edie gets excited about a potential double wedding if Trixie was to become "Mrs TC". Daddy arrives home and finally announces his promotion to ADTC. Trixie almost gives away that the promotion was at her persistent urging. She and the MacDonalds will head down to Norma's Bar to celebrate. Lucy answers the doorbell of Flat 8. A woman introduces herself as Chiller's wife, Mrs Thomas (Kitty Greenwood). Lucy's immediate thought is that Alf must have carried out his threat to attack Chiller! Edie makes a clumsy entrance at the wine bar when her purse scatters its contents all over the floor. They pass the TC and Anne, but don't notice them. Les's matchmaking seems to be heading for more disaster. Norma observes that Operation: Cupid might soon be "up the spout, General". A quick-thinking Les shields Trixie from the TC's view with a tablecloth but, to Trixie's horror, Reg races over to bring the TC and Anne over to their table. The TC has decided that Anne Florentine would make the perfect "lady companion" for his mother, Mrs Buchanan. Now he is free to marry Trixie - and he places an engagement ring on the stunned Trixie's hand! Champers for all! In Flat 5, a tearful Marilyn complains to Michael about Tom Bartlett. Michael suggests that they should just forget the white wedding altogether and elope. Marilyn readily agrees. Alf comes into Flat 8 and recognises Mrs Thomas sitting on the couch. Why is Lucy entertaining Chiller's wife in his home? Before he completely blows his top, Lucy shows him a cheque for $12,000: his fair share of the lottery winnings. [Episode written by Stan Mars; directed by Peter Benardos.]

The wall calendar in the kitchen of Flat 8 is still showing the month of December. Since the 1st is a Friday, this is actually a 1973 calendar. Les Whittaker's improbable sausage machine seems to be a reconfiguration of his confetti machine, first seen in Episode #536. The song made famous by Al Jolson, "My Mammy" (1918), was first performed in a Vaudeville act by William Frawley (later of TV's I Love Lucy). Jolson sang it on stage in the fourth year of "Sinbad" (1921), and the movies "The Jazz Singer" (1927) and "Rose of Washington Square" (1939). Anne Florentine has obviously not yet adapted to Metrification. St Clement's Anglican Church is an actual location in the Blacktown area, servicing Lalor Park and Kings Langley. The magazine publication "19", aimed at female teenagers, ran from 1968 to May 2004, and the issue used as a prop in this episode is October 1973. There is no actual movie called "The Dead Hand of Doctor Green".

692. (12/02) Dudley notices Don filling up on sweet treats from the fridge in Flat 4. Don will soon be like Shelley Winters in The Poseidon Adventure. Dudley is concerned because Don has never had a sweet tooth before. As they leave for work, Carol tells Dudley not to worry because Doctor Langton has recommended that Don change to a high-calorie diet, so he's actually following doctor's orders! In the deli, Andy is reacquainted with Tanya and is reminded that she is quite enchanting. Tanya tells him, "A true Cossack never mistakes the back end of his horse for the face of his friend." While boasting about how kind the Godolfuses and Arnold are, she does not realise that the three of them know that the deli simply cannot support four shop assistants. Tanya will stay here forever! Arnold reminds Tanya that forever is a long time. Andy gives Arnold a list of his grocery needs and checks that Arnold has no qualms about delivering them to Flat 6. Dudley and Carol hear about the plan for Mrs Florentine to become a lady companion for Mrs Buchanan as they prepare the wine bar for opening. Norma mentions that if Trixie doesn't marry the TC, he will have go back to stay with his mother permanently, and then Norma will be stuck with Anne. Meanwhile, in Flat 1, Anne is on the phone to Patrick in Armidale. She tells Norma that Patrick has decided not to marry "that dreadful woman" after all. Norma encourages her to return to Pat's to continue looking after him. Anne has realised that Norma needs her the most, so she will be rejecting the TC's offer and will stay on in this flat to support her own daughter. Vera and Trixie are setting the table in Flat 7. They chat about the TC and Trixie's reluctance to let him down. There is a knock at the door. It is Andy, who invites Vera to Flat 6 for a housewarming drink. Vera is very cold to him. Andy now knows "how the Titanic felt when it first met the iceberg." Unlike the TC, according to Vera, Andy deserves all he gets. Flo goes down to Norma's Bar to prepare to play the piano for tonight's Flo Patterson Happy Hour. She starts with a glass of red, and thanks Norma for letting Dorrie off the hook about the window. Norma admits that they have even gained some new customers, who were keen to see "the first drive-in wine bar". Flo has no idea how Dorrie managed to find the $500 for Alf's taxi, but mentions that Dorrie is at the TH this afternoon, where she is now employed as the new tea lady, or "Tea Hostess". Dudley puts in a request - no, not for My Mammy - for April Showers and he sings along as Flo plays. Dudley is abruptly heckled by a thirsty patron (Terry Bader). Vera drops into Flat 4 to visit with Don, desperate to escape Trixie and her rowdy showbiz friends upstairs. Don reckons that it sounds like she has the Daly-Wilson Big Band up there! Vera asks about Don's health and he claims to be "recharging his batteries". Vera sometimes wishes that she was more spontaneous, like Trixie. Don says, "Life is so short and you're a long time dead. Arnold, Aldo and Roma are in the parlour of Flat 2, bracing themselves about what to say to Tanya. Aldo is concerned that his Roma feels like "a hippy-crit". Arnold is elected to be the one to say something. Tanya emerges from the shop to confess that she has overheard everything. Anne tries to make herself useful in the wine bar but gets in everyone's way, including the customers. She tries to move a basket of potato chips from the counter to a table, but the customers (including Norman Coburn?) get up and leave. Anne wants to earn her keep, but she still intends to redecorate the flat. She'll also clear out all of Lesley's old inventions. Norma admits that to achieve that would be earning her keep. Anne collides with Carol and a tray of drinks is almost spilled. Anne intends to engage properly-trained staff when she takes over. Tearfully, Norma tells Dudley and Carol that she rang Patrick to take their mother back, but he is perfectly happy with the way things are. Anne wants to see efficiency - and orders Dudley and Carol to get back to work. Norma tells her mother that she can't speak to the staff like that. Carol looks miserable but claims that it is mainly due to concern for Don. They agree that he should have come down to the wine bar, not be hiding away in the flat. Trixie is just returning to Flat 7 after seeing off her party guests and she invites Andy in for a drink. He mentions that Trixie's party noise could be heard all over Number 96. Vera arrives while Andy is suggesting that the building might be in need of an exorcism: to cast out all of the ghosts... past, present and to come. Vera is unimpressed. She senses Andy's cold, sinister streak. He departs to be alone with his miserable, ghoulish memories. Trixie observes that she just witnessed "'The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral' - with silencers!". Andy wasn't like that when they first met. As for Trixie, Vera would like to have her flat to herself every so often. (Trixie does have a soft spot for stray dogs and trick cyclists.) There is one more strange visitor to perplex Vera. She goes to have a shower, only to find one of Trixie's young, male, muso friends sleeping it off in the bathtub, still clutching his trombone and a champagne bottle. It is almost closing in Norma's Bar, and Arnold chats to Tanya over a drink, hoping that she understands that her retrenchment from the deli was for economic reasons only. She wishes to call him "Arnie", rather than "Mr Feather". She then plants an unexpected kiss on Dudley's cheek and he refers to it as "a 'Doctor Zhivago'!" As Arnold and Tanya leave, they meet Andy just outside. Andy has a solution for Tanya's current employment dilemma. Does she have shorthand/typist skills? Tanya claims to have once been a secretary to Brezhnev himself. Andy offers her a job taking dictation for a series of newspaper articles he has been commissioned to write. Dudley and Carol return to a darkened Flat 4, but find Don asleep in front of blank TV screen. Carol suggests they all have a nightcap together, but Don excuses himself and heads to the bedroom. Dudley decides that it is time to contact Amanda about Don's condition. Norma awakes to frantic screams - and they are coming from the lounge room of Flat 1. Anne is being attacked in her bed by the rogue sausage machine! All manner of sausage varieties are firing across the room! Norma tries to help but is soon also under attack. Suddenly, Anne gets taken up by the Murphy Bed! Norma tries to free her, while still being pelted with sausages. It is utter mayhem! Next morning, in the deli, Aldo thinks that he understands Tanya's new job, but it sounds to him like poor Tanya will be doing most of the writing of Andy's articles, since all that he has to do is dictate. Trixie and Flo have coffee together at the Boulevard Cafe to plan out a running order for Trixie's next club shows. Trixie is impressed by Flo's contributions. They are soon joined by a weary Anne, whose slumber had been rudely interrupted by the Earl's sausage machine overnight! Trixie realises that Vaudeville isn't dead after all! Anne announces that she won't be taking up the offer to be a companion for Mrs Buchanan, so Trixie's engagement to the TC is, seemingly, back on! Arnold enters Flat 6 to deliver Andy's deli order from yesterday. The flat is empty, but he notices the beginning of an article in the typewriter. It reads, "'I LOVED A MURDERESS: I lived with the Infamous Pantyhose Killer' by Andy Marshall." Arnold is devastated. [Episode written by Stan Mars; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Joe Hasham is sporting a shorter hairstyle from this episode and it is briefly acknowledged in the opening line in Budley Butterfield's dialogue. "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972) is a motion picture based based on Paul Gallico's 1969 novel of the same name. A door in Vera Collins' flat has identical markings to the one in Flat 3. The visible patches are from the Leroy Larue knife-throwing scene in Episode #684. (Of course, it is the same set with different wall coverings.) The song "My Mammy" (1918) is referenced again. "April Showers" (1921), another Al Jolson standard, is from the Broadway musical, "Bombo". The voice of Dudley's off-camera heckler sounds a lot like Brad Hilton, who had been played by Terry Bader until Episode #670. The Australian jazz group, "The Daly-Wilson Big Band" (Warren Daly on drums, Ed Wilson on trombone) featured, at the time of Episode #692, Marcia Hines was the ensemble's lead singer. Norman Coburn appears to be one of the extras playing wine bar customers. The man is sporting a moustache and an afro hairstyle. (From 1988-2003, Norman played Principal Donald Fisher in "Home and Away". His most recent guest appearance in that series was in 2019.) Numerous dramatic, fictional and documentary works have been produced about "The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral", with widely-varying degrees of accuracy. "Doctor Zhivago" (1965) is an epic, historical romance film, set in Russia, and based on the 1957 novel by Boris Pasternak. Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev served as General Secretary of the "Communist Party of the Soviet Union" from 1964. Jeff Kevin accidentally calls out "Marshall! Marshall?", instead of "Mr Marshall". Peter Adams' closing credit has not yet been moved back over Flat 6's window; it still features a large question mark.

693. (13/02) It is breakfast time in Flat 8 and Lucy is off to work, but Alf is feeling frisky. Lucy wonders if Alf's rare, good mood will extend refunding Dorrie her $500, now that he has his $12000 lottery win? Dorrie arrives home to Flat 3 from her morning shift at the Paddington Town Hall, but earlier than Herb had expected. She caught the bus back to Number 96 after walking miles and miles of corridors. She also has several complaints about the shonky tea trolly (her "Hostess Wagon", as Dorrie chooses to call it), which is similar to the administation at the TH itself: "completely out-of-date and in need of a thorough overhaul." She told the TC exactly that at precisely 10.15am. She advised him that, by the end of the week, she will have gathered enough information to radically change Local Government "in our day and age!" Marilyn is about to suffer a shock. In the laundrette, Lucy is still trying to navigate the anger that Marilyn is directing towards her and Michael's father, Tom. She gives Marilyn an envelope that was enclosed in Tom's latest letter. It contains a clipping from a New Zealand newspaper: a photo of Michael Bartlett on his wedding day with "his radiant bride, Fiona". There is also a snapshot of Fiona holding their newborn baby. Lucy embraces a tearful Marilyn. "He's not worth it," Lucy consoles her. Tanya visits the deli, and she and Arnold chat about her new job. Arnold wonders if she knows what Andy's articles are about? No, but she is so broke that she can't afford to be choosy. Tanya is sure that the work will be interesting. As she departs, the Godolfuses rush in from the parlour. They have just heard from their American friends, who are coming to visit! The shop needs to be transformed. Aldo's soda fountain! Roma's cosmetic counter for beauty products! And her "bing bong"! Over luncheon in Flat 5, Reg claims to have always known how untrustworthy Michael was. Edie disagrees and reminds Daddy that he had once thought highly of him. Marilyn remains sullen while her parents bicker. Edie studies the news clipping and the photo. Reg points out that it should be Marilyn in those pictures. Marilyn explodes! All Daddy can think of is being the ADTC to the TC at the TH, and how this scandal will affect his career! Alf visits Lucy in the back room of the laundrette. He has brought Lucy's favourite lunch: fish and chips wrapped in newspaper. Soon they are again arguing about Dorrie and the taxi. After all, it was Alf who left his keys in the ignition! Lucy threatens Alf. If he doesn't give the old-age pensioner back her $500, it will demonstrate Alf's meanness and lack of compassion - and Lucy will leave him. Alf is outraged. He will save his wife the trouble of leaving and storms off himself. Aldo and Arnold discuss Andy while working in the deli. Aldo finds it hard to believe that Andy intends to write about his relationship with Tracey Wilson. Arnold assures Aldo that he has come to terms with the papers' sordid desire to keep sensationalising the murders. They tell Roma and she also finds it hard to believe of the nice Mr Marshall we have all come to know. Tanya returns to the deli on her lunch break, boasting about how wonderful it is to be working for Andy - and he has asked her to move into Flat 6! In Flat 5, Marilyn is on the phone to Lucy. Marilyn will be late for her shift because she is waiting for Michael to come home from university. Reg needs to return to work, but Marilyn wants to handle the situation herself. Just as Reg is about to depart, Michael comes in and immediately notices that something is wrong. Marilyn insists on handling it. With tears rolling down her face, she shows him the two images: "Recognise the groom? It's you! Recognise the baby? It's yours!" Then Marilyn slaps him! A sheepish Alf returns to the laundrette but Lucy beats him to a heartfelt apology. For a moment, it appears that her apology has only made the situation worse, but he does eventually soften. Alf wishes that the old-age pensioner was anyone but Dorrie Evans. Meanwhile, Dorrie arrives home to Flat 3 with a full head of steam. She is no longer employed at the TH, having been discharged from her duties by the new ADTC (aka Mr Reginald P MacDonald!) and Dorrie is convinced that it was jealousy. The administration was obviously threatened by her intention to reform the corruption in LG at the TH. Dorrie begins to show Herb a roll of secret plans that she has somehow procured from the TH. These Council plans will have serious repercussions, but she is interrupted by Alf. Dorrie is not pleased to see him but quickly changes her tune when he produces a wad of money. He is returning her $500! She then manages to let on that Lucy had lent her the money. Michael has packed his bags and is leaving Flat 5. He admits that everything is true. He really did fall in love with Marilyn, though. He'd hoped that Fiona would give him a divorce. Marilyn says that she never wants to see him again. Alf tells Lucy that he knows the truth about her lending the $500 to Dorrie, but he is not upset. He pretends to be leaving her forever, tricking Lucy with a suitcase full of empty bottles for the Boy Scouts' collection. In Flat 5, Reg and Edie try to encourage Marilyn to be positive. Marilyn announces that she is through with men forever! Tanya has left her handbag behind in the deli. Roma accidentally knocks it over and five $1000 notes in US currency fall out! [Episode written by Stan Mars; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Peter Adams' and Natalie Mosco's closing credits have not yet been moved to Flat 6's window; it still features a large question mark. Andy Marshall doesn't appear in this episode, but Tanya Schnolskevitska does. In place of Natalie's end credit is a slide for Brian Moll and Kitty Greenwood, but neither of those actors are in the episode.

694. (14/02) Trouble is looming over Number 96. Dudley thanks Norma in the wine bar for allowing him to book an operator-assisted international call. Trixie notices that he is rather serious tonight. Norma agrees; Carol is also being mysterious. At the end of the bar, Dudley and Carol wait impatiently for the call. They are both very worried about Don. Trixie is still feeling like the victim in the TCs plan to make her his wife. Even Reg is no hope regarding the amorous TC; Reg thinks that he received his promotion by his own hard work, not realising Trixie's manoeuvres behind-the-scenes. Flo is heading back upstairs and Norma asks her to tell Les to get down from Flat 3 and help her in the bar. She wonders what Dorrie is up to that requires Les's "expertise"? Flo races back inside to warn Trixie that the TC is outside, parking his car. Trixie hides from him behind the bar, taking her wine with her. The TC mistakenly calls Flo "Mrs Evans" and she corrects him. The TC will wait for Trixie. Behind the bar, Trixie grimaces. Up in Flat 3, Les uses Be Your Own Town Planner! to determine that the plans Dorrie brought home are genuine. This is a professionally-drawn redevelopment plan for Paddington, specifically Lindsay Street! Dorrie is convinced that she was discharged from her duties at the TH because she had stumbled across this skulduggery. Les shows Herb and Flo the circled location of Number 96 - and that places their "doomed" homes and businesses in the very middle of a proposed freeway! They need to mobilise with sandwich boards, banners, green bans... In Flat 1, Norma gets the booked phone call from Heidelberg and calls out for Dudley. Carol gets there first. Norma goes back to the bar to rescue Trixie. A stunned Baroness Amanda Von Pappenburg (Carol Raye) learns about Don's health problems in the phone call with Dudley and Carol. He only has a few months to live. Next morning, Vera and Trixie are having breakfast in Flat 7. Vera can't stop laughing about Trixie's predicament with the TC. Crouched behind the bar, Trixie kept hearing him say, "Drink to me and my upcoming nuptials!" Vera suggests that she call the TC's bluff and make a play for him. Trixie begins to understand. "You mean, lure the little swine into my boudoir and wrest his innocence away from him?" In Flat 4, Dudley intends to check out the new "ever-so-ocker" butcher, who has just opened a shop in in Paradise Street. Don mentions that he had a weird dream about Amanda. Dudley imagines it was "a Judy Garland, everyone following the Yellow Brick Road kind of dream? In Don's dream, Amanda had had closed her eyes and wouldn't respond to his voice. Dudley's dreams are more like they are directed by Alfred Hitchcock, no less. He offers to get Don breakfast in bed. Don decides to order up waffles and cream. Herb and Dorrie are painting placards in Flat 3 for their protest meeting. ("Down with planners", "Hands off No 96", "Save Lindsay Street" and "Fight the freeway".) Dorrie grabs Les's bell and goes into Flo's bedroom to wake her up. Herb reminds Dorrie that Flo is up very late most nights, due to her wine bar piano duties and rehearsals with Trixie, but Dorrie has no sympathy. Flo is disgruntled about being needed to protest. Andy and Vera have another tense stand-off, this time on the staircase. She does not approve of his "disgusting" motives for moving back into Flat 6. Andy is, first and foremost, a newspaperman, but "obviously as a human being, you are a very poor second". When Dudley and Carol are in the wine bar to start their shifts, Norma expresses curiosity about the call to Heidelberg. Carol gets hysterical and is abusive about the intrusion into a family matter. Dudley encourages her to apologise and they inform Norma about Don's dire situation, swearing her to secrecy. Dorrie, Herb and Flo conduct their protest about the proposed freeway outside Number 96. Some of the protesters reckon that it is time for lunch. Dorrie is keen for Les to demonstrate how they can write protest slogans in green paint all over the building. She wants to start on the brand, new window of Norma's Bar. Les hastily suggests the deli window instead. ("Aldo won't mind".) As he reaches the edge of the window frame, he manages to put a long, green streak across Mrs Florentine's eyes. Inside the wine bar, Vera, Trixie and Norma discuss Andy and his new shorthand typist, Tanya, who has now moved in with him. Working for a man like that "makes you a candidate for the gossip columns", says Trixie. Back in Flat 1, Les tries to clean up his mother-in-law's green face. Anne is furious and decides that she will be taking the next train to Armidale, to stay with Patrick again. Norma feigns disappointment. (Poor Patrick doesn't know yet.) Dorrie and Herb have invaded Don's peace in Flat 4, eager to get his opinion on the validity of the redevelopment plans. He tries to fob them off, and out the door, when there is an unexpected phone call from Heidelberg. It is Amanda, claiming to need the urgent assistance of her nephew, Donald, and insisting that he fly to Heidelberg immediately. She will organise the plane ticket. That evening, in Norma's Bar, Dorrie warns a disbelieving Norma that she will have to take the redevelopment plan seriously when the freeway is built right through the wine bar. Anne comes through from the flat, dressed for her train journey to Armidale. "My son needs me on the property." Dorrie assumes that Norma is sad to see her leave. The Evanses promise to call in if they are in New England. Anne may be back in Sydney very soon; she is expecting an invitation to a garden party at Government House. Alf will be taking Les to the hospital in his taxi and he'll drop Anne off at Central Station on the way back. Dudley suggests that the pianist might play Anne one last song and he cheekily suggests, Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport. Instead, Anne requests Land of Hope and Glory - and Flo, Les, Herb and Dorrie join Anne in the singing. Andy comes in and the room goes silent for a few seconds. Through gritted teeth, Norma tells him to "Name your poison" and he suggests... arsenic. Vera and Don have had a quiet meal in Flat 4 and she thinks that visiting Amanda at short notice is a great idea. Maybe Amanda has more troubles with Max's family and his estate? ("So long as it's not another Buddha filled with heroin!") They anticipate what may be happening upstairss regarding the unwitting TC. Meanwhile, in Flat 7, Trixie put Vera's wacky plan into operation, stripping the TC to his boxer shorts and trying to seduce him. He gathers his clothes and exits the bedroom stealthily, only to find Dominatrix Trixie, in black boots and spurs, waiting for him. [Episode written by Stan Mars; directed by Peter Benardos.]

The redevelopment plan for a freeway through Paddington is represented by an actual map of Glenmore Road, Paddington. Carol Raye returns as the Baroness Amanda Von Pappenburg in two cameo phone calls from Heidelberg. Carol had been working as Casting Director for Cash Harmon since her two stints on the series (from Episode #383, and from Episode #536). Dudley Butterfield mentions the new butcher's shop in Paradise Street, presumably the one found by Anne Florentine in Episode #691. The green paint in Les Whittaker's spray can doesn't match the colour of the green streaks on Anne's face. Judy Garland featured in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), which included scenes in both sepia and Technicolor. Alfred Hitchcock was a notorious director of suspense movies. Tonight's wine bar blackboard menu features "Hamburgers à la Dudley" and "Salad with Vol-au-vents". Songs played by Flo Patterson in include "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" (1929) and "Land of Hope and Glory", a British patriotic song (music by Edward Elgar, 1901; lyrics by AC Benson added in 1902). The heroin-filled Buddha statue first featured in Episode #487. Peter Adams' closing credit is now in its rightful place over Flat 6's window. With the departure of Peter Flett's Michael Bartlett in Episode #693, Frances Hargreaves' character is credited here as just "Marilyn" again. (Ironically, the character's surname in the credits was giving viewers a clue that Marilyn and Michael were not really married.) On the 2010 DVD, "Number 96: Aftermath of Murder", Episode #694 includes a commentary with Carol Raye and TV historian, Andrew Mercado.

695. (17/02) Vera is an early customer at the deli. She notices Arnold attempting to remove green graffiti from the display window. While she is buying a jar of coffee, Dudley races in wearing his pyjamas and robe. He needs cream for Don's breakfast - and Arnold corrects his Metric conversions! Vera pumps Dudley for the truth about Don. She noticed all the rich foods he was eating last night, and he seemed "over-bright" in his manner. What can she do to help? Dorrie pushes her way past Carol and into Flat 4, demanding to see her personal solicitor, Don. Don appears in the doorway of his bedroom. Dorrie is "hopping mad" and requires help from Don to verify the Council document in her possession. He reluctantly agrees to verify the project details with the town planners at the TH, but will that be before the "bull-nosers" arrive on their doorstep downstairs? A stunned Vera returns to Flat 7 with the coffee, having learned the truth from Dudley. At first, Trixie is oblivious to her fragile state, and blathers on about how she frightened the TC. ("Should have tried it on my first husband!") Vera breaks down and tells her that Don has less than six months to live. Alf is reading the newspaper in the bath in Flat 8. He points out an article to Lucy: a freeway is proposed for Lindsay Street, Paddington, which would require all the buildings being demolished. He suggests that their $12,000 nest-egg might help them buy a little house of their own. Lucy gets excited and hugs her wet husband, almost falling into the tub. Carol answers the door of Flat 4 to an angry woman in a pantsuit. "Who are you?" Maggie Cameron demands of Carol, barging in to look for Don.
Carol: "I'm his sister. Who are you?"
Maggie: "You can ask... I'm his business partner. Correction: I'm his boss, that's who the hell I am. So I want to see him right now."
Carol: "I'm not disturbing him again. Dudley can take a message."
Maggie: "Dudley can take a powder for all I care."
Maggie invades Don's bedroom, demanding that he deal with the demolition issue immediately. He refuses and turns over in the bed. In the empty Norma's Bar, Flo and Trixie rehearse A Good Man is Hard to Find for tonight's gig at the Bankstown RSL. Trixie's singing is off and she admits that she has heard some grim news from Vera this morning, but is sworn to secrecy, which is making it hard to concentrate on the rehearsal. The tenants are getting ready for battle. Dorrie and Herb visit Lucy in the laundrette and they give her one of Les's newly-printed fliers for the protest rally in Centennial Park. "This akternoon?" [sic] asks Lucy. Herb explains: "Les ran out f's!" Dorrie wants Lucy to hand out the fliers in the laundrette. Lucy doesn't see that the freeway is necessarily a bad thing. She and Alf might use his lottery win to get a bank loan and buy a little house of their own if the building gets torn down. Dorrie points out that Lucy's place of employment, the laundrette, is also located in Lindsay Street, so it, too, is under threat of oblivion. Dorrie tells Lucy that she will become "one of the forgotten men!" In the wine bar, Dudley is aghast as Don pours Fountain tomato sauce all over a plate of Veal Fricasse. Maggie comes in. Dudley warns, "Look out, here comes Rosalind Russell!" Don says that lunch in bed is too decadent, even for him. Maggie tells Don, "Don't act the smart fairy with me!" Don is yet to speak to the town planner but, apparently, all hell has broken out at the TH because somehow the press got hold of the freeway story early. She orders a white wine and Dudley says, "Certainly, Mrs Skeffington!" Don points out that LG's tactic is not dissimilar to Maggie's tactics in advertising. Maggie drops the name Rada Penfold-Collins in relation to the coming of the bulldozers. Don reminds her that the article is only rumour so far and it appeared in the gossip column of the newspaper, not the main news. It was phoned in by Les Whittaker! Don offers to buy Maggie lunch before his meeting at the TH at 3.00pm. Dudley suggests his new lunch specials: Freeway and Chips, followed by Demolition Pudding. Over lunch in Flat 8, Alf wonders if Lucy will have Marilyn back as an employee after her recent uptight attitude? Marilyn has already apologised. She is away for a week, anyway, staying with her Aunty Evelyn, fruitpicking on a farm in Narrandera. Alf tells Arnold of their plan to buy a little house - with room for him, of course. In Flat 3, Dorrie is on the phone to Channel TEN, wanting to promote her protest rally about the freeway. She reminds them that she and Herb have even been interviewed by the channel's own Brian Bury (she mispronounces his surname as "Berry"). Since they are not interested, she will take her story to David Frost himself, their opposition. Flo and Herb come in, exhausted, wearing the protest signs as sandwich boards. Dorrie is sure the media will turn up when they hear how successful the rally is. Dorrie intends to pressure the TH to turn Number 96 into a national shrine. Dudley is reclining on the couch in Flat 4 when Carol comes in with a tea tray. They play act in French and British accents together but Carol suddenly breaks down again. She can't bear putting on a cheerful front all the time. Maggie and Don come in, and Maggie heads straight for the brandy. Don explains that Dorrie has been wasting her time. Those freeway plans that she found at the TH were actually sent in by "a nutcase from Bondi" who frequently peppers LG with such wild ideas. The TC is hopping mad. Dudley mentions Dorrie's mass rally this afternoon in Centennial Park. Don is in need of a lie down but Maggie intensifies her demanding attitude. Don takes great pleasure in announcing his renewed intention to use Amanda's plane ticket to Heidelberg. "That mad aunt of yours?" How long will Don be away? Don says that he might never come back. In Flat 8, Arnold has the TV on, laughing at a cartoon, when Alf offers him another beer. Lucy has seen some lovely little houses down in Sanner Street. Dorrie arrives to express her dismay that the Sutcliffes did not attend her rally to hear her "most impassioned speech". It roused the crowd "to further pitch". Alf was driving his cab and Lucy had her shift at the laundrette. Dorrie expects that here will be lots of red faces at the TH when the newspapers come out. Old Mrs Plummett spoke for 20 minutes and it was "most heart-rendering". Lucy points out that the woman doesn't live anywhere near Lindsay Street. "But she likes the sound of her own voice!" says Alf. Arnold points at that his customers had mentioned the rally. Dorrie has even written to Prince Charles and will now sit back and watch the fur and the feathers fly. On the landing outside Flat 3, Vera tells Flo and Herb about the bogus freeway plans. They are soon joined by Trixie, laden with costumes for tonight's gig. In Norma's Bar, Don is sitting with Carol and Dudley when Maggie invades his personal space again. "Here we go again!" observes Carol. Maggie demands that Don reconsider his trip. "Just do me one favour: drop dead!" she says, as she storms out of the bar to an eerie silence. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Dudley Butterfield has obviously not yet adapted to Metrification. Trixie O'Toole first sang "A Good Man is Hard to Find" (1917) in Episode #636. Members of the "Paddington Senior Cits" - Mrs Fazackerlee, Miss Hilda Dynasty (and her undergarments) and Mrs Parsons - are all namedropped. Viewers learn that the laundrette is located in Lindsay Street. Tonight's wine bar blackboard menu features "Mushroom Soup, 65c", "Canneloni, $1.25" and "Veal Fricasse, $1.80". House white wine is 40 cents a glass. Dudley Butterfield jokingly likens Maggie Cameron to actress Rosalind Russell. Apart from some comedic roles, Rosalind was known for her dramatic characters, often wealthy, dignified and stylish women. He also refers to Maggie as "Mrs Skeffington". Bette Davis starred as Mrs Frances Beatrice "Fanny" Trellis Skeffington, opposite Claude Rains, in the movie, "Mr Skeffington" (1944), based on a 1940 novel. First referenced in Episode #676, Evelyn is a sister of both Reg MacDonald and Fay Chandler. Maggie references Rada Penfold-Collins, a prominent business executive. At the time, Rada represented "Penfolds Wines" Public Relations Department and was one of Australia’s first female wine columnists. Brian Bury appeared as himself, and interviewed the Evanses, in Episode #182. Most recently, he appeared as himself in Episode #687. Arnold Feather is watching a 1948 "Merrie Melodies" cartoon on TV, "What's Brewin', Bruin?"

696. (18/02) Aldo emerges from the bedroom of Flat 2, realising that he has overslept. Roma thought he looked peaceful, but she has already prepared him a cooked breakfast. When Roma says, "Who else do I have to spoil?", she becomes quiet, thinking of her Irving in an American prison. If she doesn't mention Irving, and he doesn't mention golf, they will be "tit for tit" [sic]. "It is an Australian expression, Aldo!" She also adds that Arnold told her that Dorrie was mistaken about the freeway rumours. Meanwhile, over breakfast in Flat 1, Les spins a yarn to Norma about a blood-curdling scream that had interrupted his and Sister Warren's game of 20 Questions during the night shift at the hospital. Norma is barely listening; she is reading a rebuttal in the newspaper about the proposed freeway. At Dorrie's rally, she had accused the TC of fraudulent conduct. Norma reminds Les that he is as much to blame as Dorrie for the misinformation. Les and Dorrie may face a libel suit. As Edie collects the milk for Flat 5 from her doorstep, the Sutcliffes are descending the stairs. Alf has his taxi moneybag with him, but he has the morning off, so he will be doing the rounds of real estate agents to inspect some "little houses" instead. (Somewhere for Jim and Ethel and their families to visit.) Inside, Edie and Reg talk at crossed purposes: about the milkman and the freeway rally article. The TC is quoted as being keen to discover who gave Mrs Evans the job of tea lady at the TH. Edie mentions that she, too, was at the rally - Dorrie had said it was her civic duty. Reg is aghast. The phone rings. It is the TC, who gives Reg the job of finding out just who employed Mrs Evans, so he can "have their guts for garters". In Flat 6, Tanya is taking shorthand for Andy as he narrates what will become his series of articles about Tracey Wilson, the Pantyhose Strangler. Tanya finds the whole story fascinating and heartbreaking. Tanya is not spooked about living and working in a "murder flat". She has seen death many times and was once smuggled out in a coffin during the Hungarian Revolution! How old was she at the time? Andy realises that Tanya would be pushing 36, which he refuses to believe. "Maybe it was Czecholslavia, darling, I get so confused?" Tracey was "an enchanting, breathtakingly-beautiful murderess" and Andy was in love with her. Meanwhile, Arnold and Roma are preparing sandwiches in the deli. Roma wonders about the $5000 in US currency that fell from the penniless Tanya's handbag. Roma doesn't recall Tanya speaking a word of Russian. Aldo races in, all excited, and makes Roma guess who was just on the phone, and staying at the Holiday Inn. She guesses correctly that it is their surprise visitors, Joe and Delores Hackenback. Joe has invited them to the hotel for dinner. Aldo boasts that they are big "typhoons" - and Delores will be teaching Roma about selling cosmetics! Arnold questions the suitability of a cosmetics counter in a delicatessen but Aldo intends for the deli to become Aldo's Drugstore with chocolate malteds and blue-plate specials. There will be a soda fountain! Aldo will be a soda jerk and they will attract the co-eds and teenyboppers "doing the 'jitty-buggars' - the whole place be jumping!" It is time for Arnold to do things the American way. In Lucy's backroom of the laundrette, Alf is complaining about Australia being ten years behind the times. "$12,000 wouldn't buy you a plot in a bloody cemetary." Even the converted terraces in Sanner Street are about $52,000. Maybe it was only a pipe dream? Mummy is preparing salmon souffle for luncheon in Flat 5, but Daddy isn't in the mood. Edie wonders how the TC took the news about Reg's involvement in Dorrie's employment at the TH? The TC has been absent all morning; he was even late with his normal ICTPT inspection reports. Les, who has been in the cellar with his shark-spotting machine all morning, arrives with good news. He reveals that the TC came looking for Dorrie earlier, but she is in Epping visiting her sister, Connie. Les assures Reg that he told the TC that Mrs Evans was a person of the highest integrity, otherwise Reg would never have engaged her services as tea lady. Reg is incredulous. Both Edie and Les fail to recognise that Reg is now in deep trouble. Andy continues to narrate his gruesome story for Tanya in Flat 6. The details of finding Patti's corpse are too much for her but Andy snaps at her for wanting a break. In Flat 8, Alf decides that he wants to take Lucy out for the night. Can Trixie hold the fort at the laundrette? Alf tells Lucy to close her eyes and he drapes her in a grey mink jacket from Cornelius Furs in Castlereagh Street. "Is it for me?" (It's certainly not for bloody Zsa Zsa Gabor!) Does Lucy like it? She proclaims, "Does Elizabeth Taylor like diamonds?" She is brought to tears. Norma is in the deli to collect some extra supplies from Arnold for the wine bar. Andy comes in for takeaway sandwiches but both Arnold and Norma show some hostility towards him. At the door to the shop, Norma mentions that they are all still trying to get over the loss of Lorelei - and how will Arnold react when all the memories about Patti are resurrected? Andy reminds her that he, himself, was in love with Tracey. Andy is really out on a limb. When Norma leaves, Andy tries to reassure Arnold that there is nothing personal in the job Andy has been asked to do. Andy should refrain from discussing the murders within Arnold's hearing. Norma returns to Flat 1 to find the front doorway barricaded by the sausage machine. She sets it off and then the Murphy bed comes down. Les is reading 1001 Libel Cases in case the TC has a change of heart. He couldn't find a parallel case so he intends asking Don for his advice. Norma warns him that she doesn't want him bothering Don. She finally admits to Les that Don is dying of an incurable blood disease. Lucy models her mink jacket for Arnold in Flat 8. Alf is taking her out to a swank restaurant tonight. She confides that she will rarely get a chance to wear it, especially in this summer humidity. Alf comes in to boast about tonight's outing. He presents Lucy with a diamond ring to go with the new jacket. In Flat 5, Edie is mystified why the TC had Daddy "on the carpet" for an hour this afternoon, being severely reprimanded! The TC intends to sue Dorrie for slander and misrepresentation of character. As the newly-minted ADTC, resignation seems to be Reg's only option. In the deli, Roma tries to goad Aldo into getting ready for dinner with the Hackenbacks. It is hot in the shop, so she props the front door open with a chair. What is keeping Aldo so transfixed? He shows her the promotional piece in the newspaper for Andy Marshall's upcoming articles. Page 8 has graphic photos of Patti's murder scene. Arnold walks in, just in time to overhear Roma say that Arnold must never see these articles. [Episode written by Rosamund Waring; directed by Brian Phillis.]

This episode was broadcast in colour. Viewers learn that the TC of the TH has an OBE ("Order of the British Empire"). The "Hungarian Revolution" began on 23rd October, 1956, in Budapest. The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia was in 1968. The "Holiday Inn", then promoted as being in North Sydney (later Chatswood), is where "The Red Baron" restaurant (both real and fictitious) is located. The TC regularly prepares reports for the "International Conference on Transportation, Planning and Technology" (ICTPT).

697. (19/02) Trixie and Flo enjoy a beer each in Flat 7. "Get this down your Linda Lovelace, Darls!" says Trixie. Flo is thrilled about having played the piano accompaniment for Trixie at the Bankstown RSL Club, but tonight Trixie is doing the evening shift at the laundrette because Alf is taking Lucy to dinner. Will the extra money earned at these gigs affect Flo's pension? Don arrives to take Vera out but she is still in the bath. Flo notices that Don is looking pale and seems to have lost some weight. Flo's mother used to tell her to give up smoking and put on some weight. He joins them with a beer and the three drink to "Good health". Tanya has cooked dinner for Andy in Flat 6. The first course is caviar, of course. They each drink "a snort" of vodka. It takes Andy's breath away. He wonders if they are supposed to toss the empty glasses into the fireplace? The custom has died out in Russia, but Tanya's maternal grandmother still does it. Andy realises that the old woman has been the feature of now-five varied and conflicting anecdotes. Tanya is very concerned about the way the newspaper has been promoting Andy's articles because it makes them sound cheap and vulgar. He assures her that it is just typical publicity to whet the readers' appetites for scandal. Dorrie has returned to Flat 3 after seeing Connie in Epping. It seems that Connie is no longer grieving for the late Frank. "Life is just one sweet sherry after another." Connie is yet to repay the $500 that Dorrie lent her for funeral expenses. Herb mentions that Flo is having drinks upstairs with Trixie. He also breaks the news that Don had brought yesterday: according to the Town Planner's Office, the freeway proposal was never a viable project. The TC has denied everything in the newspaper. Reg arrives, on behalf of "we who toil in LG", to inform Dorrie that the TC intends to take legal action against her for slander. He suggests she may serve a significant sentence in gaol. Next morning, in Flat 4, Carol is curious about how Don ended up working with Maggie Cameron. It is a long story, but he doesn't want to get into it. There is a knock at the door. "Pardon me for protruding..." begins Dorrie. In her desperation, Dorrie is seeking out Don's services in his capacity as her personal solicitor. The TC wants to sue her for "deprivation of character". She had no way of knowing if those plans were "bony fido" documents. Don promises to stand by her. Meanwhile, Les fancies himself as Dorrie's new legal representative and is in Flat 1, rehearsing his speech for Dorrie's trial. Norma reminds that he is not to bother Don. In Flat 3, Dorrie can't discuss her legal situation because it is "sub-Judas". Flo misses out on helping with the washing up when Trixie rings from the laundrette. They have a new booking for tonight - at the Homebush RSL Club. Dorrie quips, "Are you sure you don't mean the Abattoirs?" Herb thinks they should go together to tonight's sneak preview, and see Flo perform on stage. Dorrie misquotes Shakespeare as she refuses. That Trixie O'Toole is "as common as dirt, I've always said that". Accusing Flo of "retortical" questions, she suggests that now that Flo is an entertainer, her rent will be going up to $15 a week. Edie reads a postcard from Marilyn to Reg, who has not yet left Flat 5 for the TH. He is finishing a report for the TC on the Evans' case. (The case of "LG vs D" could go on for years.) Marilyn writes that she has picked more fruit than any other picker in Narrandera. She has a new girlfriend, and has joined the Absolute Truth Movement. Reg assumes that his daughter won't bring new scandals upon the family that might threaten his position at the TH. "Oh - and she has bought a motorbike!" Reg tells Edie that, as the wife of an ADTC, she must start practising the social graces. She should build upon what she is already good at. Thus, a long-forgotten talent is recalled by Edie. Herb arrives for the garbage and Edie suddenly demonstrates... a cartwheel! Herb gives Edie a quick critique and soon they are both cartwheeling, back and forth, across the lounge room, much to Reg's bewilderment. In Norma's Bar, Carol tells the Whittakers that she is finding it difficult to hide her sorrow for Don. Behind the partition, Flo overhears the sad truth. In Flat 6, Tanya is just finishing up Part 5, the final instalment of Andy's series of articles. The Aftermath is so tender, so touching. Andy wants to celebrate at The Red Baron. Part 1 comes out in a few hours, but Andy didn't end up going into the office to read the galley proofs. He was with his accountant instead. Tanya tells a wild story about her early work as a stenographer, sneaking across a border into Finland, and learning A quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog in seven and a half languages. She turns down Andy's romantic suggestions, preferring that they keep everything platonic. In the wine bar, Trixie catches Flo looking maudlin. When Flo mentions to Trixie about Dorrie upping her rent, because she fears needing the money if the TC sues her, Trixie decides to take matters into her own hands. Les decides to help Edie with learning the art of the social graces and deportment, using Be Your Own Society Hostess. He demonstrates how a high society lady walks, just as two tradesmen enter the wine bar. One says in a heavy accent, "Strike me, mate, it'sa one of them poofter places!" Trixie goes up to Flat 5 at lunch time and informs Reg that, if the TC is not discouraged, she will endanger Reg's promotion that she organised in the first place. She also has stories about the TC, "roaring around her bedroom in the nuddy". In the wine bar, Don and Carol have a slight tiff. She wants to accompany him to Heidelberg, but Don hates the idea immediately. He adds that she is wasting her talents working here as a waitress. It is time to let go of her brother's shirttails. In Flat 5, Les has Edie practising deportment, sweeping across the room with a book on her head, a scarf on her wrist, and a cigarette holder in her mouth. Herb is playing "James", the waiter. She rehearses welcoming her guests, drinking martinis, and suggesting a round of charades. Les offers improvements and Edie decides to break out the large gin bottle that is kept hidden under a lounge chair. Trixie and Flo are rehearsing again in Flat 7, but it is time to start getting ready for the gig. Trixie is determined that Reg won't underestimate her. She's not "an insignificant little mouse like Edie". By the time Daddy gets home, Edie, Herb and Les are all sozzled on gin. Edie goes into her now-drunken spiel - and collapses to the floor! In Flat 6, Andy is staggered when he sees what the newspaper's sub-editor has been doing to his articles on the Pantyhose Strangler, sensationalising his stories into "a piece of gutter-press crap". After an angry visitation from Norma - who quotes several taudry passages from Part 1 about the death of "sex-crazed bombshell", Lorelei Wilkinson - Andy realises that his popularity at Number 96 is going to plummet even further. [Episode written by Rosamund Waring; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Linda Lovelace was the notorious adult film star who featured in "Deep Throat" (1972). Frank Meadows passed away offscreen in Episode #630. Connie Meadows will make an onscreen appearance in Episode #738. References to "Homebush Abattoirs" have become a running gag, since Episodes #651 and #667. Ron Shand's famous Vaudeville-style cartwheel first featured in Episode #419.

698. (20/02) Vera is with the Godolfuses in the deli, reading Andy's first instalment of his Pantyhose Murders series of articles and pronounces it "Awful!" Roma says that he makes the victims sound so cheap. Never has Aldo seen such revealing photos of Patti! Vera assumes that the pictures have been altered. They worry about Arnold, sitting in Flat 8, all alone. Aldo and Roma can't leave the shop to check on him so Vera will go upstairs now. Meanwhile, in Flat 6, Andy is on the phone to Mac, his editor. This was not sub-editing, it was a total rewrite! Andy will be preparing a report for the AJA (Australian Journalists Association), and will sue his editor into the bargain. Tanya agrees that the articles are nothing like Andy had written, but it is his name on them. Reg has returned home from the TH to find Edith in Flat 5, in a state that he can only describe as "outrageously frivolous". He tries to sober her up with black coffee, but she soon tilts off the chair and onto the floor. Maggie has a shock for Don, but Dudley intercepts her. Emerging from Flat 4, dressed ready for work at the wine bar, he encounters a feisty Maggie at the front door. She demands to see Don. He explains that Don has taken his sister - "ever so scandalous! - out to dinner. Dudley assumes that they decided on a rather nice restaurant, after a difficult family misunderstanding. Since there are about 3000 restaurants in Sydney, Maggie could have an "ever so interesting evening and try them all". He pleads with her to leave Don alone, just for once. "Gosh, you poofs stick together!" she exclaims. With Jack Sellars out of reach in Europe, Maggie intends to slap an injunction on junior partner Don, for failing to give three months notice to leave their company. Next morning, everyone is buzzing about Andy's articles. In Flat 3, Herb is reading aloud a salacious paragraph from Andy's article and Dorrie gets very angry with him. She realises that this is last night's paper. Why wasn't she told until just now? Herb explains that he tried to keep it from her and that the article mentions almost everyone in the building, "more or less". Dorrie pronounces the article as "pornographical ludity!" Everyone except Dorrie is mentioned? Now Dorrie is irate. Is she not the "conserge"? She orders Herb to toss the newspaper with the rest of the garbage. A seedy Flo emerges from her bedroom, having had a very late night performing with Trixie. Dorrie is not sympathetic. Similarly, in Flat 5, Reg is berating Edie for her own hangover. She, too, is reading Andy's article, but of most concern is a lewd description of Marilyn. Reg is outraged; it implies that Reg was a suspect in his own daughter's attempted strangulation! This could threaten Reg's reputation in LG and he will have it out with Marshall! Flo is reading the article when Dorrie returns to Flat 4, frustrated by "that Mr Butterfield" next door, who won't let her talk to Don. Flo tries to explain that the TC's lawsuit is no longer a problem, but Dorrie still expects to hear a knock at her door at any moment. There is a knock - and Dorrie freezes in fright. Flo lets in Reg, who is calling in to tell Dorrie that he will be convincing the TC to drop the whole case against her. It seems that Trixie has found out how to deal with Eddie the TC. "Promise him anything, but give him double tequilas." Maggie has saved an angry tirade for Andy. She meets him and Tanya on the stairs. Maggie calls him a bastard for writing that article, adding a warning for Tanya, too. Maggie then barges into Flat 4, again looking for Don, who is sleeping. Dudley almost comes to blows while keeping her from invading the bedroom! He orders her to sit down and he pours her a whisky. She might need it. Dudley finally tells Maggie about Don's condition. She is shocked and admits what a louse she has been. And Dudley is letting him go overseas? Dudley will meet Maggie later, in the wine bar, and they can talk further about it then. It is 11.00am and, in the deli, Roma is trying to create space for her new counter. Dolores Hackenback (Del Harmon), a brash American Oomph! sales consultant, arrives almost on schedule. She had told her taxi driver to take her to Paddington, but he had insisted on first showing her "the fantastic view from some hill, for land sakes!" The driver makes five trips to bring in all of Dolores' boxes. (Before marrying Joe Hackenback III, Dolores was behind a cosmetics counter "making real dogs look like Hedy Lamarr.") At the door to Flat 5, Dorrie is collecting the rent from Edie. Edie apologises that she has a headache and Dorrie sympathises, having "suffered with 'migrants' since she was a girl". Edie mentions that Mr Whittaker has been teaching her how to mix with high society. Why didn't she come straight to Dorrie, who often mixes with "the cream de la crem", such as Lady Mendl, and Point Piper's own Mrs Claire Houghton? When it comes to how to speak with high society, Dorrie would only be too happy to give Edie the benefit of her "save-you affair" (savoir faire). Dolores has put up some Oomph! signage in a corner of the deli, including one that generates soap bubbles from its centre. Roma is trying desperately to learn all about the Oomph! products and the deli is in a state of upheaval, frustrating Aldo. She is encouraged to pounce on the very next woman to enter the store - and that turns out to be a young nun! Tanya is having coffee on the Boulevard Cafe when Andy shows up, not too hopeful, with the next published article due out this afternoon. He is certain that there is no case for libel. As he heads into the building entrance, he collides with Vera, who is on her way to the laundrette. She is very cold with him. He departs - and Tanya races towards Vera, trying to defend Andy. Vera warns her that she might be the next friend to be betrayed. In Norma's Bar, Dudley fills in Maggie on Don's condition. She has been such a bitch to him over the years! Dudley warns her that she has to go on treating Don just the same as always, so he won't suspect anything. In the deli, Roma is delivering her prepared Oomph! spiel, using lots of American twang in her delivery. Herb is observing and there is quite a gathering of women, including Edie, Flo, Dorrie and later, Vera. Roma aims to have her customers looking like Raquel Welch. Dorrie suffers some indignities during the demonstration. In Flat 6, Tanya is acting very suspiciously. She makes sure that Andy is not home, then pulls out a large tape recorder from under her bed and begins taping a message to her parents in an American accent. She pleads for their assistance as an unknown "they" have threatened to kill her. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Brian Phillis.]

This episode was broadcast in colour, the last in a series of prime time equipment tests before the official launch of colour in Australia. Don Finlayson's fibre-optic "Fantasia" lamp is still running, even though the flat is to be empty all evening. As in Episode #685, the viewers see an inner corner of the deli, to the right of the front door, that simply cannot exist. Dolores Hackenback is portrayed by Del Harmon, the wife of the series' Executive Producer, Bill Harmon. (Is her taxi driver played in cameo by the episode's director, Brian Phillis?) Hedy Lamarr was a strikingly beautiful Austrian-born American actress (and inventor). Raquel Welch was also an award-winning Hollywood actress known for her timeless beauty. Sharp-eyed viewers may have spotted Pat McDonald's 1974 "TV Week" Gold Logie Award (for Most Popular Female Personality in Australia) sitting on a shelf behind Dorrie Evans in Flat 3. Paula Duncan's end credit has mysteriously vanished from the window of Flat 4.

699. (21/02) In the kitchen of Flat 1, Dudley encourages Carol to take up a tea towel and help him with the washing up. All seemed to go well at dinner last night with Don. Carol thinks that he is now convinced that she has "itchy feet" about him going away without her, but four years as an air hostess, serving Lobster Thermidor from here to Reykjavík, makes that seem unlikely. Dudley is sure that Don doesn't want them around when his time comes. In the corner of the deli now dedicated to Roma's Oomph! counter, another facial demonstration is underway. Condensed milk and cream cheese have seemingly been added to the range of products. Arnold comes in from deliveries, agitated as to where the newspapers now get displayed. Aldo introduces Delores to Arnold. She has heard so much about him. Indicating the deli's chest freezer, Arnold says to Aldo, "Perhaps you'll be good enough to remove the homogenised placenta extract formula from among the 'Fish Fingers'..." Roma's latest career venture has repercussions. One customer's facial treatment has set like glue and the woman storms off without her bonus product. Delores declares, "You win one, you lose one. That's show business!" Maggie is having coffee with Vera in Flat 7, after Maggie got herself sloshed in the wine bar. She feels so guilty about always acting like Madam Dracula. She was going to slap an injunction on Don to stop him from leaving the country! "Very chastening, to see yourself as others see you." Tearfully, she is resolved to keep treating "that bloody little queer" like hell. Absolute hell. Meanwhile, in Flat 8, an excited Alf is showing Lucy the new colour TV that he just bought. And, in the kitchen, a Dishlex dishwasher! Alf is miffed that Lucy is so underwhelmed by his spending spree. In Norma's Bar, the Whittakers discuss giving Don a discount for what might be his last meal with them in Australia. Norma is getting teary but Les reckons that he has a book that he uses at the hospital, 1001 Ways to Stop a Girl Crying. Don and Vera are together at a table, laughing about Les's wacky inventions. Vera will miss Don, but he refuses to have anyone come to see him off tomorrow. Vera gets overcome when Flo starts playing, We'll Meet Again on the piano. Dudley returns to the Flat 1 kitchen singing the same song, only to find Carol sobbing again. How can Dudley stay so cool and calm? He has to, and so does she, as the two people in the world who love him the most. Don calls into Flat 8, where Alf is rivetted to his colour TV. Don wants to book Alf's taxi for tomorrow, but Alf doesn't understand the full importance of the request. He will put the call through with the radio boys. Don leaves and Arnold pleads with Alf to make sure it is his cab that will take Don to the airport. He confides in the Sutcliffes about Don's illness. Next morning, in the deli, Arnold and Aldo wrestle over the newspapers, but Arnold points out that it is the afternoon papers that he is not supposed to see. Arnold complains to Delores about the cosmetics counter; she has arrived with another large box marked Oomph! Joe Hackenback will be back from Perth soon and he will have the answers. Delores proceeds to win over Arnold through flattery about his genius-level expertise as store manager - and it works! In the bathroom of Flat 4, Dudley is helping Don with a list of the sites he must check out, such as the university that Mario Lanza sang about in The Student Prince (1954). Also the spooky old castles on the Rhine and the maidens, luring men to their deaths on the rocks... Don reminds Dud that he is going over to Heidelberg to sort out one of Amanda's messes. Dudley is to keep an eye out for Carol. Carol comes in to warn them: "Lady Macbeth is in the living room." Don emerges to talk to Maggie. She is her extra bitchy self but will give up on the injunction. When she is out in the privacy of the landing, Maggie shows a side of her character which is rarely seen. In tears, she races upstairs to Flat 7. In Flat 8, Alf is conflicted about taking Don to the airport. He can't understand why he needs to be so far from his friends. Meanwhile, in Flat 7, Vera tries to reassure Maggie that she did the right thing. Vera realises that she and Maggie are alike in some ways: "We're our own worst enemy." Maggie is still not sure about her actions. "It's not a halo, just cobwebs coming out of my horns." When Vera leaves, Maggie smashes the now-empty whisky bottle. In Flat 4, Don's bags are packed and he, Dudley and Carol will go down to the wine bar for last drinks. They head out to Dudley's performance of Drink, Drink, Drink (The Drinking Song) from The Student Prince. Roma reminds her latest client, "To bring out the Oomph! in the girl, you need regular, daily treatments!" Dolores approves! Aldo complains that the lunchtime rush in the deli was made much worse without Roma to prepare the lunches. Arnold is suddenly bringing in the Boulevard Cafe furniture, and even sending customers to the nearby supermarket. He puts out the "CLOSED" sign and reminds the Godolfuses that they are all due in Norma's Bar for Don's farewell. The champagne is flowing in the wine bar but, all too soon, they hear Alf tooting his taxi's horn outside. Don and Dudley have mere seconds to say goodbye, leaving a sobbing Dudley in the doorway. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Andy Marshall's articles are being serialised in "The Daily Mirror", which means that the previous day's altered picture - of an underdressed Patti Feather - had appeared as that afternoon's traditional "Page 3" girl. "We'll Meet Again" (1939) was a song made famous by Vera Lynn. "The Student Prince" was released in 1954. In Shakespeare's "Macbeth", the character of Lady Macbeth is driven to madness by guilt over her crimes. The new colour TV that Alf Sutcliffe brought home in this episode is later featured in Channel TEN's "'C-Day' Preview" skit, which was conceived by Brian Phillis. The segment would air just before midnight on 28/02/1975.

700. (24/02) Edie is singing to herself in Flat 5, folding the tablecloth after luncheon, when she is interrupted by a persistent thumping at the door. She opens it and Marilyn enters, wearing a motorcycle helmet, a leather jacket and greasy jeans. Her arms are full: a dufflebag and a large sack of fresh peaches. "Thanks Mum, couldn't reach m' key." Edie is confused about "Tilly", who was coughing and spluttering all the way home, and needs new rings? "Tilly" is Marilyn's motorbike! She mentions Heather Potter, whom she met on Aunt Evelyn's farm. Heather introduced her to the Absolute Truth Movement - and now Marilyn is a lesbian. Edie is more confused. "But you were born here in Australia!" Next door, in Flat 6, Andy is furious. Part 3 of his series on the Pantyhose Murders is out and this one will be more controversial than the first two. Tanya suggests showing people the original manuscript, but Andy is doubtful that would help. He didn't want the pieces to be sensationalised. They were supposed to be a more objective study on the effects of the crimes on those involved. "To hell with the lot of them!" - and that includes his editor and "the hysterical lot" in this building. Andy's conscience is clear. It is 3.00pm in Flat 3 and Norma is dying for a cup of tea. Carol and Dudley pass through to the kitchen, but she invites them to sit with her and Les. Les is giving himself a haircut at the dining table. Dudley and Carol find it difficult to hide their unhappiness, and they ask the Whittakers to let them have tonight off. Wouldn't it be better to keep busy? Dudley is convinced that he'll never see Don again. He's gone overseas to die! Lucy is cooking tea in Flat 8 when Alf arrives home. He just saw Dudley helping young Marilyn to carry a motorbike up the stairs! Alf mentions that when he helped Don to the check-in desk at the airport, he noticed that the ticket to Heidelberg was only one-way. Alf reckons he is not coming back. Today's instalment of Andy's series features a picture of Patti's body being carried out on a stretcher. If Arnold will say "nowt" about it, Alf will be having it out with Mr Marshall. In Norma's Bar, Carol is trying to get a grease stain off Dudley's jacket sleeve. "Would you believe I was helping a young lady upstairs with a thundering, great motorbike?" Les is off to nightshift at the hospital as Maggie enters. Carol suddenly realises that Maggie knew about Don's condition, but was keeping up her act so that Don would not be suspicious. She wants the keys to Flat 4 so she can start organising what she needs from Don's files. She also makes a Joan Crawford quip for Dudley's sake. There is a motorbike in the lounge room of Flat 5 and Edie is helping to clean the parts as Marilyn removes them. They chat about Heather and the Absolute Truth Movement - until "Dad" comes in and is aghast at all the mess. "Tilly" is 90cc's of pulsating power! "Mum" slips in a brief mention of Heather Potter, and Marilyn becoming a lesbian, which catches "Dad" unaware. In the wine bar, Alf and Arnold are sitting together, but Andy and Tanya are on the other side of the room. Norma can't see that anything can be done about Andy's articles. Tanya claims that the atmosphere is more depressing than a Turkish prison in Istanbul. Andy won't hear any more of her wild stories. As Arnold departs, Maggie joins Alf's table. She tells Dudley that she couldn't find any "bloody instructions" for her in Don's paperwork. She shouts across at Andy, referring to the presence of "the gutter press". Andy smiles and raises his glass. Maggie mentions tarring and feathering - and Alf gets a glint in his eye: "Who'll be in with me, eh?" Reg and Edie are eating breakfast as Marilyn tries to kickstart her motorbike inside Flat 5. "It's just a stage she's going through," suggests "Mum". Reg is shocked when Edie references the "bloody carby". The motorbike starts up and Alf can hear it from Flat 8. He tells Arnold and Lucy about Marilyn's bike and then challenges Arnold as to what he going to do about his tenant, Andy. Down on Lindsay Street, Reg reprimands Marilyn for claiming she is a lesbian. He leaves for the TH just as Les arrives home from work. Les climbs on the motorbike to demonstrate how to start it. Norma comes out of the deli with a box of groceries and admonishes Les. What does he know about motorbikes? The flat is getting cleaned up today; the Murphy bed and the sausage machine have to go! The engine starts - and Les is whisked off into the traffic as Norma screams. In the presence of Carol and Dudley in Flat 4, Maggie reads the postcard that Don must have sent from the airport in the presence of Carol and Dudley. All papers pertaining to the running of the company have been turned over to Don's former place of work, Willoughby, Willoughby & Martin, Solicitors. Had Maggie realised that this message was coming, she could have saved herself a lot of time last night! She goes on a tirade about people feeling sorry for Don, and goads Dudley into slapping her face: exactly what she wanted him to do. Tanya is on the phone using her American accent - and is nearly caught out by Andy, who enters Flat 6 from behind her. He forgot his briefcase. She claims to have been ringing the deli as they are running out of food. When Tanya darts into his bedroom to fetch it for him, the phone rings. Was someone waiting for a call from a Clark Harvey? Tanya is agitated but claims not to recognise the name. Andy hangs up on him. Tanya asks, "Why should I want someone from New York?" Andy realises that he did not mention New York. Les has survived his clash with the guttering and is now in Flat 5, helping Marilyn to find a puncture in her motorbike tyre. Edie is reading from Be Your Own Society Hostess. She is intrigued by a chapter about dancing the Tango. One of Les's patients is a Tango instructor. Miss Featherstone is currently in for Athlete's Foot, but is sure to be looking for more work soon. Edie almost steps into the basin of water while demonstrating her Tango moves. Marilyn picks up the basin and asks Mr Whittaker if he's finished with it? He is, but Reg comes in the door behind her - and the water is spilt all over Les! In Norma's Bar, Alf recommends that Lucy, Maggie, Carol, Dudley and Norma should be helping him take action against Andy. Lucy thinks that Arnold has the correct attitude: he is ignoring Andy. Maggie agrees with Alf. As half-owner of Number 96 can't Maggie order him out? It's all getting a little Ku Klux Klan for Dudley, and Carol agrees. What would Dudley and Carol know about that? Dudley protests; they saw Doris Day in Storm Warning only last week! Arnold walks in - and overhears Alf calling him lily-livered. Andy arrives home to Flat 6 from the newspaper office and greets Tanya as "Rosemary". She answers him and he smirks. According to this afternoon's research, "Rosemary Prior" is an American heiress - and is no more Russian than he is! He makes her sit down. This time he wants the true story. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

After her transformative Narrandera experience, Marilyn MacDonald is now calling her parents, "Mum" and "Dad". A boom mike shadow can be briefly seen in the kitchen of Flat 8. "Willoughby, Willoughby & Martin, Solicitors" was first mentioned in the synopsis for Episode #100, but Don said to be working for Mr Willoughby Sr from Episode #50. Bruce Taylor first compared Maggie Cameron to the US actress Joan Crawford in Episode #15. Set in a Southern US town, "Storm Warning" (1950) features Doris Day as the sister of a travelling fashion model (portrayed by Ginger Rogers). Doris's character has married a "Ku Klux Klansman".

701. (25/02) Tanya insists that she has no idea what Andy is talking about. He knows that she's not really "Tanya Schnolska-or-whatever-you-like-to-call-yourself!" and that the accent is fake. "But I am Tanya Schnolskevitska!" Andy snorts, "Yeah, and I'm Gladys Moncrieff!" With so many conflicting stories, it's no wonder people are checking up on her. Andy can call her "Rosemary Whatever", it's fine, but she just wants to pack her bags and get out of Flat 6 - and then Andy won't have any friends left. Andy is a newspaperman and he smells a story: "Rosemary Prior, Heiress", and he wants the exclusive! Andy insists that no one is spying on her. But first, he has a race meeting to attend! In the deli, Trixie is in Roma's cosmetics corner, about to have a facial. Arnold is running out of patience as he is overrun with customers, but Roma has face cream all over her hands and Aldo is too busy being a "soda jerk". He is taking a Knickerbocker Holiday - a large icecream sundae - out to a customer on the Boulevard Cafe. Roma unveils Trixie's new look to the departing customers just as Aldo tosses a scoop of icecream into the air. It lands in Trixie's cleavage! "That's cold!" Aldo attempts to remove the icecream with his fingers. The Whittakers try to reorganise Flat 1's messy lounge room, but the sausage machine will have to go! Alf arrives, armed with a petition that Dorrie has started, to get Andy removed from the building. Les suggests a vigilante group, since Andy is "an undesirable". In Flat 7, Trixie and Vera laugh about Aldo the soda jerk, Roma the Oomph! lady and poor Arnold, who must feel like he's in Disneyland. Trixie brought up the mail and a letter from an old friend has arrived for Vera: it's from Jack! Helen is expecting a baby and they are very happy about it. Trixie detects mixed feelings. Arnold has been invited to a catering convention in Surfers Paradise. It would mean leaving tomorrow at lunchtime. But the shop has been so busy. Pinballs are next! Maybe a drive-in, takeway food bar? Arnold insists that there is no need to keep hiding the afternoon papers from him. Lucy is setting the table in Flat 8. Alf mentions that Andy's next instalment on the murders has come out, with more of the same. He suddenly notices that their new colour TV is gone! Lucy had it sent back, along with the dishwasher. And the diamond ring and mink coat! She would be happier if they invested the money. Alf is not impressed. Those will be the last gifts she ever gets from him! Vera and Trixie are in Norma's Bar, but there is no Happy Hour tonight, as Flo is at a Senior Citizens' meeting. They notice that Norma has been reading Andy's latest article. Norma used to have a lot of respect for Andy. Vera mentions Jack and Helen's letter, and their baby news. Les comes out, ready to head off for his hospital shift. He is wearing a leather flight helmet. Marilyn is taking her motorbike out for a run and she will pillion him to the hospital. Vera points out that, as Marilyn is still displaying "L" plates, she is not permitted to have a passenger. Andy comes in and asks for a red wine, but they all give him the cold shoulder until he leaves. Next morning, Arnold tells Roma that he will be departing the deli for a 2.00pm flight. Roma is keen that Arnold might do a speech at the convention and he could promote her Oomph! cosmetics. Aldo emerges from Flat 2 holding aloft his new ice cream creation: The Rocky Mountains, with four flavours of ice cream! No one should eat it; it is for display only. Tanya comes in for a carton of eggs and mentions that she will be leaving soon, as she has no money. The Godolfuses are mystified. What about the $5000 in US currency that fell from her bag recently? Tanya hastily corrects them: it was counterfeit money that a friend printed - and she keeps them as a souvenir. Tanya is just a poor, Russian peasant girl. As Lucy is leaving Flat 8 for the laundrette, Les arrives with a bucket and a pillow. She eyes them with suspicion, then realises that he and Alf intend to tar and feather Andy. Alf shunts her out the door. This is "men's work!". Tanya arrives in Flat 6 with the eggs. Andy didn't get in until 4.00am as he was waiting for a photo he ordered to come in on the overseas wire. The young blonde woman in the photo is "Rosemary Prior", an American heiress who was kidnapped in Europe one month ago. "What's all this about a half-million dollar ransom someone's asking for?" Trixie is on the phone to Kenny, the bandleader, who is setting up for her next club engagement. He warns her that her "Number One fan" will be there: the TC, of course. Maybe Eddie's a frustrated songwriter? Vera is contemplating Dorrie's petition (or "partition", as the "conserge" usually calls them). Trixie was accosted about it on the stairs yesterday. Vera says that Dorrie does one at least one a week - "and they are as effective as a wet sock!" Trixie is worried about Alf taking matters into his own hands; it's getting a bit nasty. Vera recalls the Chad Farrell incident of several years ago, and the potential for mob violence over a coloured man who was staying at Number 96. In Flat 6, Tanya finally admits to being "Rosemary Prior" and how she helped Clark Harvey to kidnap herself! It is the only way she can ever get what is rightfully hers! Her inheritance is held in trust by her parents. If the heiress doesn't marry the Bostonian of their choice, she will never receive her money. She and Clark plan to marry when they both arrive in Europe. Andy begins to laugh at the irony: his old man had millions but Andy didn't want to take them! Andy is promised exclusive rights if he keeps quiet about the kidnappers' plans. Vera is doing her washing at the laundrette. She is stunned that Lucy sent back her new mink coat. Lucy probably hurt Alf's feelings. Vera is getting along better with Trixie these days. Lucy enquires about Dorrie's latest petition. Did Vera sign? Anything's better than violence. Lucy warns that Alf and Les had gathered up tar and feathers this morning. At first, Vera assumes that she is joking. In Norma's Bar, Trixie is supposed to be meeting Flo about the next gig, but she apparently shot through as soon as she'd finished her cleaning duties. Norma is worried about Carol and Dudley; they are not coping well with Don away. Trixie mentions Vera's reaction to the Sellars' new baby. She can tell that the news was a shock to her. Alf and Les enter from the flat, both smeared with black streaks, and arguing about consistency. It seems their bucket of tar set too hard. They escape across the road to the pub for a beer. Trixie exclaims, "They're as guilty as possums!" Arnold is being farewelled as he leaves for the caterers' convention. An immobile Mrs Rosenberg is at the cosmetics counter, wearing an Oomph! mud mask. Roma wants Arnold to promise to raise the topic of Oomph! products with the caterers at the convention. Aldo whispers that he thinks that Roma's client has died. Roma is startled, but assures him that she is not moving, only to prevent her face from cracking. Roma tells Arnold to remember the slogan, which is "Oomph! for everything!" Vera notices Arnold in his VW, preparing to head to the airport for his flight. She had realised that he is the only resident of Number 96 not to have signed Dorrie's petition, and asks him why. Vera thinks that the petition is better than violence. "There are other alternatives of revenge, Mrs Collins!" he says, mysteriously, as he drives off. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Gladys Moncrieff was an Australian singer who was also successful in musical theatre. Aldo Godolfus tosses a scoop of chocolate icecream into the air, but it comes down as vanilla when it lands in Trixie O'Toole's cleavage. Jack Sellars and Helen Sheridan left Sydney together in Episode #594. Vera Collins refers to the racism displayed towards Chad Farrell, which had threatened to become mob violence from Episode #39. The late millionaire newspaper magnate, Clayton Marshall, was first referenced in Episode #611.

702. (26/02) Over the washing up in Flat 1, Dudley and Carol snicker about Alf and Les's bizarre plan to tar and feather Andy. They wonder if Don made it safely to Heidelberg? Amanda would have rung if he hadn't. Dudley is so glad that Carol didn't go with him. While serving Edie, the Godolfuses wonder about the longhaired bikie who has started parking his motorcycle outside the deli. (Edie turns down Aldo's offer of an icecream sundae because she won't be home on Sunday.) Edie is quick to point out that it's Marilyn who owns the bike. She rode "Tilly" all the way home from Narrandera, but it affected her drip intake. (Roma hopes that she saw a doctor.) Marilyn saunters inside and tells "Mum" of her plan to do burn out to Parramatta this afternoon, to visit a women's cafe. Marilyn notices the new Oomph! cosmetics counter, but she doesn't wear all that makeup stuff since becoming a lesbian. Aldo mentions an uncle in Hungarian theatre who was a lesbian but Roma doesn't think that is possible. She thinks that Marilyn has changed by her sojourn at the orchard. Edie mentions the Absolute Truth Movement; it's only open to lesbians. Dorrie spots Maggie using Dudley's key to enter Flat 4 and she pounces on the chance to ask Maggie about the weekly rent collection. Dorrie notes the key in Maggie's hand, but wasn't questioning the building owner's right to "protrude" upon Dudley. Dorrie also has her "bony fido" eviction "partition" to have Andy removed from the premises. That man is a "para-lure" on society! Only Arnold has refused to take part in signing. Why? "That, Mrs Cameron, is 'The Riddle of the Spinks' [sic]!" In Norma's Bar, the Happy Hour is ending with Flo's rendition of Run, Rabbit, Run. Her 7.00pm sign-off is: "I'll be looking at the moon, But I'll be seeing... you!" Flo steps over to the bar and chats with Dudley. No word on Don yet? Edie arrives in the wine bar. Mr Whittaker is organising Tango lessons for her. She wants Dudley to do her a favour and find her a lesbian. (It's not for her, of course, it's for Marilyn!) Maggie enters the deli looking for Arnold, only to be told about the caterers' convention. She mentions finalising Don's business affairs and the Godolfuses are puzzled. In Flat 1, Dudley is passing through to the kitchen and finds Carol weeping. She has just heard that Brad Hilton is getting married! She brings up Brad's bisexuality and Dudley warns her that bisexual marriages very rarely work out. Dudley should know, having been married once himself! He admits that he even has a kid: little Ben, who bears the Butterfield name. Carol keeps staring at Dudley; this news bombshell has rocked her! In Flat 3, Dorrie tells a sleepy Herb that violence might prove necessary to oust Andy! Flo comes in and mentions that Arnold has gone away for a few days. ("Why wasn't I told?" demands Dorrie.) She blames Don for setting the precedent, gallivanting off to "Strudelberg" [sic]! and "drinking beer and eating salami with the natives", while all of us here at Number 96 are on on the brink of a "pensivence"! Flo tells Dorrie and Herb about Don's terminal blood disease. They are shocked! Next morning, a dejected Dorrie is buying a few items from the deli and Roma detects a sombre mood. There is nothing that Roma can do, she is told. Dorrie wanders over to the cosmetics counter and is curious about a container of bee jelly. Roma mentions that it is $15, and tries to show her much cheaper products, but Dorrie surprises her by taking the jar of bee jelly. Roma adds it to Dorrie's box of groceries. Herb and Aldo come through from Flat 2. Herb has been collecting the garbage and Aldo is dressed for golf in his outlandish outfit. Aldo expects Dorrie to "braid" him up for living for pleasure in such pursuits, but Dorrie is surprisingly upbeat about the importance of enjoying life to the fullest. In Flat 5, "Pops" trips over a canister of petroleum. Reg also objects to the carburetor in the sink, Marilyn dressed as a First World War pilot, and himself being referred to as "Dad, Pops, or Daddy-o". Edie claims that "it's just a stage she's going through!" Reg storms out. From Marilyn's new perspective as a lesbian, she admits to her mother that "Daddy is quite sexy, isn't he?" Dudley and Maggie have coffee and cakes at the Boulevard Cafe. Behind them, the deli's display window is covered with new Oomph! signage. They discuss missing Don, and his patience with business paperwork, but are interrupted by a Miss Gloria Featherstone (Di Davidson), of the ACME Ballroom Academy. She has been booked by Les Whittaker to give dancing lessons to a Mrs MacDonald, but has forgotten her glasses - and ends up in Maggie's lap. In Flat 3, while Dorrie is at a meeting with Mrs Terry to organise a pennants match, at the Senior Cits' Bowling Club, Flo and Herb have started their "Elevenses" without her. Flo hopes she doesn't have to play in the match as there is another gig with Trixie tonight in Marrickville. Herb is still shocked about Don's situation. They are both spreading their toast liberally with... Dorrie's expensive jar of Oomph! Bee Jelly Foundation? "Crikey!" says Herb, dreading Dorrie finding out. While riffling Be Your Own Society Hostess in Flat 5, Marilyn tells Edie that she had no luck at the women's cafe yesterday. They are interrupted by a knock at the door. It is Dudley, who has escorted Miss Featherstone up the stairs. Edie thinks that this is the "nice lesbian" that he has found for Marilyn! Later, in the wine bar, Maggie tells Dudley that she will be calling in to Willoughby, Willoughby & Martin, where Don had left more files. Carol comes in and mentions the failed lynching that Alf and Les had planned. Dudley is reminded of The Ox-Bow Incident. Maggie thinks that they are both exaggerating about the possibility of any impending violence. Reg enters the wine bar to buy a bottle of celebratory sweet sherry. Herb and Flo come into the deli to replace the pot of bee jelly before Dorrie finds out. ($15 for a tiny pot?) Roma tells them that it was the last jar, just as Dorrie walks in to overhear Herb ask, "What are we going to do?" Dorrie has had a rethink on the extravagance of the bee jelly and has decided to send it back down with Herb for a refund. In Flat 5, Edie and Gloria are dancing the Tango. Reg arrives for luncheon in the middle of it all. Marilyn is on her way to work a shift at the laundrette, so she takes Miss Featherstone back down the stairs. Gloria prompts, "Don't forget to sway and dip to the music! Sway and dip!" Reg produces the bottle of sweet sherry and tells Edie his surprise news: he has just been promoted to DTC, but to the Blacktown TH, not Paddington. In just a month's time, the MacDonalds are returning to dear, old Blacktown! [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

The wall calendar in the deli shows January 1975. The women's cafe is named as the "Black and White Milkbar" in Episode #708. The song "Run, Rabbit, Run" was featured in a 1939 musical revue show, "The Little Dog Laughed". Flo Patterson's sign-off are lyrics from "I’ll Be Seeing You" (1938), made famous by the likes of Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, and featured in the musical "Right This Way". Brad Hilton's last onscreen appearance was in Episode #670. Ben Butterfield, the son of Jan Everett Butterfield, appered in Episode #454. Jan and Ben were last namedropped in Episode #656. "The Ox-Bow Incident" was released in 1942. It stars Henry Fonda and concerns a posse which captures three men suspected of killing a local farmer, and they become strongly divided over whether or not to lynch the men.

703. (27/02) Aldo and Roma are preparing for bed in Flat 2. Arnold just rang from Surfers Paradise to check on the day's takings. Roma mentions that an airmail parcel, from the photographic people in America, arrived today. Aldo realises that it will contain his home movies! Disneyland, the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon - so exciting! 15 or 16 reels! He will have to hire a film projector tomorrow, to show all of their friends. Has anything come from the Meadowvale Golf Club? Before the Godolfuses left for the USA, Aldo and Arnold had signed up to join. Andy's friend had sponsored their membership forms. Roma climbs into bed beside Aldo. She smells nice, thanks to Oomph! Aldo takes a big sniff - and sneezes! It is the wee hours in Flat 3, and Flo and Trixie are back from Marrickville RSL, singing Walkin' My Baby Back Home with a young muso, Adam Shaw (Julian Rockett). Flo worries when Trixie's singing gets too loud, as Dorrie and Herb are asleep. Adam has nowhere to crash overnight, so Trixie is lending him Aunty Vera's couch. Adam is sent out to the kitchen with the coffee cups and Trixie mentions that it is a pity he is "so bloody young". Reg has shocked Edie with news of a move. In Flat 5, Marilyn is finally home and hears about her father's intention to return the family to Blacktown. Edie tries to hide her disappointment and Marilyn is determined not to go back to that "crumby" suburb. Paddington is in the centre of things. Reg has heard Blacktown described as "the Athens of the South Pacific". There are no "supposedly-mature young ladies charging around Blacktown on dirty motocycles". Marilyn is to give Mrs Sutcliffe her month's notice in the morning. She calls Daddy "a male chauvinist pig" and heads off to bed. Edie is mystified. Chauvinist? Marilyn "knows perfectly well that we are all Church of England..." In Flat 7, Adam again thanks Trixie for putting him up. She is happy to help out a penniless, but talented, muso who actually wrote her a love song! Next morning, in the kitchen of Flat 3, Herb is attempting to mix up a facsimile of the Oomph! bee jelly foundation, to trick Dorrie, since he and Flo had eaten most of the real stuff yesterday at morning tea! He convinced Dorrie not to return it by complimenting her natural beauty. Herb has refilled the jar with Aeroplane jelly, the white of an egg, and a flip of mayonnaise. Flo quips, "You don't expect that to fool Helena Rubenstein out there, do you?" Dorrie enters the kitchen, surprised to see Flo up and about, and not kidnapped by gypsies! It was very late when Flo and Trixie got in from Marrickville - and they have another gig tonight! Herb asks, "A gig?" It's "pro talk" for a one-night stand, but Dorrie interjects that "we'll have no 'pro talk' in this house, thank you very much!" Herb pretends to find the bee jelly in the fridge! Dorrie sniffs it and again baulks at the price, but the others convince her not to return it. Women are at the mercy of these "cosmetical" firms! Dorrie mentions reading about a woman who had some face foundation tested in a lab - and it was made of "just common or garden lard with a bit of scent added!" Trixie is left with some explaining to do in Flat 7. Vera finds Adam Shaw sleeping on her couch! She picks up his discarded jeans and marches into Trixie's room. Who will Vera find in the bathroom this time: a circus act or a trained seal? Trixie jokes, "You know that trained seals always stay at the Wentworth!" This is not a laughing matter. Vera is very angry; she is not running a house for wayward showbiz people! She returns to the lounge room and tosses the confused, sleepy man his pants, telling him to get out! In Flat 5, Reg reminds Marilyn that she cried herself to sleep when they had to move away from Blacktown. She retorts that she was a child then, but "Paddo" is where she belongs now. Marilyn heads off to Norma's Bar for lunch as Mummy comes in. She tried to get access to the cellar, but it is locked. Roma is panicking about her Oomph! display - and what Arnold might say. Aldo insists that Arnold doesn't run his shop. The display can stay. "Am I afraid of Arnold Feather?" Aldo then jumps nervously when the door flings open, but it is only Marilyn in her motorbike helmet and leathers. She orders ready-rubbed tobacco and papers, planning to change up her image by rolling her own cigarettes. She notices the movie projector that Aldo hired this morning. He will be holding a premiere of his American trip movies and wants all his friends at Number 96 to attend. Arnold arrives back and immediately notices the display window. The deli looks more like an Oomph! factory or a chemist shop. Trixie is having morning tea with Flo and Herb in Flat 3. Poor Adam, the composer, has nowhere to go and is apparently hanging around the Boulevard Cafe. He used to shack up in a flop-house with "Curly Meat" Jackson, the jazz drummer. "Curly Meat" is a heroin addict - "as mainline as the Southern Aurora!" - and Trixie is encouraging Adam to keep clear of him. Herb wonders about the camp stretcher. Maybe they could put Adam up for a bit? Trixie doubts that Dorrie would ever go overboard for an idea like that! Meanwhile, Dorrie is quite besotted by the charming Mr Shaw - "Call me Adam!" - as they chat over coffee at the Boulevard Cafe. Dorrie boasts that she comes from a long line of classical musicians herself. Not only was Dorrie's father a top ornithologist, he was an accomplished piano accordianist. She was brought up on Gilbert & Sullivan and knew Mendelssohn as well as her own mother! Adam has written a piano concerto, that is yet to be premiered and, recently, a ballad for Trixie. Roma offers more coffee and Dorrie insists on paying for both of them. She remembers that they have a camp stretcher up in "Pad Number 3". If her husband approves, they could offer Adam a place to stay, as a temporary measure, of course. Inside the deli, Aldo explains to Roma that he and Arnold had a sensible discussion about the cosmetics display. Arnold sees Aldo's point of view exactly. "The display goes!" Reg enters the deli on his way upstairs to luncheon. He informs Arnold that the cosmetic display in the front window is in breach of the Health Board regulations! Aldo retorts that Mr MacDonald will not be telling Aldo what he can put in his window and, furthermore, Reg is not invited to Aldo's movie premiere! Herb and Edie arrive at Flat 5. Herb is carrying a brown paper parcel for her. Now that they are moving to a house with a garden, she can display these again: Edie unwraps... a concrete garden gnome! This one was her first. She has had him since before Dean and Marilyn! In the wine bar, Flo is prepares to play Adam's song that he wrote for Trixie, but she decides to try 4/4 time. At one of the tables, Vera is sitting with Adam and Dorrie. Vera is able to explain to Adam her feisty attitude of this morning. Unfortunately, poor Adam was "the last straw". Dorrie announces that Adam will be boarding with her for the time being. Adam goes over to Trixie and takes over from Flo at the piano. "It's a ballad, you see," Adam says, as he begins to play. Dorrie's father was never properly recognised for his talent on the piano accordian; he could play the Hungarian Rhapsodies till he was pouring out tears. Vera makes a hasty getaway to the piano area. Marilyn and Arnold are sitting together before Arnold has to return to the deli for the lunchtime rush. Marilyn suggests that, since she's given up on men for good, and Arnold has had such unhappiness with women, they should form a platonic relationship with no strings. Arnold is bemused. Dorrie is now blissfully singing along with Adam's song, while Vera seems more captivated by the pianist himself. It's movie night in Flat 2! Marilyn, Edie, Vera, Herb, Dorrie and Flo are all seated in front of the tiny screen, while Arnold arranges canapes and the Godolfuses fuss over the projector. The footage of Roma and Aldo in San Francisco has the lens cap on! At the Grand Canyon, it is mainly of Roma's ear. The shot of Grant's Tomb is a plain brick wall. (Dorrie assumes the actor, Cary Grant?) Brief footage of a Disneyland ride is upside down. (That was taken by Mr and Mrs Pepper of Colorado Springs.) The San Francisco cable car is another shot of a plain brick wall. What is supposed to be footage of Los Angeles - or Tahiti? - is actually the deli downstairs! In Flat 3, Trixie is trying to get Adam to stop composing music for a while and come down to the wine bar with her for a drink. He refuses, as the piece must be finished by tomorrow so he can get paid. Trixie wonders where everyone is? Adam mentions that they are watching home movies in Flat 2. Arnold and Vera have escaped the film night early, even though it's after 11.00pm! Arnold escorts her to the top floor. Vera feels like she just sat through War and Peace. Vera thinks she'll probably dream about the Godolfuses starring in The Sound of Music. (Mrs Godolfus as a postulant nun?) They say goodnight and Vera opens the already-unlocked front door of Flat 7. Calling out for Trixie, she finds a hypodermic needle in her bathroom sink! There is a strange, repetitive noise. Vera follows it to the kitchen... and discovers a naked "Curly Meat" Jackson (Wayne Pickard), sitting crosslegged on her table, drumming with a carving knife! [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

The song "Walkin' My Baby Back Home" dates back to 1930. It later became the title song for the 1953 film, "Walking My Baby Back Home". Helena Rubinstein was a Polish and American businesswoman, cosmetics entrepreneur, art collector and philanthropist. The former "Sheraton Wentworth Hotel" is adjacent to Wynyard Station in Sydney. It is now the "Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel" and has recently undergone a major renovation. Three-dimensional counter signage for "Andronicus Coffee" has been prominent in the deli of late, but visibility is increased in this episode by the addition of a cardboard box that also marked with the brand. The "Southern Aurora" was an overnight express passenger train that operated between Sydney and Melbourne from 1962 until 1986. It also hosted the annual "Spirit of 96" Logie Train in the 70s. Among the most famous works of composer Felix Mendelssohn is "Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream" (1826). The "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" (1851) by Franz Liszt is the most recognisable, popularised through its use in "Tom and Jerry" cartoon shorts. Leo Tolstoy's novel, "War and Peace" (1867) notoriously has over 1,200 pages. The movie version of "The Sound of Music" was released in 1965. Elaine Lee wears a "Band-Aid" on her right thumb when entering Flat 7 but, a few seconds later, it is (deliberately?) obscured by her packet of "Benson & Hedges" cigarettes.

704. (28/02) Trixie is feeling lonely and has come down to Norma's Bar. Vera's watching home movies and Adam is copying sheets of music. Norma let Dudley go at 10.00pm because he is still depressed about Don leaving. Carol tries to tempt Trixie with some late-night food and she settles for spaghetti bolognaise "for a very large midget". In Flat 7, Alf returns from having just evicted "Curly Meat" Jackson from Vera's kitchen. Alf declares, "What a creep!" The man was probably some musician friend of Adam's. Vera tried to tell "Curly Meat" that Adam was staying in Flat 3 but he was too out of it on heroin. She shows Alf the hypodermic. With much hilarity, Herb, Dorrie and Flo have joined Trixie's table in the wine bar after the movie night. Herb reckons most of what they saw could have been shot in Taylor Square [in Darlinghurst]. The footage of Mrs G at the Lincoln Memorial looked like she was standing beside a public toilet. It is almost closing time and Adam comes in as Carol is leaving. He doesn't want a drink; he heads over to Trixie to ask to borrow a few dollars. He'll pay her back tomorrow when he delivers the manuscripts, but he'd rather not say why he needs it. Trixie is puzzled. "Will a fiver do you?" Trixie orders one last round of drinks for her table. Meanwhile, a maudlin Dudley is in bed in Flat 4, pouring White Horse whisky from the bottle and browsing through a photo album. Carol comes home to hear sobbing from the main bedroom. She goes in to comfort Dudley. Next morning, Alf is in Flat 8, talking to Les on the phone and arranging a meeting. Lucy guesses correctly that they are still planning vigilante action against Andy. Alf assumes that the junkie whom Vera found in her flat last night was attracted to the building by Andy's articles. Out on the stairs, Les, Dudley and Norma are trying to move the sausage machine to make way for the Murphy bed. Dorrie is descending from the next level and finds her route blocked. She is due at the Pensions Office in ten minutes! She is soon joined by Lucy, who is supposed to be at the laundrette. Norma suggests climbing over the top, and Lucy does just that. Dorrie chooses to squeeze past the machine, pressed against the wall. When Lucy leans on the long handle on her way down, the machine rumbles into action. They are all pelted with sausages! Maggie is visiting Flat 6 with a warning for Andy about the residents' vigilante group. No one knows what Arnold thinks about it all; he is the lease holder of the flat, but hasn't signed any of the petitions. Perhaps he is planning something more sinister? After 20-years a newspaperman, Andy doesn't scare easily. Maggie leaves and Tanya pleads with Andy to leave the building, for his own safety. He tells her to drop the matter - and the phony Russian accent! Maggie comes up to Flat 7, to kill time with Vera before a meeting with Norma. Maggie will be checking the wine bar books to ensure that the bar is still a paying proposition. There is a larger restaurant/bar opening nearby very soon. Vera shows Maggie a postcard that has arrived from Don. He writes that he is feeling in the pink, that Amanda is as zany as ever, Europe is lovely this time of year, and he sends everyone his love. Vera reminds Maggie that Don has no idea that his friends know about his condition being terminal. If Maggie was dying, she'd want to be among friends. Adam arrives and is introduced to Maggie. Maggie mentions her connections in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, such as Sir Robert Elmsby and Clinton Mather. The mention of Mather gets Adam's attention. On her way out, Maggie offers to help Adam cut any strugglng-musician corners. Vera has her details. (Vera smirks knowingly.) Adam has come to apologise for "Curly Meat" Jackson's impromptu performance in her kitchen. Vera hands Adam the discarded hypodermic to return to "Curly Meat", but Adam won't be seeing him again. Alf and Les are sitting on the stairs, cleaning up the last of the sausages. Les thinks that he has encouraged several residents to join their group. Maggie goes into Flat 1 to inspect the account books, kicking sausages out of her way. Les tells Alf that they will rendezvous at 13:30 hours. A horn toots from the street; it is the truck to pick up the Murphy bed. While in Flat 1, Maggie overhears Carol and Dudley talking in the kitchen. Dudley apologises for his condition last night and Carol looks at him fondly. They are then caught in a compromising situation: Maggie enters just as Dudley kisses Carol. "Poor Don's not even dead yet," says Maggie. Vera passes the vigilante group on the stairs and gives them a look of disdain. Flo watches on, and Dorrie and Herb are carrying signs. Les and Alf pound on the door to Flat 6, yelling for Andy. There is no answer. Maybe he's not home? In Norma's Bar, Maggie is chatting up Adam as he plays the piano. She is less impressed by the piece when she realises that it is a ballad he wrote about Trixie O'Toole. Adam should play her some of his piano concerto instead. Does Maggie have a piano at her place? "Darling, I have everything at my place!" Dudley and Carol are watching Maggie flirting with Adam and Dudley compares the situation to La Belle Dame sans Merci. Carol is distressed by Maggie's accusation earlier, but Dudley warns her that it is best not to bring up the topic with her. Alf and Les get admonished by Lucy and Norma. "Has the 'Ku Klux Klan' knocked off for lunch?" Les is sure that Andy was in the flat, hiding in a cupboard. Norma saw Andy getting into his car this morning, but no one asked her. Lucy can stay for lunch becuse Marilyn has taken over in the laundrette for the afternoon. They spot Andy going past the window. In Flat 3, Trixie is having luch with Flo and Dorrie and laughing about the vigilante group's lack of success. Herb comes in with sliced cold pork from the deli. (The cold silverside was sold out.) He mentions Andy, having just come up the stairs with him - and Dorrie objects to Herbert fraternising with the enemy. Flo answers a call from "Wing Commander Whittaker". They will rendezvous again in two minutes. Trixie is bloody hungry and will stay at the dining table while they are gone. In Flat 6, Tanya greets Andy in her robe, reverting to her American accent in mid-sentence. Tanya, or "Rosemary", was about to take a shower, then she will fix them a late lunch. Andy is worried that Interpol might arrive at any moment and arrest him for harbouring a kidnap victim. Tanya will be hearing from Clark any day now. When she is safely in Switzeland, Andy can break the whole story wide open as an exclusive! It is a hot day and Andy will take a shower when Tanya is finished hers. He strips down to underpants and socks and lies on his bed. Seconds later, the vigilante group is back to pounding on his door. Dorrie suggests smoking him out, but Flo, puffing on a cigarette, warns that smoking is a health hazard. Les takes a run at the door just as Andy opens it. Les crashes into something on the other side of the room. Later, the vigilantes are commiserating in the wine bar, after Andy's tongue-lashing. A sheepish Les emerges from Flat 2 with an icepack on his head. He's already rung in sick to the hospital; Sister Warren wasn't impressed. Alf thinks their campaign has been successful and they toast to their progress. Maggie pulls Adam aside. She offers her place as alternate accommodation to Flat 3 and mentions her grand piano. Trixie interrupts her to ask about the rival business opening soon. Maggie says that it's to be called The Grapevine. Trixie has been already booked to appear there. Vera arrives and heads straight to Adam. She feels rotten about turfing him out and offers him to move into Flat 7. Adam accepts eagerly. Maggie's look is severe. In Flat 6, Tanya is sweeping up the breakages from the incident with Les. Andy comes in from delivering a story to his newspaper office. He clarifies with Tanya that Clark was supposed to contact her when the ransom was paid by her parents. According to Andy's overseas news sources, Clark collected the money ten days ago. Tanya is puzzled. Andy suspects that Clark Harvey has doublecrossed her. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

This was the last "Number 96" episode transmitted in monochrome. "La Belle Dame sans Merci: A Ballad" was written in 1819 by John Keats. Translating as "The Beautiful Lady without Mercy", the title was derived from a 15th-century poem by Alain Chartier. The developing plot concerning Adam, Maggie and Vera seems set to be a replay of the Simon Carr/Maggie/Vera plot, which had played out from Episodes #88 to #111, and again in the 1974 movie. Earlier on this night, the Nine Network aired The Unisexers for the last time, axing it due to low ratings. Just before midnight on the last day of February 1975, Channel TEN broadcast a short b/w scene to celebrate Australia's official switch-over to regular colour broadcasts, known as "C-Day" (1st March 1975). Featuring Chard Hayward as movie buff Dudley Butterfield. Dudley, Dorrie Evans and other residents gather in Flat 8 to watch the Sutcliffes' new television (from Episode #699). When the set is turned on, the image on the TV screen appears in full colour. This segment was the brainchild of "Number 96" director, Brian Phillis. Dudley shares his love for the 1960 motion picture, "Can-Can" (starring Frank Sinatra, Shirley MacLaine, Maurice Chevalier and Louis Jourdan).

Over on the ABC, a five-minute "Aunty Jack Show" reunion segment was played. Starring Grahame Bond (with Rory O'Donoghue as Thin Arthur and Garry McDonald as Kid Eager), colour starts creeping into the picture, slowly saturating the characters in colour. Legend has it that "Aunty Jack Introduces Colour" went to air three minutes early, on purpose. But 0-10 had "cheated" that night, too, with its Dudley skit. Network Ten was able to promote itself as "First in Color" (sic) in its station identification ads. When "C-Day" was approaching, an expert team from the USA had been brought out to educate the local network owners on the ins and outs of colour broadcasting, and to prepare TV manufacturers, advertisers, electrical stores and the general public. In all the press releases and information packages, they went for the US spelling of "COLOR" and this was adopted quite enthusiastically, as least for a while.

705. (3/03) Les and Alf are in the bathroom of Flat 1, consulting an old medical book to diagnose Les's head injury. They debate their failures with Andy so far, and contemplate putting red dye in Andy's water supply? Norma is livid. Alf just wants the journalist gone but Norma warns that Andy is "a tough cookie". Les is convined that Flat 6 is jinxed. Three woman (Beverly, Patti and Tracey) have died up there and the flat is probably haunted. Alf scoffs at him. In Flat 6, Tanya defends Clark's motives to Andy. She had met Clark in New York and they settled for living together because her parents had already lined her up to marry a Bostonian: Quincy Samuel Adams. Grandfather Prior had bequeathed an inheritance to Rosemary, that is held in trust by her parents for when she marries the appropriate Harvard graduate. The kidnap stunt was Tanya's only chance to get what Rosemary deserves. She is convinced that there has been a hitch, and Clark is just lying low. In bed in Flat 2, Roma and Aldo discuss Arnold, who is getting "too big for his shoes": rejecting Roma's Oomph! products and being so old-fashioned in his thinking. Aldo is still the boss and Arnold "can't ride over me in the rough shoes like this!" They agree that Roma will set up her Oomph! stand again and, if Arnold "doesn't lump it, he can like it!" It is breakfast time in Flat 8 and Alf finds Arnold frying eggs in the kitchen. Lucy seems to be sleeping in? Lucy emerges from the bedroom, rather tired, but insisting on taking over at the stove, as it's her job. (Instead, Arnold offers to brew the tea, or "mash it", to use the Lancashire term.) Alf reads out a gory newspaper article and the description of a horse's pickled innards has Lucy racing for the bathroom. Meanwhile, in the bathroom of Flat 5, Edie has her seven "little men" in the bathtub. She is naming them as she scrubs them with a toilet brush and lots of suds, to prepare them for the move to Blacktown. In the lounge room, Marilyn and Daddy bicker about her being a lesbian while Reg is searching for an important paper - The Uses and Abuses of High-Rise Urban Erections - that he needs at the TH. He accidentally pushes the bathroom door into Edie - and Dopey gets smashed to pieces on the bathroom floor! Edie wails that now Dopey won't be able to move with them all to Blacktown. "Lucky Dopey!" quips Marilyn, as she passes the tableau in the bathroom. Roma's friend, Bella Markoff, rings to invite the Godolfuses to the Bar Mitzbah of her 13-year-old grandson, Reuben, on Saturday. They accept! Aldo is ready to show Arnold who is boss. David Jones displays cosmetics and food in the same shop, so why can't he in Paddington? Tanya and Andy are in Flat 6, still awaiting the arrival of Clark Harvey. Andy is curious as to what Clark does for a living when not conspiring to kidnap heiresses. Tanya says that he has had to do some pretty repulsive things to survive. He has pushed drugs, but was never a user himself. Andy persists: "Phony insurance? Non-existent encyclopedias?" Tanya admits that she rang Clark two weeks ago, and changed the contact point to Number 96, when she was still working in the deli. Andy believes that Clark has plans to kill Tanya and keep the ransom money for himself. In the laundrette, Vera and Lucy discuss the vigilante group. Lucy says that Alf is easily-led. She suffers a dizzy spell and Vera and Marilyn help her to a bench seat. Has she seen a doctor? Maybe it's the change of life? Marilyn offers to take Lucy to her doctor on her motorcycle, but Vera would prefer to ring her a cab. Lucy is feeling quite unwell. Vera will phone through an appointment request with Lucy's doctor. To spite Arnold, Aldo urges Roma to go ahead with her plans for the Oomph! cosmetics bar. When Arnold tries to explain that Reg, through his position at the Paddington Council, has the power to stop the deli from selling Oomph!, a bitter and frustrated Roma announces that she is no longer talking to Arnold - ever again! Aldo warns Arnold: "Hell hath no fury like a woman who is... furious." Tanya meets Vera on the landing and invites her into Flat 6. Tanya is upset that some of the residents want violent retribution over the articles that Andy wrote. She offers Vera a vodka and shows her the unedited copies of Andy's newspaper articles, which do not exaggerate the facts about the Pantyhose Murders. Les is cooking up a saucepan of fish glue and red dye in Flat 1. Norma is curious and frustrated by the stench. It sets very quickly, so Les has to work fast. He needs to saturate newspaper in it to make a fright mask for Project: Andy Scare. Les and Alf are planning more subtle tactics: a series of simulated psychic phenomena. Meanwhile, Norma has been invited to a Hunter Valley Wine Festival. She is reluctant to attend because The Grapevine, a new rival venue, is about to open on Paradise Street. In Flat 6, Vera wonders if she has been too hard on Andy? Suddenly, Vera is overcome by a premonition. There is an evil presence in this room - and Tanya must leave this flat immediately for her own safety! In Norma's Bar, Les debuts his red fright mask from behind the piano. Arnold, Marilyn, Alf and Norma are underwhelmed. Arnold thinks that Andy will soon leave of his own accord. He excuses himself to return for the lunchtime rush at the deli and Marilyn returns to the laundrette. She mentions that the doctor said that there was nothing wrong. In the deli, the Godolfuses hear from Edie that the move to Blacktown is definitely happening. Daddy will be DTC and Edie can have all of her "little men" in the garden. The Godolfuses are confused, especially when Edie mentions smashing one's head in this morning. She did see another one in Farmers' window; he was sitting on a toadstool, with his fishing rod in his hand. Aldo and Roma are more confused. Arnold and Reg enter the deli together, having met on the street outside. Roma denies having cosmetics for sale. Reg has been "ill-informed". Edie tells Daddy that luncheon is upstairs: macaroni cheese with marmalade jam. Roma is still giving Arnold the silent treatment and leaves for her Independent Activity period. Aldo is the go-between, relaying messages from her to Arnold. Vera is working on her new Autumn collection of fashion designs in Flat 7. She answers the door to Lucy, who wishes to confide in her. When Lucy saw Doctor Pearman today, she wasn't expecting him to say that she was pregnant. Vera is astounded but embraces her friend warmly. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

From the official introduction of colour broadcasting on 1st March, all new "Number 96" episodes now air in colour. Wendy Blacklock, as Edie MacDonald, sings "With a Smile and a Song", from Walt Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937) animated movie. Edie's garden gnomes are all named for that movie's dwarfs. (One small gnome has been in Edie's lounge room for some time.) Bella Markoff's surname is revealed in this episode. She was last included (offscreen) in Episode #634. "David Jones" and "Farmers" were large Sydney CBD department stores. "Farmers" became "Grace Bros." and then "Myer". "David Jones" still exists. Les Whittaker's fright mask is a different one to his "Jack the Ripper" disguise from Episode #673, but it is obviously a commercial one, with bits added, and not homemade papier-mâché. The oft-mentioned Doctor Pearman is finally credited onscreen in Episode #753.

706. (4/03) In Flat 3, Adam packs his things - more music sheets and folders than clothes - to move back into Flat 7 as Vera's boarder. He would have moved there last night, but Maggie insisted on taking him to dinner. He tells Dorrie and Herb that he might see them tonight, at the gala opening of The Grapevine restaurant/bar on Paradise Street. Trixie is putting together a table for the Number 96 residents - and everything will be free of charge. Strangely enough, Flo had failed to pass on the verbal invitation. Flo, Herb and Adam sing some lines from On the Sunny Side of the Street. When he's gone, Dorrie mentions that she is so impressed by this cultured young man - but he's too smooth for Flo's liking. People aren't always what they seem to be. Flo will be too tired to go bowling tomorrow and suggests that Dorrie team up with Mrs Marcazite. While Carol is in the bathroom, Dudley takes a call from Don. Dud tries to be jovial and offers well-intentioned tourist advice. (Beware of the Black Forest, as it's full of fairies!) Mrs Whitt has assigned them to be spies tonight, at the opening of The Grapevine, so they don't have to report downstairs for work. Don wouldn't want them to mope around. Trixie tells Vera about the gala opening and she agrees to attend. Adam is not so sure; he only has the one outfit (and it's double denim). Maggie arrives and pronounces Adam to be "Paderewski himself, the boy with magic at his fingers!". Maggie wants to back Vera's new design collection. Vera reminds her of The Tapemeasure fiasco. Vera doesn't need Maggie's help, as she has money of her own now. Instead, Maggie latches onto Adam's arm, too take him downstairs for a drink. She tells Vera and Trixie not to wait up, and suggests that "Mother", meaning Vera, will do Adam's unpacking. "Uh oh, here we go again..." says Vera (obviously thinking of Simon Carr). Aldo sees Arnold wiping down a table on the Boulevard Cafe and tells him that they should close early to attend the gala opening at The Grapevine. They enter the deli. It would be rude to ignore the invitation. Roma is still not speaking to Arnold and relays her message that they will be attending. Roma rosters herself off to have her bath. Aldo wonders if Arnold has heard any more about the Meadowvale Golf Club on the North Shore? He hasn't. Aldo swings the broom like his "golf stick" and it almost hits Roma. In Norma's Bar, Maggie tells Adam that he'll never be rich wanting to be the next Roger Woodward, and playing the classics and concert halls. "Make your pile in the pop scene!" Adam could be the next Peter Nero, but he'll need a new wardrobe. As from tonight, Maggie is taking over management of his career! A group of noisy revellers gather in the wine bar, ready to attend the rival establishment in Paradise Street. Dudley introduces Trixie as "Sydney's own sweetheart, the golden pipes of Pan, and the darling of the 'Harbord Diggers'." She declares that he can be MC of her next tour of "Alice Springs and the back of beyond". Dorrie interrupts Maggie and Adam to mention the large amount of rent money waiting to be collected by Maggie. Maggie brushes her off. Trixie drags Adam to the door; he is still protesting about his unsuitable clothes. Maggie gets a last minute invitation and Dorrie points out that Maggie is wearing daytime clothing while the rest are in their finery for the gala. Dudley proffers his arm to "Cinderella", and she suggests that Dudley is the ugly sister, so where is the other one? Dudley says, "Right beside me, Darling, shall we go?" In the bedroom of Flat 2, Aldo explains that Arnold has decided to close the shop early and come with them to the opening. He will even drive them in his "little car". Roma would rather walk! Arnold arrives in the flat and mentions to Aldo that, according to Mr Marshall, the committee of the Meadowvale Golf Club has met. Not long to wait now. Roma is fed up and gives Aldo an ultimatum: either 50/50 business partner, Arnold, goes or Roma, the 50/50 marriage partner, does! Several hours later, Vera, Andy and Trixie are having coffee. Norma will be getting some stiff competition from the new venue. They have had a wonderful night and Vera is full of praise for the decor and the food. Trixie could sing, Little Boy Blue, Come blow your horn and make it sound like a torch song. ("That wouldn't be too hard, not after he'd blown it, anyway," Trixie replies.) Trixie suggests some mood music and Adam asks Vera to dance. Vera and Trixie continue to chat but Adam tries to get Vera to concentrate on dancing. She whispers that he dances well. The combo was fabulous, especially the ritzy sax player, Lenny Levine, of the Hotel Regent Orchestra. Flo is singing the White Cliffs of Dover as she serves Herb his cocoa in Flat 3. Flo goes into some lines from April Showers and Dorrie reminds her that she already experienced the whole performance, so there is no need to repeat it "ad nauseous". Dorrie is still quite besotted with Adam and Flo is miffed. Roma stubbornly refuses to resolve her differences with Arnold. She ignored him all night! They refused a lift home and chose to walk back to Lindsay Street. Arnold waits in the foyer to see that the Godolfuses arrived safely. Roma walks right past him. Aldo hints that tomorrow his new "joke box" arrives. Roma is confused but, if Arnold objects, then Aldo, too, will be ignoring his business partner. Trixie checks that Adam has settled on the couch in Flat 7. Adam mentions that he finds Vera to be "very beautiful", and Trixie agrees. In her bed, Vera relives her dance with Adam as she drifts off to sleep. Carol and Dudley laugh over their cocoa in Dudley's bedroom in Flat 4. They loved Lenny Levine's combo! Dud and Carol seem to be getting drawn closer to each other in their grief. Next morning, in the deli, not long after its arrival, the juke box gets stuck playing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy at top volume. Aldo has the coin-operated machine on approval, for free, for a week. Roma decides to select one of her favourites, The Blue Danube. Arnold arrives - and demands that the juke box be removed immediately! The deli does not have an entertainment licence. Now both Aldo and Roma are giving him the cold shoulder treatment. Vera plans to shop for fabrics today, so Adam can have Flat 7 to himself. Trixie reminds them that she is a lady of leisure today and will be staying home. Maggie storms in again, this time to take Adam on a shopping spree. He is supposed to be copying manuscripts today. Maggie scoffs: "Drudgery! Leave it to the bachelors and no-hopers!" Aldo is stamping prices on cans in the deli and wordlessly handing them off to Arnold, who is on the little steps and attempting to stack the cans. Aldo doesn't notice that he is going too fast. Flo delivers the mail to the deli and Arnold learns that he has been accepted as a member of the exclusive Meadowvale Golf Club. Flo notices the juke box - but is suddenly being used as a go-between for feuding business partners. Aldo is perplexed by his letter, though; his own application to the club has been rejected. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

"On the Sunny Side of the Street" (1930) was composed by Jimmy McHugh, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields. Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860–1941) was a virtuoso pianist, composer, politician and, eventually, Prime Minister of independent Poland after World War I. The disastrous business venture of "The Tapemeasure" fashion shop, and Vera Collins and Maggie Cameron feuding over Simon Carr, stretched from Episode #38 until #117. Roger Woodward is a Sydney-born classical pianist, composer, conductor and teacher. Peter Nero had recently starred in the Emmy Award-winning "S'Wonderful, S'Marvelous, S'Gershwin" (1972). The song, "(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover", (1941) was popular during World War II. It was composed by Walter Kent with lyrics by Nat Burton. "April Showers" was previously referenced in Episode #692. Songwriter and performer, Lenny Levine, gets several scripted namedrops. He was last mentioned in Episode #598, as a possibility to play at the Riggs/Patterson wedding. "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (1941) was popularised by The Andrews Sisters in World War II. "The Blue Danube" (1866) is the common English title of "An der schönen blauen Donau", a waltz by Johann Strauss II. The Sutcliffes went to "The Blue Danube" restaurant in Episode #35 and the Godolfuses made it a regular venue from Episode #44. Struggling actress, Janie Somers, used to work there as a waitress. There was a real-life Austrian-themed restaurant called "The Blue Danube" (opened 1952) in Kings Cross. The site would become "The Bourbon & Beefsteak".

707. (5/03) Adam arrives in Flat 7 with an armful of packages. Trixie says, "What's all this, Loverboy, Christmas already?" That makes Maggie Cameron "Santa Claus". She has indulged Adam with a whole new wardobe of trendy clothes, but he feels guilty about accepting them. And now she wants him to meet her influential friends at a smart bistro in Double Bay. Trixie urges him to let her spoil him as she has plenty of money. "Meet who you can while the opportunity's there... 'Grab it while you can, as the lift boy said to the vicar'." Les's latest scheme, known as Operation: Andy Scare, involves "simulated psychic phenomena", so he has "borrowed" a life-sized skeleton from the Anatomy Department of the hospital. ("Up to a point. Pushed him outside in a wheelchair.") Alf becomes the first scare victim when he enters Flat 1. Norma comes into the room just as Les demonstrates his levitating table. Norma moves backwards into the skeleton - and screams. No bones broken?" asks Les, but he means the skeleton, not Norma. Alf is told to go and see Lucy. She has important news for him. Dorrie is visiting Flat 5 while Edie and Marilyn are setting the table for luncheon. Edie explains how Daddy is only ADTC in Paddington, but will be DTC in Blacktown. The new house comes with a garden for Edie's "little men" (except Dopey, who got smashed) and Marilyn will be reunited with all of her old school friends. Marilyn is resolute that she will not be moving to Blacktown. Dorrie believes that Paddington is second only to Point Piper as the top suburb. Reg arrives, looking excited and carring a brown paper parcel. Reg informs Edie that their new four-bedroom home is brick veneer. It comes with his new position and has Cooper Louvres and "a large, landscaped garden with concrete terraces" and room for all of Mother's gnomes. Edie is enthused but Marilyn doesn't care about the barbecue for entertaining young friends because she's not going! Reg presents Edie with a gift: the fishing gnome that Edie had recently seen in Farmers' window. Marilyn mentions that she is still looking for a lesbian and Dorrie is aghast. "Those peasants from Middle Eastern countries can't be trusted!" Alf comes into Flat 8, where Lucy is setting the table for lunch. Lucy's news - that she is expecting a change-of-life baby - is a source of horror for Alf! Trixie is having afternoon tea with Edie in Flat 5. Trixie attempts to give Edie moral support over the upcoming Blacktown move. She agrees with "Mother Evans" and urges Edie to stay firm with Reg. Edie has had so much fun in "Paddo". They reminisce about changing roles to fool Mrs Buchanan, singing for Miss Bottle's Girl Guides, and burning down the TC's beach house. What was there to do in Blacktown, apart from fortnightly visits to the Deluxe Hair Salon opposite Woolies? Maybe Trixie could try working on the TC again and Daddy could be promoted while here in Paddington? (That well has run dry.) Returning from bowling, Dorrie meets Adam on the stairs and remarks on him looking so miraculate his new suit, on his way to see Maggie. She asks Adam to tell Mrs Cameron that two weeks' worth of rent is awaiting collection. Dorrie arrives in Flat 3 with a head of steam about Adam - and also Flo's rent. $9 is not enough now that Flo is earning additional money. Dorrie wants to increase Flo's rent to $12, but gets offended when Flo says to make it $20. (The cost goes back to $12. Maybe she should have accepted the $20, with the "inflatable" country and all?) In Norma's Bar, Alf has had a change of heart and is now boasting about his forthcoming fatherhood to the Whittakers, Trixie, Edie and Flo. Edie will be taking a firm stand about staying in Paddington. Trixie suggests a roof garden for the "little men". Flo dedicates her first song to the Sutcliffes: You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby. Alf races upstairs to Flat 8 to get Lucy to join the celebrations. She didn't want Alf telling everyone! She is supposed to be at the laundrette to relieve Marilyn. Lucy is not jubilant about the thought of a raising another child. A persuasive Alf tries to coax Lucy to look forward to having the baby. Later, in the wine bar, Alf has returned to the champagne party alone, and shouts drinks all around (including a patron played by Andrew Peterson). Marilyn parks Tilly against the window. Trixie says that it is either Marilyn entering the bar, or "Peter Fonda still searching for America!" Marilyn is heading back to the women's cafe on Parramatta Road to look for a lesbian. Edie worries that there won't be room if they all stay in Flat 5. Marilyn warns that "Dad" is hopping mad about something. Norma is angry when Les slips away into the flat. He demonstrates a simulated kinetic force from out in the foyer. (They can't be manipulating tech while inside of Andy's flat. It has to be from outside.) Norma storms into the flat just as Les pulls a rope - and Norma ends up on the floor. Edie and Trixie are sloshed and help each other up the stairs. Inside Flat 5, Daddy looks stern. Has his wife been imbibing? Mr Sutcliffe bought champage for everyone because "his wife has some buns in the oven". While concerned about no tea having been prepared, he is pleased to announce that their son, Dean, will be moving from Adelaide to the Blacktown house - and now Edie is no longer concerned about leaving Number 96! Adam visits Flat 3 to look for a lost manuscript: his ballad called Trixie. Herb thinks it might be with Flo's pile of manuscripts? Dorrie tries to have a very serious talk: she needs to warn Adam about accepting Maggie's generosity because she is a well-known "cradle snatcher" - and Adam is the "snatchee"! Herb finds the missing ballad. Alf turns up at the laundrette to apologise for shouting at Lucy. She tells him, "Being a mother is a fulltime job." With their current financial situation and the lottery money, they could afford a nurse! In Flat 5, Edie gets frisky and clucky about wanting a new baby and Reg tries to change the subject. The phone rings - and Reg receives news from the Casualty Ward of Prince Alfred Hospital. Marilyn has been in an accident with her motorcycle. It is almost bedtime in Flat 3. Dorrie hears about Lucy's baby. "Why, it's flying in the face of nature!" Dorrie has decided that Flo's rent should be $18. Flo happily offers her $20, but demands change. Dorrie doesn't have any change, but Herb suggests that there is some in the rent box. Dorrie goes off to fetch the rentbox and Flo and Herb discuss Lucy's baby. Flo doesn't think it is a good idea. They hear a wail from the main bedroom as Dorrie discovers that the $640 that was in the locked rent box has been stolen. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

An iconic yellow "The Colony Shop" bag is on the top of Adam Shaw's pile. This prop was last featured in Episode #612. The dialogue indicates that new shoes were puchased, but none of the packages resemble a shoebox. There is a new variation on the running gag about "the actress and the bishop", still a part of Trixie O'Toole's shtick. Several lines in this episode contain vocabulary that would cause consternation to modern audiences. Lockable "Cooper Louvres" were named for inventor Clifford Cooper. "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby", by Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer, was written for the movie, "Hard to Get" (1938). Trixie references the Peter Fonda movie, "Easy Rider" (1969). Andrew Peterson (aka Robert Neesam) can be seen playing an uncredited wine bar patron. He can next be seen at a wine-tasting in Episode #724. Robert played a hooded robber in the deli in Episodes #543 and #552, and would return in other roles, including a taxi driver (twice), and a policeman in Episode #1193.

708. (6/03) As he polishes his "joke box" in the deli, Aldo is still upset that his application to join the Meadowvale Golf Club was rejected. Roma suggests asking Andy about it, but he is not a club member. It was his friend who proposed Aldo's application. Aldo can't talk to Arnold about it because they are still feuding over the juke box. Roma also refuses to communicate with Arnold. Aldo claims to have fixed the machine. To prove it, he selects Hello, Dolly! and gets... Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy! In Flat 5, Marilyn is bandaged up and confined to bed after her motorbike accident. Daddy will inform Mrs Sutcliffe of her non-attendance at the laundrette today. ("Doctor's orders!") Mummy breaks the news about Dean coming home to the Blacktown house and Marilyn is thrilled that she will be able to "pop out" and visit her brother, "Deano", at weekends. Meanwhile, in Flat 6, Andy suspects that Clark has ditched Tanya and "shot through" with the half million dollars ransom. Andy recommends that she fly back to the US and "square things" with her rich parents. He reminds Tanya that she has committed fraud, whether she ever gets hold of the money or not. Adam and Vera chat, as she sketches new designs, in Flat 7. Maggie has arranged new contacts to further Adam's music career, including someone from The Elizabethan Trust to look at his concerto. There's no reason that he can't be a Peter Nero (pop music) and a Leonard Bernstein (classical). Adam is concerned about Maggie showering him with gifts and intruding into his life. Vera tells him that Maggie fancies him; the pattern with her protegés is always the same. Adam is sure that the feeling is not mutual! There is a knock at the door. Suspecting it is Maggie, Vera sends Adam to hide in Trixie's room. Maggie barges in, looking around for Adam's whereabouts. He then overhears Maggie confirming all of Vera's suspicions. Arnold visits with Marilyn in Flat 5. She tells him that her traffic accident occurred when she was "being pursued by a lesbian", whom she had met over lime milkshakes at the Black & White Milkbar on Parramatta Road. Arnold puts her straight about the actual meaning of the term: lesbianism is not just "a beautiful friendship between two girls". Old Heather Potter from Narrandera had suggested that Marilyn become a lesbian after hearing about her disillusionment with men (particularly after the Michael Bartlett incident). Only now does Marilyn realise why the Absolute Truth Movement has an all-female membership! Maybe that means that Marilyn is... neuter?! On the Boulevard Cafe, Roma tells Dudley about the $640 that went missing from Dorrie's locked cashbox. Dudley is reminded of the plot of Goldfinger. Roma inquires after Don. Carol joins Dudley at his table. She took a call from the someone at The Grapevine, who wants Dudley to call him. Reg greets them as he enters the deli - and immediately notices the new juke box inside the shop. Aldo tries to demonstrate how the machine works by choosing the song, Rose Marie. The machine won't play. Reg is unimpressed; he intends to report Aldo to the Paddington Council, as the juke box contravenes a 1910 regulation if used without an appropriate entertainment licence. Did Arnold send for Mr MacDonald to intervene? Aldo thumps the machine and it again plays "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy". Outside, Dudley lights up when hearing the old Andrews Sisters' number, which they sang in the Abbott & Costello movie, Buck Privates. Reg is ejected from the shop. Arnold calls upon Andy in Flat 6 and overhears Tanya speaking in Rosemary's American accent. She tries to cover by pretending that she has been practising an Australian accent. Arnold inquires about Aldo's golf club membership getting rejected. Andy promises to check with his friend, but doesn't believe that Australian organisations would discriminate against people of Jewish faith - but Tanya is not so sure. Edie is enjoying bopping along to the Andrews Sisters as she shops in the deli. Because Roma is not speaking to Aldo she asks Edie to tell him to turn off the juke box. He can't hear Edie over the infernal music. A customer plugs her ears and grimaces. The song speeds up but Aldo can't unplug the machine. An angry Arnold runs in from Flat 2 and slams his hand against the machine until it billows out smoke. They open up the front and pull out hot wires and several 45rpm records. Aldo is furious! Vera is at the door of Flat 6. Now that Vera has read Andy's original articles, courtesy of Tanya, they seem to be back on better terms. Vera still thinks that, as a journalist, he should have realised what his editor might do to the articles. Andy invites her in, but she brushes him off. Andy is cranky with Tanya for being oblivious and naive to Clark's obvious motives. Adam comes into Norma's Bar for a bottle of moselle. He runs into Maggie, who is unhappy with Adam's attitude, especially when he turns down a lunch invitation... because he will be eating with Vera instead. "How about dinner tonight?" No, he has some manuscripts to copy. Adam leaves and Maggie takes out her temper on Dudley, accusing him of a lack of variety in the wine bar's food menu. He does the best he can on the budget provided. Carol reminds Maggie about the tiny kitchen that Dudley has to work in. Maggie doesn't care if Dudley lights the stove "by rubbing two Boy Scouts together". She storms out to see Norma in the flat to initiate a review of marketing procedures. After luncheon in Flat 5, Reg compliments Mother on a "most palatable" cottage pie. He mentions that Arnold brought something special for Marilyn's lunch and he goes into her room to say goodbye. Edie will clear the table and then start wrapping her "little men" for the move to Blacktown. Reg catches Marilyn smooching an embarrassed Arnold for the "smoked salmon sammo". Edie confides in Bashful the gnome: maybe Marilyn will move with them after all? In Marilyn's room, now that Daddy's gone, she tries the embrace again. (So impetuous!) In Flat 7, Adam thanks Vera for lunch. There is a knock at the door and they immediately think of Maggie. Adam hides again, but Maggie barges in and notices place settings for two. "So he was lunching with you!" Vera reminds her that Adam lives there. Maggie picks a spat with Vera. Adam is not interested in Maggie. Maggie quotes a mutual acquaintance: "Allow me to be the best judge of that!" Adam emerges from around a corner. Maggie is "too old" for him. In Flat 4, Dudley is off shopping with his new food budget for the wine bar. He finds Carol dozing on her bed. She is miserable. Vera finds Adam working in the spare bedroom of Flat 7 and offers him a cup of tea. She is concerned that Adam was a little cruel to Maggie - but how else was he to get her off his back? Aldo's juke box is being taken out of the deli by two men. Arnold and the Godolfuses agree to bury the hatchet. Dudley arrives to buy up on "secret herbs and spices", and wanting to hear Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy again. He casually suggests that Aldo's Meadowvale Golf Club membership would have been refused because Aldo is Jewish. It's like Gregory Peck in Gentleman's Agreement. Aldo is perturbed. Dudley says, "Heavens to Betsy! 'Brenda Bigmouth' strikes again!" Has Tanya made a grave mistake? Laden with parcels, Tanya enters Flat 6. Clark Harvey (Brandon Smith) has arrived at last - and he surprises her inside Andy's flat. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

"Hello, Dolly!" is the title song of the popular 1964 musical of the same name. The "Black & White Milkbar" was first referred to as a "women's cafe" in Episode #702. The name derives from Australia's first modern milkbar; in 1932, Joachim Tavlaridis (aka Mick Adams) opened "Black & White 4d Milkbar" in Martin Place, Sydney. Marilyn MacDonald mentions "old Heather Potter", the viewers' first indication of the lesbian woman's age. "Chromakey" (bluescreen) is used to insert a background of the actual Moncur Street in Woollahra behind the actors and "Boulevard Cafe" furniture to give a new angle to the studio set. The "Moncur Flats" foundation plaque is visible here. (It does not appear on the studio set.) The completed scene leaves obvious bluish outlines around the actors and furniture. Prominent in the replaced background is the former "Moncur Street Uniting Church", which ceased being used as such in the 1980s. Built in the Victorian Gothic style around 1877 as a Congregational church, it was gutted by fire in 1989. Now repaired and privately owned, the building has Jersey Road as the preferred street address. A government bus passes through this scene. Several years later, Johnny Lockwood would play a bus conductor in a TV commercial, who does a doubletake when his bus passes... "Moncur Flats"! "Buck Privates" is a 1941 movie. "Rose Marie" (1924) is a popular song from the operetta of the same name. The James Bond movie, "Goldfinger", was released in 1964. Peter Nero was previously mentioned in Episode #706. Leonard Bernstein was an American conductor, composer and pianist. The wine bar blackboard menu features "Spaghetti Bolognese", $1.85, and "Chicken in a Basket", $2.50. The catchphrase, "Allow me to be the best judge of that!" is a quote from Mrs Claire Houghton of Point Piper, who was last seen onscreen in the 1974 "Number 96" movie. The character is often namedropped in scripts and will be reintroduced onscreen in Episodes #1023/1024. "Secret herbs and spices" is a reference to the "Kentucky Fried Chicken" franchise. The movie "Gentleman's Agreement" was released in 1947. "Brenda Bigmouth" is a reference to Dudley Butterfield's Aunty Brenda of Beecroft, first mentioned in Episode #652. Brandon Smith, who portrays Clark Harvey, was the real-life husband of Margaret Laurence, who would soon begin playing the continuing character of Liz Chalmers from Episode #776. Clark calls "Tanya!" when he first sees Rosemary Prior.

709. (7/03) In Flat 6, Tanya has a barrage of questions for Clark. He explains that he has been hiding out in Switzerland because the story of her kidnapping had already broken in the international press. Blonde-haired Rosemary's face was on every front page! Clark explains that the half million dollars is safely deposited in a Zurich bank account. He is amazed by her new look and assumes that Tanya has been having fun with her false identity. She is about to break the news about someone knowing of her true background when Andy arrives home. Clark is unimpressed when he hears that Andy is a journalist. Dorrie is so distraught about the stolen rent money that she cannot eat the plate of Sausages Provencarli [sic] that Flo has prepared. Dorrie blames poor Herb; he shouldn't have left the rentbox unguarded. Flo suspects that the money was stolen by Adam Shaw. He is known to be penniless and had access to Flat 3. Dorrie is offended on Adam's behalf. "That is all my eye and Mary Martin!" Flo reminds them that Maggie recently bought him a wardrobe of new clothes. "That's a horse of an entirely different colour," said Dorrie. Flo maintains that Adam is "a crafty one". In Norma's Bar, Dudley is stirring Alf about being a new father at 50. Les lists many medical complications about which Lucy needs to be made aware. Alf tells Les that he's just jealous and shoves a celebratory cigar in his mouth. Carol places an order for more of the Beef Bourguignon and Norma is impressed that Maggie's menu changes are working. Dudley disagrees; he thinks that most patrons prefer cheaper meals that take him less time to prepare. Dudley storms out to the kitchen. Carol agrees that Maggie was very rude to both of them earlier. In Flat 6, Clark tells Andy about why they staged the phony kidnapping. It was the only way to get Rosemary's rightful inheritance out of "Old Man Prior". Andy tells Clark and Tanya that they have 48 hours to leave the country before he puts their story into print. Andy refuses Clark's offer of a cash bribe; he has plenty of his own money. Clark reminds Andy that he's been harbouring a known criminal in his flat. Andy is an accessory to their crime! Herb and Dorrie are in their dressing gowns in Flat 3, watching a movie on TV called How to Steal A Million. Dorrie thinks that such a movie would entice the weak-minded into a life of crime! She is reminded of the missing rent money. Flo still insists that Adam was the culprit. Flo can't afford to replace the $640 and the Evanses spent all of their lifesavings on giving Frank Meadows a decent funeral. ("That's a well-known fact.") Clark tells Andy that if they get detained at the airport, they'll spill everything. "Feel free," says Andy. He has witnesses who will vouch for Rosemary using an alias. Tanya accuses him of "keeping me on ice for the sake of your big, fat story". Clark leaves for the airport, to buy air tickets before the close of business. Tanya must stay here, in Flat 6, to make sure that Andy doesn't report them. Doesn't their friendship mean anything? Andy relents and extends his deadline to seven days. Alf and Lucy are in bed in Flat 8. Lucy wonders if Alf has considered his new responsibilities? He is confident that he will cope. She is vindicated when Alf objects to getting up to fetch his wife some milk, just as he is dozing off. After work, Dudley is agitated by Norma's comments to him in the bar. It is rare for Norma to take Maggie's side. As they climb the stairs, he tells Carol that there has been a subtle change since the Whittakers became part owners in the bar. The phone is ringing in Flat 4 and Carol is distressed by some news: Don's Aunt Amanda phones from Heidelberg to tell Dudley that she is taking the ailing Don to a faith healer in Switzerland. Don is sinking fast. It is 7.00am - and Norma is awoken by ghostly sounds in Flat 1. She stumbles into the lounge room to find that Les has created a "fright tape" with his tape recorder. Project: Andy Scare has less chance of working that the vigilante group! Does Norma realise that Vera had a premonition about an evil presence in Flat 6? Norma scoffs at Les's plans. He manages to terrify Norma (again!) with his prop skeleton that he has hidden in her bedroom wardrobe. Over morning coffee in Flat 4, Dudley tells Carol that he needs to leave for Europe. He must be there for Don. Then it dawns on them that Don would realise that they know about his illness. The phone rings and Carol fears that it is bad news. Instead, it turns out to be Mr Cadman, the owner of The Grapevine. He wants to move Dudley's appointment to 11.00am; he has a proposition to discuss. During breakfast in Flat 3, Dorrie pronounces the identity of the rent thief. She believes that Herbert took the rent money while he was a "sposmadic" sleepwalker! Flo defends Herb. Andy tries to convince Tanya that Clark has abandoned her. She emerges from her Flat 6 bedroom with a packed suitcase. Clark arrives, but refuses to confirm to Andy whether he actually bought tickets. As the couple departs the flat, Andy gives them seven days to flee the country. Andy goes to the phone and starts dialling. Operation: Andy Scare progresses to its next stage in Flat 1, with Alf helping Les to prepare a Halloween Jack-o-lantern from a large pumpkin. They intend to lower it - with a light inside it, on a rope - to Andy's window. An exasperated Norma, back from shopping, decides to escape the drama by accepting an invitation to the Hunter Valley for a wine festival. For now, though, she is going to the laundrette: "anything to get away from this madhouse". Les draws in Alf by his vivid description of Operation: Andy Scare and almost hypnotises him. Flo and Lucy discuss Adam in the laundrette. Lucy cannot believe Flo's theory. "Being a gentleman doesn't stop anyone from being a thief," says Flo. "Look at Ronald Biggs!" Norma comes in and commiserates with Lucy about their deluded husbands. Norma announces that she is off to the wine festival. Lucy expresses her concern about the pregnancy. Lucy doesn't really want to have this baby. Returning to Flat 8, Lucy manages to interrupt Alf and Les with their secret pumpkin project. Instead of scaring Andy as intended, the pumpkin plummets past Flat 6 and Flat 4 - to land on an unsuspecting Dorrie as she emerges from the deli! In the kitchen of Flat 1, Dudley breaks the thrilling news to Carol about their successful appointments to the management team of The Grapevine. The positions come with a double flat above the restaurant! (It had been assumed that the jobs would go to a married couple.) "Better money, better prospects and, well, better everything!" Carol is excited! [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

A running gag of Flo Patterson's specialty dish, "Sausages Provencarli" [sic], is revisited. Each of the plates have three enormous crumbed sausages on them, probably over-generous for pensioner appetites. Dishes "à la provençale" typically feature a sauce of tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. The blackboard menu in "Norma's Bar" features some more exotic meals, as suggested by Maggie Cameron: "Dolmades", $1.75, and "Beef Bourguignon", $2.75 (although the scripts mention $2.30 as the price). The movie "How to Steal A Million" was released in 1966. The scene of Alf Sutcliffe and Les Whittaker at the front window of Flat 8 was filmed by combining a shot of "Moncur Flats" in Woollahra with a replica window frame using "Chromakey" (bluescreen). The outline of the suspended Halloween pumpkin shows a bluish tinge. Several continuity errors are created: Alf and Les are too large for the window. All of the blinds are down on external shots of the Flat 6 windows, but the window of the internal set has at least one blind fully up. Dorrie gets hit by the pumpkin as she emerges from the deli door, so its trajectory is an unlikely diagonal path. (Flat 3 has a bluescreen window view of terraced rooftops. An earlier scene in Flat 6 also seems to have been staged with "Chromakey" in mind. Was the scene of Andy Marshall's arrival filmed later and inserted?) The 17th Annual "TV Week" Logie Awards were presented on this night at the Southern Cross Hotel in Melbourne and broadcast on the Nine Network. "Number 96" won Best Australian Drama. Bunney Brooke won Best Australian Actress.

710. (10/03) Dorrie is still moaning, from her couch in Flat 3, about the traumatic pumpkin incident. She has sent Herb for aspirins but fears that she will develop a "cerebral hemorrhoid". Dorrie holds Herb wholly responsible for the incident: it was his idea to have tea at the Boulevard Cafe. It was hardly a natural event. Flo's heard of "raining cats and dogs", but not "pelting pumpkins". After the Pantyhose Murderer, Dorrie is convinced that this is the work of another serial killer: the Pumpkin Slayer! Andy Marshall will probably write another series of lurid articles. Flo makes matters worse by preparing pumpkin pie for tea. "Waste not, want not." Lucy is berating Alf in Norma's Bar for getting involved in Les's latest hairbrained scheme. Alf reckons that when he "sneaked a look" out of the window, the pumpkin on Dorrie's head was a definitely improvement. Alf orders Lucy an orange juice, thinking of the health of the baby. Carol and Dudley worry that leaving for The Grapevine will upset the Whittakers, but Dudley has to think of his future: a future without Don. They have an important decision to make. Les is back from seeing Norma off on the coach to the wine festival. He passes on Norma's gratitude that Dudley and Carol are looking after the bar in her absence. Aldo and Roma are behind the deli counter, trying to come to grips with this latest brush with discrimination. They discuss the movie that Dudley told them about, with Gregory Gable, or Peck, or Schmeck? Arnold expresses his views about the obvious anti-Semitism at Meadowvale Golf Club and, "in point of actual fact", is determined to fight for Aldo. In the wine bar, Aldo wants more information about The Agreeable Gentleman [sic]. Dudley regrets ever mentioning Gentleman's Agreement; he may as well have chosen The World of Suzie Wong. Aldo is even more confused. "This Suzie, was she Jewish, too?" Maggie enters, looking for Norma. Les answers, "She's gone." Maggie then points at Dudley and warns him, "If you say, '... with the Wind', I'll hit you." Maggie is furious. With a viable rival, The Grapevine, opening up so close by, this is no time for the namesake of Norma's Bar to be gone for a week! In Flat 3, Dorrie complains about being expected to eat the very vegetable that almost killed her. No one would expect Joan of Arc to eat the stake. Flo makes a quip about price of steak these days. Flo again expresses her concern to Dorrie and Herb that Adam stole the missing rent money. Dorrie suspects Trixie. Theatricals are nothing more than "raggle-taggle gypsies". Arnold corners Andy in Flat 6 about the golf club's biases. Andy doesn't think it is due to anti-Semitism, but Arnold intends to fight on. Andy incidentally reveals that Tanya has left the country. In Flat 8, Alf is attempting to cook chips and chops for tea. The Sutcliffes discuss the pregnancy and Lucy cautions Alf to be sensitive to Arnold's situation as in not being able to have a family with Patti - but Arnold overhears. Next morning, Andy is descending the stairs as Dorrie is fetching bottles of milk from her doorstep. He greets her - and she gets startled. Dorrie is convinced that it was Andy who dropped the lethal pumpkin from his window. She tells Andy that she intends to sue him over the pumpkin, not realising that it was intended for him. Andy reckons that Dorrie "is touched in the head". In the deli, Les wants to present Aldo with his concept for a self-propelled golf buggy. Aldo doesn't want to think about golf any more, nor the man whom Arnold has been mentioning all morning: "Jack Hughes". Arnold tries to explain the concept of "J'accuse...!" and the Dreyfus case, to no avail. Roma is excited to get a postcard from Dolores Hackenback. Delores looks forward to visiting again soon. Roma's mood sours with the arrival of Andy. She blames him for the Meadowvale debacle and makes Aldo serve him. Flo delivers the mail to Alf in Flat 8. There are letters from "the old Dart", but maybe too soon for people to be congratulating them on the upcoming new arrival. Alf makes Flo come inside to explain her comment and she warns Alf about some dangers. In the laundrette, Dorrie accuses Roma of being "so nave" [sic], and claims that a late-in-life pregnancy is "disgusting". Roma tells her off. Maggie is back in Norma's Bar to sample the current lunch menu, and compare it with The Grapevine's. Carol brings her one of each item, but Maggie is not impressed. Les reckons that Dudley's banter about movies has set off a "mass persecution complex" for the Godolfuses. Maggie walks into Les's description of his self-propelled golf buggy and berates him and Dudley over the food. Dudley tries to explain that the rival restaurant charges much higher prices and his own Beef Bourguignon had proven too expensive for the lunchtime crowds. Maggie's attitude upsets Dudley and Carol, making Dudley even more determined to take up their new positions and teach "that bitch" a lesson. In Flat 8, the Sutcliffes are finishing lunch and Lucy is impressed with Alf's efforts. Lucy wonders to whom Alf has been talking when he keeps mentioning the dangers of having a baby at 50. In the deli, Aldo is dressed, ready to play golf. He will go to the Municipal golf club, where he is welcome. Arnold is disturbed because Aldo is not rostered off for an "Independent Activity" period. Announcing that nothing will stop him from playing golf today, Aldo saunters out onto the street - just as it starts raining! Flo, who has been upstairs rehearsing with Trixie, returns to Flat 3 to find all the furniture displaced. Dorrie and Herb have been doing a thorough search "with a fine toothpick" for the missing rent money. There is a clap of thunder, which heralds Maggie Cameron. She has arrived to collect the $640 rent money. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Lucy Sutcliffe's orange juice is served in a glass tankard with the logo for "Woodpecker Cider", a low-alcohol beverage. There is a larger version of the logo on a plaque behind the bar. Alf Sutcliffe's apron, presumably borrowed from his wife, has "The Beatles" as a motif. "J'accuse...!" (1898) was an open letter written by Émile Zola, in response to the events of "The Dreyfus Affair", and published in the newspaper, "L'Aurore". Dreyfus was a French army officer from a prosperous Jewish family, who was suspected of providing secret military information to the German government. (In 1998, the Australian satirical television program, "The Games", debuted a journalist character named Jack Hughes in an episode titled "J'Accuse".) Delores Hackenback last appeared onscreen in Episode #699. "Gentleman's Agreement" was previously mentioned in Episode #708. "The World of Suzie Wong" came out in 1960, adapted from the 1958 novel and subsequent play (1959). Brandon Smith, as Clark Harvey, is credited onscreen at the end but does not appear in the episode. The slide should have been for Bettina Welch as Maggie Cameron.

711. (11/03) In Flat 3, Dorrie, Herb and Flo arouse the wrath of Maggie Cameron over the stolen rent money. Herb is sent off to make tea, but Maggie is in a hurry. Dorrie resents her "incineration" that they have hidden the money away. Maggie is extremely rude to them; she is not about to be conned by a couple of "old harpies". Herb comes in with the tea tray and strongly defends Dorrie and Flo. Herb then opens the door and orders Maggie to leave. Marilyn and Mummy talk about Lucy's baby after luncheon in Flat 5. Edie is quite envious of Lucy and wonders how she did it? Edie is thrilled that Dean is coming to live with them in Blacktown, but Marilyn is not swayed. Reg emerges from the bathroom to head back to work. If Daddy gives Edie the address of the Blacktown house, she can go across and see it. Marilyn offers to take her there on "Tilly". Reg gives Marilyn an emphatic "No". Marilyn is still on her "L" plates, for a start. Edie doubts it would be seemly for the wife of the next DTC to be seen on the back of a motorbike. The address is 42 Lagoon Crescent. Marilyn speculates that the lagoon is the overflow from septic tanks. "We are fully sewered," protests Reg. Vera tells Trixie that she has had enough of Adam living in Flat 7 and that it is time for him to leave. Trixie herself is noisy enough to live with and Vera has the chance of a big designing project coming up. She wants him out in the next few days. From the bathroom, Adam overhears their conversation. Later, in the deli, Aldo tells Roma that she should have stopped Arnold from going out to post his resignation letter to the Meadowvale Golf Club. Roma boasts that it is "such a self-sacrificing and courageous gesture!" Over at the newspaper rack, Adam is looking up Rooms to Let, but having no luck. He is currently living in Flat 7, but doesn't want to overstay his welcome. Marilyn comes in for some Fruit 'n' Nut chocolate - it's a craving; hopefully Mrs Sutcliffe's condition is not catching? She notices Adam looking glum and has a proposition for him: he can move into Flat 5 with her when her parents move back to Blacktown! Adam is not sure he could afford half the rent, but she suggests they could find a third person to share. "There'll be no sexual complication - quite platonic," she assures him. "I'm neuter, you see." It is afternoon tea time in Flat 3 and Dorrie is spoiling Herb for his performance this morning, standing up to Mrs Cameron. Flo thinks they should talk to Vera about their suspicion that Adam stole the rent money. Dorrie still thinks it was Trixie - and, suddenly, Trixie is at their front door! "What is this? High Tea in a low dive?" They invite her in to join them. Trixie has just accepted a new gig for tonight in Coogee, but the time clashes with Flo's Happy Hour in the wine bar. Flo must decide to let the Whittakers down so that she can devote more time to Trixie's club work. Vera is vacuuming in Flat 7 when Adam comes in. He mentions that he thinks he has found somewhere to live at a price he can afford. He is grateful for Vera's kindness. Vera smiles and thanks him. Edie is being served by the Godolfuses in the deli. She carries out her large box of groceries because she can't wait for Arnold to return and deliver them. The Godolfuses talk to Trixie about Arnold's selfless gesture with the golf club and the topic turns to discrimination of other types: longhaired men not being allowed into clubs, people wearing thongs in restaurants... Trixie assures Aldo that there are worse things than being Jewish. "You could be a longhaired bloke in thongs!" Aldo and Roma are not sure how to react. On the staircase, Reg has intercepted Mother and carries her groceries up the stairs. Maggie is at their door. After her confrontations in the wine bar and with the Evanses, she may as well make it three-in-a-row. Edie offers a dry sherry, but Maggie refuses. Maggie is responding to Reg's letter about his family relinquishing Flat 5 in two weeks. Maggie will be requiring that he pay out the remaining time on the lease: three months rent, or they must stay on, despite all the travelling to Blacktown TH every day. Flo drops in to see Vera in Flat 7. She tells about their suspicion regarding Adam and the missing money. Trixie emerges from her room wearing new false eyelashes. "You look like a porcupine!" exclaims Vera. Flo can't do the early Coogee gig as she will be heading downstairs for Happy Hour, but will then travel to Bankstown Sports Club to meet up with Trixie at 9.00pm. A disappointed Trixie tries to impress upon Flo that she has to be able to rely on her accompanest. Trixie refutes Adam's early comment that money was pouring in from his copying work. None of her "muso" mates took up the offer. In the kitchen of Flat 5, Edie is upset about Mrs Cameron holding them to their lease, but Marilyn is cranky that Daddy tried to terminate it, leaving Marilyn with no place to live! Marilyn interrupts Daddy in the shower and uses his towel as blackmail to get her own way. In Norma's Bar, Flo is playing the piano while Adam sits nearby. Flo feels like she's auditioning for Liberace! They have a strained discussion about playing music for commercial purposes. Marilyn races in and pulls Adam aside to tell him about the discussion she just had with her father, but Adam warns that he may not be able to commit to moving in; her father wouldn't approve. Marilyn interprets this as Adam being inexperienced in bed - but Marilyn is "neuter", so that is not an issue. While waiting for her taxi, Trixie catches Vera searching through Adam's belongings in the spare bedroom. They find a watch in a box with a $258 price tag. After Happy Hour, Flo says goodbye to Marilyn, who soon runs into Maggie outside the bar. Maggie declares that Marilyn is "too young" at 20 to take over the lease on Flat 5. The mention of Adam as Marilyn's co-tenant does not help matters. Maggie recommends the Kindergarten two blocks away, where both of them would find lots of mature, responsible infants. Flo wolfs down her dinner (of liver and vegetables) in Flat 3 so that she can get to Bankstown Sports. Dorrie is sorting socks at the table, and objects to Flo's use of club slang: "gigs and musos". It's not the Queen's English! Flo mentions that Vera is investigating if Adam knows of the missing money. Dorrie decides that she and Flo will have to inform Maggie that they no longer want the responsibility of collecting the tenants' rents. Over the washing up in Flat 7, Vera steers the conversation to the money situation by asking Adam what time it is. She has noticed that he doesn't wear a watch. Adam says that he lost his old one and can't afford to replace it. Vera explains that Adam is the main suspect over a large sum of missing money from Flat 3. She needs to eliminate him from suspicion. Adam denies owning a watch, so Vera goes into the spare room to show him the expensive watch that she knows is in his suitcase. Or, it was, only two hours ago. Where is it now? [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

There is a Lagoon Street, The Ponds, in the greater Blacktown area, but no Lagoon Crescent. The deli's wall calendar is still displaying "January 1975".

712. (12/03) Vera's accusation proves to be a shock for Adam. He explains that Maggie sent him the watch via a courier after their shopping spree. He doesn't want, and intends to return it to her. He then shows Vera the wrapped parcel, already addressed to Maggie. Vera agrees: Maggie can be very generous, and persistent. Vera tells him that Dorrie, Herb and Flo still suspect him of stealing money. In Norma's Bar, Carol tries to pressure Dudley into telling Les about their intention to leave. Dudley doesn't want to play "Wanda, the Wicked Witch of the West" while Mrs Whitt is away. Carol offers Andy a refill and inquires after Tanya. She is surprised to learn that Tanya has left without saying goodbye to anyone. Meanwhile, Tanya and Clark are in a motel room. Clark wonders if Rosemary grew too used to being called Tanya? The worried Tanya can't relax; she is keen to leave Australia as soon as possible. Why are they still here if Andy could break the story at any time? After closing time in the wine bar, Carol again demands that Dudley inform Les of their decision to depart for new, good jobs at The Grapevine. Working for Maggie Cameron is simply too difficult. Carol explains that Dudley will be Manager, and she is to be the Hostess/Supervisor in the dining room. In Flat 7, Vera brings Trixie a prairie oyster for her hangover. Trixie doesn't remember getting home, but it was 3.00am when Flo won $5 on the pokies at The Mandarin Club. A juggler, Renaldo the Great, had insisted that Flo party on with them after the Bankstown gig. Today, Trixie has to tell Les that Flo won't be available for Happy Hour any more. The Sutcliffes head to the kitchen in Flat 8 to find that Arnold is preparing a light omelet breakfast for Lucy. He has learned of her condition; it is somewhat of an open secret around the building. Alf doesn't trust Australian doctors and an argument breaks out about the baby. Unfortunately, the pan is still under the griller - and the omelet is blackened. Arnold offers Corn Flakes instead. Dudley is shaving in Flat 4, and mentions to Carol that he promised Mr Whitt that they will stay on at least until Norma returns home. Confusion reigns: Carol has realised that accepting the jobs - and the accompanying one-bedroom apartment - means that they will purposely be living as a couple. She urges Dudley not to mention any of this to Don in his letters. Adam returns to Flat 7 from the post office, having sent off the watch to Maggie. Vera tells him that he can stay on in the flat, and there are sausages for beakfast in the oven. In Flat 1, Trixie has a black coffee to help her hangover. Les wants to hear more about Renaldo, having learned juggling himself. He demonstates his plate-spinning prowess, another trick he learned from 1001 Party Tricks. Trixie needs to talk, and a desolate Les learns of Flo's need to leave her Happy Hour job - the club gigs pay much more. Les dreads Norma's homecoming; it will be bleak with everyone abandoning the wine bar. In the deli, Les commiserates with Arnold. What will he tell Norma? "Nuts!" says Arnold, but he is just repeating Les's grocery list. Can Arnold play a musical instrument? He is quite proficient with the violin. Les imagines following him around the tables with a tambourine, as they serenade the customers. Andy comes in, but refuses to discuss the Meadowvale Golf Club. He has an ugent racing report deadline. Andy leaves and Les is lost in thought. He has a great idea that will make Norma's Bar the music entertainment hub of Sydney! A worried Tanya is alone in the motel room when Clark finally returns with two international QANTAS tickets. She is miffed that he had snuck out while she was in the shower. From now on, they do everything as a twosome. However, Clark still has some "unfinished business" to attend to alone before they leave the country. In Norma's Bar, Vera and Alf are lunching together over Dudley's Veal Stroganoff. Carol hears about Flo leaving, too, and she and Dudley are torn. Everyone's deserting Mr Whitt, like Joan Crawford's situation in the last scene of Harriet Craig. (Dudley will never forget that look of loneliness that came over Joan's face, as she climbed that staircase.) Meanwhile, Les entertains Vera and Alf with his plan to replace Flo with a one-man band! He will hire Alf's taxi to pick up some instruments from the antique store on Oxford Street. When Les returns to the counter, Vera and Alf continue to discuss Lucy's health. In Flat 7, Adam is working on melody line for his song but he is distracted by Trixie singing Give My Regards to Broadway from the kitchen. Trixie brings out a plate of corned beef sandwiches and apologises that the meat has gone "a bit curly around the edges", so she has smothered it with chutney. Adam suddenly realises that "Curly Meat" Jackson was the likely culprit to have stolen the rent money from Flat 3! That deadbeat jazz drummer? The night when Adam had dashed into the wine bar, to borrow $5 from Trixie, it was for him! He must have found the cashbox when Adam left. Adam returned, but "Curly Meat" was gone. Trixie declares that no one will be seeing that $640 again. He's probably blown the lot on drugs by now. Arnold brings cake to Lucy in the laundrette, in an effort to make up for ruining her breakfast. Lucy apologises that she and Alf always seem to be bickering. Arnold is anxious to know that this new baby would be wanted. He is reminded of his own unhappy childhood that had seen him adopted out. Les is on the phone to the antique shop ordering cheap, second hand instruments for his one-man band. In the kitchen, Dudley and Carol do the washing up. Dudley is determined to make a fresh start, away from all the reminders of Don. In Flat 6, Andy is on the phone to the newspaper. After three hours of receiving Andy's article copy, the editor is quibbling about some of its facts. Andy assures him that it will be the last race for "Sweet Sue", just as it says in his story. Andy hangs up and reaches for a cigarette when suddenly Clark lets himself in. A gun is pointing at Andy. Surely Andy didn't think that Clark would leave the country before shutting him up for good? [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Dudley Butterfield conflates several fictitious witches: the Wicked Witch of the West is from "The Wizard of Oz" novel (1900) and movies, but Wanda the Witch ("brought to you by the letter W") is from an educational cartoon short in the early days of "Sesame Street", which had begun screening in Australia from 1971! There is also Wanda Maximoff, "The Scarlet Witch", from Marvel Comics' "X-Men". A "prairie oyster" is a traditional hangover cure, made with a raw egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, salt and pepper, and sometimes a touch of tomato juice. "The Mandarin Club" was in the Sydney CBD. It folded in 2009. The movie Harriet Craig was released in 1950. Rosemary Prior's motel room seems to have the same lime green chenille bedspread as the MacDonalds' bedroom. In early plans, it was thought that the Vansards' pharmacy, later the wine bar at "Number 96", might have been an antique shop. "Give My Regards to Broadway" was written for the 1904 musical play, "Little Johnny Jones". "Sweet Sue" refers to a 1928 song, "Sweet Sue, Just You", which is inspired by actress Sue Carol. Another "Sweet Sue" was the bandleader in the 1959 movie, "Some Like it Hot". This episode was the cliffhanger ending to the 32 consecutive colour episodes (#681-712) released on DVD in 2010, "Number 96: Aftermath of Murder" (Volume 2), by Umbrella Entertainment Australia. Christmas messages from the cast are included in the "Special Features" section.

713. (13/03) Clark has the gun aimed at Andy and points out that it is fitted with a silencer. He is about to shoot when Tanya enters Flat 6 from behing him - and knocks the gun out of Clark's hand! Marilyn is off to the laundrette for her shift, but will miss out on Edie's Hawaiian Casserole for tea. Reg arrives home to Flat 5 to find Edie knitting baby's booties (for Lucy's forthcoming baby). Despite a typically convoluted discussion, a confused Reg concludes that Mother must be pregnant. In Flat 6, Andy agrees to tear up his exclusive story about the fake kidnapping if Tanya and Clark use their airline tickets and leave the country tonight. Tanya has a surprise for Andy: she doesn't want to leave after all. She pleads with Andy to let her stay. Upstairs in Flat 8, Alf has resolved that he wants Lucy to have her pregnancy terminated - and poor Lucy is confused at this change of heart. Reg is unimpressed by both Maggie's and Marilyn's stubbornness, not to mention the "abominable" evening meal. He is concerned at what is to come after - and Edie announces that it's his favourite, Banana Trifle, for afters. In Flat 8, Lucy has burnt the rump steak that she was cooking for tea because of Alf's arguing. Alf says that there would be no medical objection to Lucy getting rid of the baby. She is now determined to have the baby, no matter the risks. Arnold is a dinner guest in Flat 2, but the Godolfuses notice the he has hardly said a word all night. Arnold has been avoiding the topic of Meadowvale Golf Club. Aldo doesn't care any more. Arnold assures them that he did not post the letter - and suddenly the discussion flips and the Godolfuses are annoyed that he chose not to martyr himself! Arnold tries to explain that he has decided on a more effective method to expose the club's discrimination towards Jews. Andy returns to Flat 6 from delivering Clark to the airport - he caught the first available flight, which happened to be to Johannesburg. Tanya points out that he'll just go on to Switzerland and draw all of the money out of the bank. Andy urges Tanya to use the other ticket to return to the USA and tell her parents all about the phony kidnap plot. He believes it is the wisest move. She'd rather throw herself into a tank of piranha fish. Tanya makes a confession: she is in love with Andy! In Flat 5, Marilyn decides to use her morning off work to ride to Blacktown and check out the house. Reg wants to know about Adam, "the young rooster", whom she wants as a co-tenant. She suddenly realises that Arnold Feather would be more acceptable to Daddy as a co-habitant. He forbids her to share any dwelling with any man without the benefit of marriage. In the deli, Aldo wants to know about Arnold's plans for revenge against the golf club. Alf wants Roma's advice about Lucy's pregnancy and she takes him into the parlour. Arnold and Aldo are surprise to see Tanya again - and speaking in an American accent. She tries to bluff them that it was all for a bet. She places an order of groceries for Andy's flat and pays in cash. Reg comes in and forbids Arnold from sharing a flat with his daughter - and Arnold is stunned. In the parlour of Flat 2, Roma convinces Alf that Lucy will be safe in the care of a good doctor. If God had given Roma the chance to have a baby with Aldo, she would have taken it. Edie is doing her washing at the laundrette and manages to convince Lucy that she was pregnant as well, or is it that Marilyn and Arnold are expecting? Lucy needs to sit down. Arnold arrives with the groceries for Flat 6 and again tries to broach the topic of the golf club with Andy. Arnold wants Andy to write an article about the topic. Andy points out that he can't just fabricate a "claptrap" story on hearsay. Arnold reminds him of the "claptrap" that he wrote about that Pantyhose Murders and the death of Arnold's late wife. In Flat 5, Marilyn is back from her motorbike ride to inspect the Blacktown house. She tells Edie how awful it is: brick veneer, Venetians, ornamental fly-wire doors, and a patio bordered with fake Grecian columns wrapped with plastic ivy. Only Dame Edna Everage would want to board there. Edie points out that Dame Edna would have to share with Dean. Marilyn will relieve Lucy early and get a hamburger for lunch. Edie mentions that poor Lucy seemed awfully vague earlier today, trying to work out the real father of Marilyn's baby: Mr Sutcliffe, Adam or Arnold? Reg arrives home for luncheon and is similarly confused. Tanya is ready to leave for the airport and she asks if Andy will be here when she returns from playing "prodigal daughter"? He tells her not to return because he can't promise that he'll be waiting around. Lucy comes into the deli looking for Alf. Roma explains that he was in earlier. Now Lucy understands: Flo had called into the laundrette earlier and she gave Lucy the mail for Flat 8, because Alf wasn't home. There was also a letter for Arnold. He turns pale. Written in Patti's handwriting, the envelope is even scented with her distinctive perfume! Arnold sniffs the letter. Lucy suggests that the post office must have delayed delivering it, but it has yesterday's postmark! [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

From this episode onward, my annotated synopses will be less detailed. The length of the official Cash Harmon synopses will inform the amount of detail to be featured in the "Facebook" group page. The MacDonalds' "Hawaiian Casserole" contains canned pineapple chunks, baked beans and camp pie, cut into cubes. It was a bit mushy because Edie MacDonald forgot to drain the pineapple. "Dame Edna Everage", namedropped in this episode, is the iconic character created by Barry Humphries.

714. (14/03) It is a sad day for Les, as Flo's piano ("the old goanna") is removed from Norma's Bar and returned to Cynthia Avenue. Flo is working behind the bar because Dudley and Carol have been summoned to Maggie's office. Dorrie comes in to inform Les that she will be suing him over the pumpkin incident. A tipsy Alf has just told her that Les, not Andy, was the actual culprit. Adam returns to Flat 7 while Vera and Trixie are preparing a bag of laundry. He has been visiting "Curly Meat" Jackson at the flop house. As Adam suspected, the drummer was the culprit, but the $640 was all spent on heroin. In Maggie's office, Dudley compares Maggie's interrogation about The Grapevine to an audition for a remake of The Wicked Lady. Maggie dined at the rival venue again only last night. The food was superb but not the service. The owner mentioned that a Mr and Mrs Butterfield were commencing work soon. Carol and Dudley try to explain that they were waiting for Norma to return, but when and how was Maggie to find out? Bush telegraph? They couldn't even wait for Don to die before proclaiming themselves as man and wife. Dorrie and Flo are about to leave Flat 3 in their finery for an appointment with Maggie Cameron; they intend to confront her about no longer wanting to be responsible for the collection of the tenants' rents. At the laundrette, Vera and Trixie decide to invite Maggie over to their flat, so they can bolster Adam up as he tells her about his role in the missing money debacle. Marilyn joins them and mentions the perfumed letter that Arnold received, supposedly from Patti. It was written in a "lovey dovey" way, and was full of regret that her nursing career was keeping them apart. Herb calls in to see Les in Flat 1. Les is practising his skills as a one-man band. When Herb tries to help, his head ends up between two cymbals and he is left feeling dazed and confused. Dorrie and Flo are sent into Maggie's office by Angela. Dorrie surrenders the cashbox and receipt book. Maggie decides to cover the $640 shortfall herself. She has too many other pressing matters, so insists that Dorrie and Flo continue to collect the rents. Maggie is interrupted by a phone call, put through by Angela. It is Vera inviting Maggie over for drinks this afternoon. The reason is mysterious but Maggie accepts. Will Adam Shaw be there? Maggie fondles the watch that Adam had posted back to her. In Flat 7, Vera is uneasy with the eagerness displayed by Maggie in accepting the invitation. Trixie wonders if Adam should make himself scarce after all? Vera thinks that Maggie is in a very dangerous mood. That afternoon, Maggie learns the truth about "Curly Meat" and the missing money. Maggie denigrates Trixie and wonders if she will soon launch into the second chorus of Roll Me Over in the Clover? The bickering continues and Maggie wonders if Adam got cold feet and decided not to be here? He emerges from the spare room. Maggie suggests that such a dramatic entrance requires a puff of smoke and a roll of drums. Trixie reckons that Maggie has been playing the Demon King in pantomimes for so long that she knows the stage directions! Adam insists that he will pay the money back himself. Maggie mentions the returned watch. She also declares that she never accepts money from children. The one-man band concept has Les is in a buoyant mood in the wine bar, but he is again unsuccessful in convincing Dudley and Carol to stay on in their old jobs. It's not the money. Vera has just seen Maggie out of Flat 7. Trixie reckons they should all go out to dinner, but Adam needs to dicuss wih Marilyn about moving into Flat 5. Vera wants him to stay on in Flat 7. Maggie calls by Flat 3. Dorrie is keen to hear about how the money issue was resolved, "or is it 'classical' information?" Flo tried to tell Herb that "everything is 'tiggidy-boo' about the rent money", but he can't hear her. Now that Dorrie and Maggie are in "perfect 'harmonium'" again, Herb is sure to snap out of it. Maggie departs for a dinner engagement and Flo remembers that Dorrie usually calls Maggie "a perfect bitch". Maggie might be "a female dog", says Dorrie, but "so is 'Lassie' - and look how we all like her!" Adam comes to talk to Marilyn at the laundrette. The phone rings: it is Patti Feather, wanting to leave a message for her husband, Arnold. Marilyn is very distressed. Adam says, "But she's dead; she was murdered, wasn't she?" It is after closing in Norma's Bar, and Maggie has come to talk to Les, without the presence of "those two degenerates". Les reminds her of the last time that Maggie created staffing problems through her own actions. Les is determined to follow correct procedure, with two weeks' notice given and received. Dorrie, Herb and Flo are preparing for bed after their late-night cocoa in Flat 3. Dorrie has discovered that Les Whittaker is responsible for Herb's current hearing loss. The phone rings. It is Flo's daughter, Raylene Shackleton, with "bonza" news: she and Tyrone are expecting a baby. (Dorrie is sure that the call wasn't from "Princess Grace of 'Monaro' [sic]".) Dorrie realises that Flo's grandchild must have been conceived right here in Flat 3! She blames Herb entirely, of course, but he can't hear her anyway. In Flat 4, Dudley hears Carol sobbing in her bed. He tries to comfort her, but Maggie's words about them betraying Don have cut deep. Dudley says to her, "We can't help what's happening to us!" They embrace affectionately. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

The UK movie "The Wicked Lady" was released in 1945. When released in USA in 1946, it had some substituted footage, featuring higher necklines on some of the female characters' costumes. (The movie wasn't actually remade until 1983.) Sister Warren at the hospital, and Maggie Cameron's receptionist, Angela, are both namedropped in this episode. Angela was last seen onscreen in Episode #106. "Roll Me Over" was popular song in 1944 and just after World War II. It was sometimes sung as "Roll Me Over, Yankee Soldier", and some versions have much bawdier lyrics. The "Demon King" was "the baddie" in pantomimes. By tradition, this principal antagonist always appears "stage left", because left ("sinistra" in Italian) is associated with the Devil. Raylene Shackleton was last seen onscreen in Episode #627. Natalie Mosco's Tanya Schnolskevitska remains in the credits over Flat 6, although the character has returned to the USA.

715. (17/03) In Flat 8, Alf and Lucy are still concerned about the mysterious letter, seemingly written by the late Patti, claiming that she was on a shift at the hospital and busy with her exams. Who could be so cruel? If Alf had had his cab downstairs he would have taken Lucy down to the laundrette. She has a doctor's appointment, but Marilyn is coming in to cover for her. Lucy opens the front door; Marilyn is there, wanting to see Arnold. She tells them about the impossible phone message that she received from Patti last night. Arnold emerges from his room and hears his name being mentioned. Carol prepares breakfast in Flat 4. Dudley wants to apologise for last night, but Carol assures him that he only did what any friend would do: comfort her. Norma returns to utter chaos in Flat 1 after her blissful week in the Hunter Valley. Les is wearing his one-man-band instruments. There is a knock at the door. Maggie barges in - in a foul mood! - and falls down amid Norma's suitcases. Maggie doesn't care if Norma was visiting the Vatican! When there is trouble in the wine bar, Norma should be there. Norma learns that Carol and Dudley have given their notice to start working at The Grapevine, and Flo is no longer the pianist for Happy Hour. Norma is ropable. In the deli, everyone is concerned about how the letter in Patti's handwriting is affecting Arnold. His work is not up to its usual high standard, and he is even forgetting regular customers' names, confusing Mrs Greenbaum for Mrs Shultz. Arnold tells the Godolfuses of the phone message to the laundrette which claimed - in Patti's voice! - that she would be staying back late because her invalid patient, Graham Thompson, had had a relapse. Andy comes in for a magazine but "the freeze" is still on. Roma softens and enquires about Tanya. Andy remarks that she has gone overseas. Arnold, Roma and Aldo start bickering; each one has a different theory on Tanya's situation. Andy loses his temper and tells them to mind their own business. Maggie collides with Andy in the street and she threatens to throw him and Tanya out of Number 96. The argument escalates and Maggie slaps him! Carol and Dudley are feeling guilty about leaving the wine bar, but Norma is more understanding after realising that it was Maggie who caused most of the unrest. Meanwhile, Maggie turns up in the laundrette to confront Marilyn. Maggie had gone all the way up the stairs to find that no one was at home. (Daddy was at the TH, of course, and Mummy went to Blacktown to see the house.) Maggie intends to prevent Marilyn and "that student composer", Adam, from occupying Flat 5. "Hard cheese!" says Marilyn. Maggie intends to blacken Reg's name in both Paddington and Blacktown. In the kitchen of Flat 1, Carol burns her finger and suddenly she and Dudley realise that things are becoming more intimate. They share a passionate, yet guilty, kiss. Andy comes into Norma's Bar to use the cigarette machine. Norma offers him a conciliatory drink on-the-house, to bury the hatchet, but he has a lunch date with "a butch lady golfer". After he leaves, Les tells Norma that he is still dead against Andy for those sensationalised newspaper articles. Les is suspicious about Tanya's sudden disappearance. Has Andy "done away with her"? Aldo is peering out of the deli window and wishing that he was on the golf course. Roma wants Arnold to roster Aldo off but the Boulevard Cafe is in full swing. Arnold opens up the morning newspapers and shares the headline: "MISSING AMERICAN HEIRESS RETURNS HOME". In Norma's Bar, an elated Lucy meets up with Alf. She has just had a good report from the doctor. Dudley teases Alf about his virility, calling him "A regular Cary Grant, only not as pretty." Les offers an unpopular opinion on menopausal pregnancies. Arnold rushes in excitedly. Everyone crowds around the headline article in the paper, and they learn the truth about Tanya's real identity. According to her family, Rosemary Prior had been kidnapped in Europe and was only released after payment of a $500,000 ransom. Back in the laundrette, Lucy and Marilyn discuss the mysterious Tanya. Andy arrives with a bag of laundry, but he attempts to ignore Marilyn. She is keen to hear about his involvement, but he gets annoyed, gathers up his things and leaves for the Paradise Street laundrette. Les is pestering Alf with his theories about Andy: the doping of "I Kid You Not", the Pantyhose Murders and now this kidnapping. "The criminal mind in action." Les ropes in Alf to intensify their campaign against Andy. The afternoon papers have arrived in the deli. There is more information about Tanya's kidnapping, with the American press doubting the authenticity of the event. Arnold is convinced that Andy was an accomplice in the kidnapping. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Actor Cary Grant was married five times, but only had one child, a daughter. The deli's cigarette shelving has been revamped: now promoting Rothmans in blue signage, rather than Martins in metallic gold. Some of Pablo's colourful, abstract artworks on the wall of laundrette have been replaced by more traditional, framed landscapes. Pablo was introduced in Episode #455. Vera Collins' racehorse, "I Kid You Not" was doped in Episode #664. With this episode, Natalie Mosco's Tanya Schnolskevitska is removed from the end credits.

716. (18/03) Flo is to become a grandmother, and a rather jealous Dorrie is still upset about Raylene and Tyrone using Flat 3 for "procreational purposes"! Dorrie blames Herb, but he is still deaf from Les's cymbals. Dorrie nags Flo about how tired and haggard she is looking: "more wrinkles than the prunes we had for lunch". Reg comes to inform Dorrie of his family's intention to leave Number 96 for the Blacktown house and offers her a commission to locate a new tenant. Meanwhile, Marilyn and Edie are setting the table for dinner in Flat 5. All the houses in the street look the same! Edie claims that it is to confuse burglars. Marilyn and Reg are at loggerheads; she is determined to stay on in the flat. Lucy finds Arnold sobbing in his bedroom in Flat 8. She offers to burn the fake letter from Patti. They do agree that Arnold needs to hang onto the good times. Dorrie meets Maggie on the stairs and invites her in for Ovaltine, but Maggie is "trying to give it up". Maggie hears about Dorrie's arrangement with Reg. As long as the flat is leased to responsible, mature adults who pay their rent on time, Maggie doesn't care who moves in. They agree that Marilyn is too much of "a flibbertigibbet". Maggie surprises her by proposing that Dorrie could make some money on the side. Dorrie comes in to tell Herb in Flat 3, but he can't understand a thing. Maggie visits Vera in Flat 7. "Where's 'Loverboy'?" Adam? Trixie and Flo have taken him to see their club act. Maggie didn't come to discuss "the poor man's Leonard Bernstein". Instead, she is full of vitriol for Andy; he is surely up to his neck in the scandal surrounding Tanya's kidnapping. In Flat 8, Lucy is impressed with Arnold's knowledge of mothercraft. He once did a course about it. The phone rings and it is Patti's mother, Mrs Olsen, who wants to see Arnold tomorrow about something important. Maggie is quite sozzled and bitchy when leaving Flat 7 and she encounters Trixie and Adam on the landing. Trixie mutters, "Go and ride your broomstick, you old bag." Trixie is concerned about Flo because her performances at the club are no longer up to scratch. She heads to bed but Adam is concerned about Maggie's attitude. He intends to return the expensive suit that she had bought him. Vera thinks that Adam telling Maggie that she was "too old" for him explains the woman's demeanour. Adam's attitude towards Vera is very different. Next morning, in Flat 3, Dorrie is complaining to Herb about Flo's late nights and "laxative" morals. Herb doesn't hear her. Flo is the "veritable 'epi-tome' of vulgarity". Flo arises and mentions that Trixie is keen to move out of Flat 7; Dorrie realises that she may have found a prospective tenant for the MacDonalds' flat. Flo offers to ask Trixie but, as "conserge", it is Dorrie's "provocative". In Flat 5, Edie is washing her ceramic flying ducks, in readiness to display them in the Blacktown house. Reg agrees that they will look good on their new lounge room wall. As he prepares to leave for the TH, Marilyn warns him that he is making a big mistake in taking Mummy back to that place. All of her old friends "have one foot in the grave by now". Mummy worries about Marilyn's reluctance to move, but Daddy is sure that Dean's return will change her mind. In Flat 7, Trixie is on her way to the laundrette. Vera doesn't need to send anything with her and Adam is deep into writing his music manuscript. Dorrie arrives, with her ubiquitous clipboard, to broker a deal with Trixie to take over the lease of Flat 5. It is $50, $10 more than the MacDonalds currently pay. (The cost-of-living has been going up "astrologically".) Trixie immediately asks Adam to consider "shacking up" with her, strictly platonic, of course. At the Boulevard Cafe, a heartbroken Mrs Olsen wants to discuss condolence replies from the funeral with Arnold. She mentions those awful articles by Mr Marshall, which must have upset Arnold, too. Also her overall loneliness; her friends, who didn't know and love Patti like she did, just don't understand. Maggie arrives at Flat 7 full of rage. She interrupts Vera's lunch to say that the "ungrateful" Adam has returned the suit that she bought him. (Her secretary had described him as "a prissy, young squirt who preferred not to give his name".) Vera defends Adam as being too proud to accept Maggie's generosity. Maggie says that he is not too proud to sponge off Vera! She then insults Adam's music abilities and the concerto he wrote. "He is a big 'No Talent'!" Adam emerges from the spare room, having overheard everything! Maggie is pleased that he now knows her opinions of him, and suggests that he get "a decent job" for a change. Reg arrives home for his luncheon but Dorrie chases him up the stairs to announce that she has secured Trixie O'Toole to move into Flat 5. Edie is singing to herself as she washes her plastic flowers in the bathtub. Reg is pleased about Trixie's decision because now Marilyn will have to move with them to Blacktown. In the kitchen of Flat 7, Vera has given up on her sandwiches, after all the drama, and is cooking a hot lunch for herself and Adam. He is rather sullen, sitting at the small kitchen table. "Maggie does it to everyone," says Vera. Adam's temper explodes after Vera's attempts to get him to cheer up and smile. He is "a man, not a little boy". Adam slams the fridge door closed. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Leonard Bernstein was last namedropped in Episode #708. Edie MacDonald's first song is from the stage musical, "Paint Your Wagon" (1951). Clint Eastwood sang "I Talk to the Trees" in the 1969 movie version. The MacDonalds' ceramic flying duck set used to be displayed in Flat 8 in 1972. Susan Swinford returns to reprise her role as Patti Feather's bereaved mother, Mrs Olsen. Susan is also the writer of this story arc. "Chromakey" (bluescreen) is used to insert outdoor scenery into the Flat 5 kitchen window. Episode #708's streetscape background of the actual Moncur Street in Woollahra, is again used behind the actors and "Boulevard Cafe" furniture. The identical parked cars are still in place and the completed scenes still leave obvious bluish outlines. Edie sings again, this time a song made famous by Betty Grable in "Springtime in the Rockies" (1942). Maggie's secretary was Monica, who was introduced onscreen in Episode #180.

717. (19/03) Alf is having second thoughts about helping Les to continue trying to scare Andy out of the building with the skeleton. They have to do their scheming in Flat 8 because Norma has put her foot down. In Flat 7, Adam is terribly upset about Vera treating him like a child. Adam does have an apology for her, but Vera is concerned that the situation between them is evolving. Reg mentions that Trixie has signed the lease to sub-let Flat 5. Marilyn already knows about this; Trixie has invited her to stay on with her and Adam! She can even keep her same bedroom. In the wine bar, Andy and Norma have a heart-to-heart conversation about his love for Tracey Wilson, and how the editor had twisted the articles he wrote beyond recognition. In the kitchen of Flat 1, Dudley tells Carol that he is regretting their decision to leave Norma's Bar for The Grapevine. Carol reminds him that Maggie's attitude left them with no choice. They agree that moving into that flat above their new workplace with be a defining step in their deepening relationship. Flo's health continues to deteriorate; traipsing around after Trixie on her club circuit is taking its toll, and Dorrie refuses to let Flo sleep in of a morning. Trixie and Flo go into the kitchen of Flat 7, so as not to disturb Adam. Flo is still keen as she is earning "decent dosh" for the first time in her life. Herb tries to read the newspaper in Flat 3 while Dorrie is doing her calculations aloud. She realises that they are making a $520-a-year nest egg from the sub-lease that she organised for the MacDonalds' flat. That will pay for Frank's funeral and it also one-ups Flo, with her "nouv-ay rich-ay" ideas. Dorrie suddenly realises that Herb has not been reacting to any of her banter. Something has to be done about his hearing! Dorrie is feeling so lonely; it is grounds for divorce. Vera arrives back from a fabric-shopping expedition in the hot weather. There were no cabs, so she had to catch a bus. The parcels spill to the floor and she and Adam share an awkward moment as he helps her to retrieve them. Vera offers that Adam can stay on in this flat, but he's already promised Trixie. They embrace and almost kiss - but Trixie and Flo suddenly emerge from the kitchen. A flustered Vera shows off her purchases. While Marilyn is sewing in Flat 5, Edie receives a call from Dean announcing his change of plans. He is still in Adelaide and won't be returning to Sydney after all. He has met a girl and wants to be with her. Edie's enthusiasm is depleted and Reg cannot convince Mother that moving to Blacktown is for the best. Reg is going to Blacktown even if it is alone! In Flat 4, Carol is trying to find good light to brush her hair and accidentally notices Don's framed photo on a shelf. She and Dudley discuss The Grapevine, which doesn't seem to be affecting patronage of Norma's Bar. Maybe they will tell the Whittakers that they will stay on after all? Edie is devastated in Flat 5 and Marilyn is unable to console her. Reg insists that it his decision, as head of the household, to take the whole family to Blacktown - or even Wagga Wagga if he chooses! Edie sobs that she'll feel all alone, with only the gnomes for company. "A gnome is not a home." Daddy reminds them that it is the prestige of his promotion to DTC that is at stake. Marilyn offers Mummy a place in Trixie's flat when she takes it over, but Edie will go to Blacktown. "Behind every good man is a woman," she admits. Norma is on the phone to Mr Dent of the Albatross Employment Agency yet again. There is still no one available to work in a wine bar? "I'm not a bloody octopus!", exclaims Norma. Dudley and Carol overhear the situation and offer to stay on. Norma is ecstatic! Up in Flat 8, an attempt to dangle the skeleton outside Andy's window is made. Of course, Alf and Les manage to let it drop! (The knot was "a clove hitch with a sheepshank influence".) Andy fails to notice the skeleton. It bounces off the deli's awning and onto Dorrie. She screams (again) and Herb tries to untangle her! While making their escape into the stairwell, Les and Alf bump into Lieutenant Swanson (Stuart Finch), an inspector with the CIB (Commonwealth Investigation Branch). He is looking for Andy Marshall. Alf goes back up to his flat while Les escorts the inspector down to the wine bar. Inside Norma's Bar, Dorrie is recovering from her altercation with the skeleton. Flo has it propped up on a stool beside her. Dorrie hopes the whole incident was "a fragment of my imagination" - but promptly faints when she sees it again! Lieutenant Swanson introduces himself to Andy. The American FBI want the inspector to make local enquiries about a Miss Rosemary Prior. [Episode written by Michael Lawrence; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Vera Collins' orange-wrapped, rectangular parcel has now featured as a prop in three recent episodes. (Firstly carried by Adam Shaw, then Tanya Schnolskevitska, and now Vera.) Edie MacDonald usually refers to the garden gnomes as her "little men", but not in this instance. Dean MacDonald is namedropped in this episode, with his mother chatting to him on the phone about his new girlfriend in Adelaide. That girlfriend will move to Sydney and appear regularly from Episode #776. The scene of Alf Sutcliffe and Les Whittaker at the front window of Flat 8 was again filmed by combining a shot of "Moncur Flats" in Woollahra with a replica window frame using "Chromakey" (bluescreen). The set-up is identical to Episode #709. The outline of the suspended skeleton, instead of a pumpkin, shows a bluish tinge. One hand essentially vanishes during the scene. Several of the same continuity errors remain: Alf and Les are too large for the window. All of the blinds are down on external shots of the Flat 6 windows, but the window of the internal set has at least one blind fully up. The skeleton changes colour from cream to stark white - and back again. Stuart Finch portrays Lieutenant Swanson. He returns in Episode #718. Previously he played Tim Grose, a porno film creator, appearing from Episode #311. Stuart would return as the recurring character, Ian Chester, from Episode #929, and a ute driver in Episode #1086.

718. (20/03) The Godolfuses bicker in the deli over Aldo's spine. ("My spine is fine!") Arnold is concerned about Mrs Olsen's welfare, so Roma offers to organise a dinner for them all. In Flat 8, Lucy scolds Alf for being late for dinner and getting involved in Les's latest mad scheme to scare Andy. Alf mentions the suspected underworld figure who was hovering around Flat 6. One of Andy's kidnapping cronies? Les is staring across the wine bar, trying to work out who is sitting with Andy? Norma is reaching the end of her tether. Lieutenant Swanson is keen to learn from Andy why Rosemary Prior's passport says that she was in Australia, even though the Prior family believes that their daughter was in Europe. Why did she put Andy's address as her own on her Immigration Arrivals card? Next morning, in Flat 8, Lucy wants to stay in bed for a while as she is not feeling well. Alf offers to bring her breakfast in bed - but suddenly Arnold is knocking on the bedroom door. He brings in a tray. Lucy's face indicates that she is not feeling like poached egg and creamed corn on toast. Meanwhile, in Flat 1, Norma is awoken by Les's one-man band. He is certainly no replacement for Flo and her piano, but he persists in rehearsing. Norma is shocked to meet little Chico (Herself) in her bathroom. Les has been training the capuchin monkey to collect his tips. Norma races out into the lounge room to answer the phone. It is Dorrie informing her that Flo is ill and can't clean in the wine bar today. Norma keeps trying to get Les to have a sleep after his night duty. Aldo comes into Flat 2 after an early morning round of golf at the Municipal course. Roma still thinks it will be good for Aldo when Arnold gets him approved for the Meadowvale Golf Club. While Arnold is on the phone to Mrs Olsen, a deli customer parks his ute full of caged chickens outside the shop and comes in for cigarettes. While the Godolfuses talk about the meal for Mrs Olsen, Arnold has a difficult time with a long, wooden plank, the postman, some pedestrians, and the chickens in the ute. Andy's breakfast is interrupted by the arrival of Lieutenant Swanson at Flat 6. He annoys Andy with endless questions. Andy denies knowing the details of Rosemary's kidnapping, nor the location of the $500,000 in ransom. Alf is making a bacon sandwich for lunch in Flat 8, but Les is eating all of the ingredients as Alf assembles it. Les is convinced there are clues hidden in Flat 6. "Breaking and entering?" wonders Alf. Les has studied the art of lock-picking. Andy and Norma discuss the kidnapping and she volunteers to be a friendly ear if Andy needs to confide in her. In the deli, Roma warns Aldo about not mentioning to Mrs Olsen about the fake letter and phone call from "Patti". Swanson comes to the deli to question Aldo about Rosemary Prior. As Tanya, she had begun working in the deli when Freda Fuller was the owner. Roma has too much to say on the matter when she mentions the $5000 in American money that once fell from Tanya's handbag. Outside Norma's Bar, Andy, Lucy and Norma chat together. The two women realise that their husbands have seemingly vanished. Inside Flat 6, Les startles Alf by wiring up the light fittings to make them flicker. They can hear Andy and Swanson approach the front door so they hide in the main bedroom. Once inside the flat, Swanson has more questions about Rosemary. A crawling rubber hand, ghostly sounds, and an exploding ashtray make Andy look like a complete fool in front of inspector. Swanson warns Andy that he might soon be on trial - and a fake severed head drops from the ceiling between them! In the wine bar, Norma tells Andy that Les has been missing all day and has had no sleep since last night's shift - and he is due to go to work again very soon. Norma is interrupted by a phone call: it is from Les and Alf, who are trapped in Andy's flat, thanks to the deadlock on the front door. Lieutenant Swanson comes in to tell Andy that his investigations have come to a stop following receipt of a cable from America. The FBI considers the matter closed. The dinner with Mrs Olsen is progressing as well as could be expected, with everyone trying not to mention Patti. Mrs Olsen breaks down as she reveals that she, too, has been receiving nasty phone calls from someone impersonating her deceased daughter. This morning there was a letter: it contained a lock of Patti's hair! [Episode written by Michael Lawrence; directed by Brian Phillis.]

The production code for this episode is "XA7222". An impromptu joke is made (on the unaired leaderstrip) about "Room 222", the US TV drama which sometimes pre-empted daytime repeats of "Number 96" at the time. "Chico", the capuchin monkey, can be seen staring off camera at her unseen animal wrangler. She also reaches out a hand to jingle the bells on Les Whittaker's helmet. This species of monkey was often trained to be used by European organ grinders. Audiences never find out what Arnold was doing with the long plank of wood.

719. (21/03) Herb is still as deaf as a post. Dorrie has taken to her swooning couch in Flat 3, still recovering from the skeleton incident. She notes that Flo is looking old with all of her late nights. Dorrie and Flo threaten to send Herb to an "Ear, Nose and Mouth" [sic] specialist, or perhaps an "aca-puncturist"? Dorrie would rather not spend the money to fly him to Mexico. Flo mentions how the Chinese stick the long needles into "very unusual places", so Herb ends his pretence that he has gone deaf. Carol and Dudley return to Flat 4 after their shift at Norma's Bar. Carol's feet are killing her and Dudley jokes about his foot fetish. The Godolfuses discuss the traumatic dinner over the washing up in Flat 2, and the loneliness of poor Mrs Olsen. The phone rings and Roma wonders at the lateness of the hour. "Someone must pay. My death has not yet been avenged," says the hoax phone caller pretending to be Patti. Next morning, Reg is leaving for the TH, leaving a maudlin Edie to continue wrapping her "little men" for the move to Blacktown. It's too late to change all the arrangements now. Adam and Trixie are busily packing their suitcases in Flat 7. It seems obvious that Vera now regrets setting in motion her lodgers' removal downstairs. The MacDonalds expect to be out by mid-morning. Flo is knitting booties in Flat 3 and Dorrie calls it "pathetic" and "silly". Maggie visits to collect the tenants' rent. She throws Dorrie into a panic with the expectation that Dorrie will be responsible for furnishing the vacant flat. Dorrie had assumed that the MacDonalds were leaving their furniture. In the main entrance of Number 96, Maggie accuses Dudley of being deceitful towards Don, especially considering his condition. Dudley breaks the news that he and Carol are no longer leaving for The Grapevine, then he pretends to trip over Maggie's broomstick. A huge argument breaks out in Flat 3 as Dorrie tries to coerce Flo into giving up some of her furniture to put them into Flat 5. Flo could sleep on the couch! Herb offers a better idea: the cellar has lots of furniture in it! Dorrie berates him for taking so long to share the idea. While trying to buy corned beef for Daddy's luncheon, Edie breaks down in the deli over the move to Blacktown. Even though the outer suburb's air is fresher, she doesn't want to go! "Blacktown doesn't have Bohemians and hippies and female impersonators and intellectuals" - nor all that lovely congestion. Edie would rather be dead. While Trixie packs in Flat 7, Vera wants to know about Adam's family. (He always changes the subject.) Trixie thinks that his mother died when Adam was quite young. The Dad was into music, but had no luck or success, and he eventually suicided. Trixie and Adam bid a fond farewell to a sad Vera. Dorrie will attempt to implement the scheme that Maggie had mandated. She and Flo return with Herb from the expedition to the cellar. Everything stored down there was rubbish, only a few broken chairs! Flo recalls that the "wicker whatnot" that used to be down there was donated to the Senior Cits' jumble sale. How can Dorrie afford to buy furniture while "living on a G-string, as we do"? Over luncheon in Flat 5, Reg wonders about his farewell gift from the TH, oblivious to his wife's emotional state. As Edie runs off to the bedroom, Trixie and Adam come through the front door. Dorrie had told them that the flat was vacant from today! Reg insists that it will be next week. In Flat 7, a dejected Vera has sandwiches and milk for lunch. There is a radio/cassette recorder on the coffee table; she puts on some music. (It is the melancholy Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninoff.) As soon as Vera puts her feet up, there is a knock at the door. "The prodigals return!" In walk Trixie and Adam, apologising for turning Vera's day into a comedy routine. Trixie takes her bags into the spare bedroom. Adam and Vera share a secret smile; he'll be under her feet for another week. Roma sweeps the footpath around the Boulevard Cafe furniture and warns Aldo not to breathe in the dust. Reg comes past on his way to the TH and the Godolfuses try warning him about his wife's fragile emotional state. He refuses to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. Roma tries to tell Reg that, from personal experience, "once you leave a place, it is very difficult to go back." The reunited residents of Flat 7 share a laugh. There is a knock at the door - and it is Maggie. She is remorseful for her recent bitchy behaviour and apologises. She informs Adam that the music agent, Clinton Mather, wants to see him. Despite Maggie's earlier comments to the contrary, Adam's concerto shows "great promise" and "flashes of genius", according to Dr Mather. Trixie remains dubious, convinced that this is yet another attempt by Maggie to get her hooks into Adam. In Flat 4, Carol has her head in Dudley's lap. She questions if he has always been homosexual? Dudley thinks that it is a fact, but perhaps he is bisexual? He adds that he has never felt about any girl the way he thinks of Carol. She admits to feeling guilty whenever she thinks of Don. Flo delivers the mail, pointing out that the airmail letter from Heidelberg is from Don. "That saves us wondering..." quips Carol. Fearing the worst, Dudley opens the envelope, reads the brief letter - and goes very quiet. Don is coming back to Number 96. Carol is stunned. [Episode written by Michael Lawrence; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Dorrie Evans assumes that acupuncturists come from Acapulco. Baroness Amanda Von Pappenburg gave Flo Patterson her antique four-poster bed when she moved to Heidleberg. However, it was described as "almost-new" when first given to Dorrie Evans in Episode #454. After a huge argument while trying to assemble it, during Episode #455, the bed ends up in Flo's room instead. A "whatnot" is a small, multi-tiered, ornament stand. Vera Collins' music selection would eventually be featured in the 1980 movie, "Somewhere in Time". "Chromakey" (bluescreen) is used to insert the same background of the actual Moncur Street in Woollahra behind the actors and "Boulevard Cafe" furniture as featured in Episodes #708 and #716. The same parked cars are still in place and the completed scene leaves obvious bluish outlines. In Episode #702, Dudley Butterfield had first revealed to Carol Finlayson that he was once married (to Jan Butterfield).

720. (24/03) Herb and Flo are in the deli where Flo is buying sausages. Sausages Provencarli [sic] again, because she is "too whacked" to make anything else. On his way out, Herb picks up a couple of rolls of Quick-Eze and asks Aldo to put them "on the slate". Arnold is on the phone to Mrs Olsen. Marilyn, Aldo and Roma discuss the nasty campaign that seems to be aimed at tormenting both Arnold and his mother-in-law, and Edie's reluctance to accept the move to Blacktown. Marilyn herself is gloomy, too. Arnold offers to take her to dinner at the Holiday Inn to relieve some of her, to coin a phrase, "Stygian gloom". She accepts, seemingly imagining a new, romantic future on the horizon, then races upstair to wash her hair. In the laundrette, Lucy receives a postcard from Hong Kong. It is signed by a Vanessa, whom she eventually realises is her niece, the daughter of Lucy's banker brother, George, and his wife, Myrtle. Vanessa plans to visit them for an extended stay very soon. The proposed visit really upsets Alf. He remembers the young girl as being a snob, even at age eight or nine. In Flat 3, Dorrie is on the phone to her daughter, Joan. Now that Raylene and Tyrone are expecting, Dorrie is anticipating a grandchild of her own. If germophobe husband, Dennis Parker, is not up to the job, Joan will have to be "artificially incinerated". Dorrie warns Joan to calm down or she'll get a nosebleed. Flo and Herb arrive home - Dorrie is unimpressed by the thought of more Sausages Provencarli. Herb mentions that he and Dorrie had no luck today trying to get a bank loan from Mr Fisher. Dorrie wants Flo to lend her $1000 - that would cover the basic essentials, a "mere fleabite" - to furnish the MacDonalds' flat, but Flo only has $253. Dorrie thinks that she might go quite "beresk". Edie is distraught about the impending move back to Blacktown. Many of the things in Flat 5 have been packed, including all of the knives. Maybe they could have baked beans? Reg is not impressed. Edie's spirits are lifted, somewhat, when Marilyn emerges from her bedroom, all dressed up for a date with Arnold. Marilyn greets Arnold with, "Hello Darling, let's get out of this madhouse!" Daddy almost feels sorry for Arnold Feather, with Marilyn so determined to stay in Paddington. Alf drops into the laundrette with several cans of beer, having eaten dinner at the pub. His shift starts in three hours. Alf hasn't forgotten that Lucy wasn't welcome to stay at her brother's house at "Wimbledon SW19, don't you know" because George and Myrtle thought that Lucy had married beneath her. Lucy recalls that Vanessa won a scholarship to attend the Slade Art School. Poor Arnold will have to put up with a camp bed while Vanessa is visiting, but she won't be staying as long as Alf's Mum did! If Vanessa comes to stay, Alf intends to move out. In Flat 3, Herb is belching after the Sausages Provencarli. That meal never did agree with him! A tired Flo has to head out for Trixie's next gig. Dorrie tells Flo that she should give up all of her club jobs and start acting her age. Flo wants to know how that would raise the money that Dorrie needs for Flat 5? Dorrie is speechless, for once. She belches in tandem with Herb. Over dinner at the Holiday Inn's The Red Baron restaurant, Arnold admits to Marilyn that he has always had affection for her, but she is still quite young and he thought she had decided that she was "neuter" gender? Marilyn tries to kiss him, but the "Maître d'Hôtel" arrives with a tray of drinks. "Don't you want to marry me?" she asks Arnold. Over their liqueurs, Arnold explains that he cannot marry Marilyn because, "to coin a phrase, in point of actual fact, good Jewish boys don't marry Gentile girls." Marilyn gets very confused. Next morning, in Flat 8, Lucy is making plans to redecorate the guest room with new curtains, a pretty bedspread, a frilly lampshade and a "crinoline lady" bed doll to put on the pillow. Alf doesn't believe that Vanessa ever attended Roedean School in Brighton; her father just wanted people to think that she did. Over breakfast in Flat 5, Marilyn complains about Arnold being Jewish. She is not being racist, she just knows how difficult it would be to marry a Jewish man. Mummy is bewildered; isn't Marilyn "neutralised" or something? Marilyn got over being a lesbian, so surely she could get over being Anglican? Reg will be working through luncheon today, so he encourages Mother to go shopping. He gives her some money towards curtains and other essentials for the new Blacktown house. Marilyn's face lights up as she considers what she might do for lunch. With Aldo practising his golf in the parlour of Flat 2, Arnold and Roma are behind the counter in the deli. Arnold tells a startled Roma of his plan to become a Jew, partly inspired by Dudley's mention of a Gregory Peck movie. This would assist him in his campaign against anti-semitism at the Meadowvale Golf Club. He can start with a crash course in Yiddish. The Red Phone rings and it is Marilyn, who invites Arnold upstairs for lunch. He accepts. At the laundrette, Lucy wants some time off to shop for things for her guest bedroom, but Marilyn had planned to buy fish to cook a Kosher meal for Arnold. Perhaps some jewfish? Herb and Dorrie meet Edie in the deli and Dorrie mentions that she hoped the MacDonalds weren't taking their old "tacky" furniture to their beautiful new home in Blacktown. Think of what she could buy for $253! Aldo is hearing, for the first time, about Arnold's conversion to the Jewish faith. Flo comes in as Edie heads out. Dorrie thinks that Mr Feather being Jewish is "all my eye and Mary Martin". Flo has mail for Herb, who announces some great news: the bank has sent him a Bankcard, worth $1000! (Free money? Dorrie wears a self-satisfied smirk.) Aldo tells Roma that he is thrilled about Arnold's desire to convert to Judaism. He will be like their true son! "Our son, the manager!" Marilyn has invited Arnold up to Flat 5 for a nice Kosher lunch but she makes a terrible mess of her attempt at improvising "gefilte Fish Fingers". She so wanted to surprise him - and then the pan catches fire! In Flat 3, Dorrie is convinced that their bank manager, Mr Fisher, must have changed his mind and sent out the Bankcard to Herb. Arnold must return to the deli. He thanks his hostess for the baked beans, which are Kosher. Marilyn misunderstands the situation: she will become a Jew, too, and then she can marry Arnold. Poor Arnold looks worried. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Herb Evans' preemptive purchase of "Quick-Eze" antacids is a sly indication of Flo's cooking skills. The two names of Lucy's banker brother are never connected in a script, but he is... a George Harrison. Joan Parker appeared onscreen in a story arc from Episode #283. Her husband, Dennis Parker, had already been introduced in Episode #271. Bank Manager, Mr Fisher, appeared onscreen in Episode #633. "Wimbledon SW19" is the geographic postcode for the "All England Club". The prestigious "UCL Slade School of Fine Art" is at "University College London" is in London, England. The blond extra, Mark Markham, can again be spotted as the "maître d'hôtel" of "The Red Baron". "Roedean" is a private English boarding school, established in 1885. The Gregory Peck movie "Gentleman's Agreement" (1947) was previously referenced in Episode #708 but, here, Arnold Feather misremembers its title as "Darling" (probably thinking of 1946's "My Darling Clementine", a Western featuring Peck). Australia's "Bankcard" was officially launched in October 1974 by then-Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam. A significant marketing campaign followed the card's launch including what was then the biggest direct mail marketing campaign in Australia to date. The concept of "gefilte Fish Fingers" is a very funny callback to Edie MacDonald's go-to frozen meal.

721. (25/03) Trixie and Flo are chatting in Flat 7. Trixie notices that Flo is still looking weary. There will be a break in performing, at least until that Maroubra one on the weekend - and the Queen Charlotte's Ladies' Club social, but "that'll be a breeze". Flo apologises for playing the finale last night, instead of Trixie's opening number. As Trixie breaks into a rendition of Stout-Hearted Men, Adam and Vera return from a concert at the Sydney Opera House. Vera will need Adam to teach her about music. Trixie decides that she and Flo should go out to dinner in Norma's Bar, giving Vera and Adam some alone time. Dorrie and Herb return to Flat 3 from a shopping spree, having spent the whole $1000 on Herb's new Bankcard. Dorrie will insist that Aldo and the laundrette start accepting Bankcard. She reprimands Herb for being "faecetial" when she is so tired. Herb remembers that the MacDonalds aren't moving until next week and the furniture order is set for immediate delivery. Dorrie insists that the stores are never so efficient. If the furniture arrives early, it'll have to be stacked in the spare room. "But what about Flo?" A litle inconvenience; after all, Dorrie just saved Flo $253. Norma is studying her wine books in Flat 1, preparing for the wine-tasting event she is planning. She is probably doing more tasting than studying. Les arrives home from day shift at the hospital with the bizarre news that Patti Feather had rung in, putting Sister Bottomley in quite a state. (The fake Patti could not come in to work today because her husband needed her.) The MacDonalds all talk at cross purposes in Flat 5. Mummy anticipates Tetron curtain fabric, patterned with purple daisies, and her future loneliness, Daddy has arrangements to confirm for the move, and Marilyn has failed as a heterosexual, a lesbian, a neuter and a Jew! She storms off to get drunk downstairs. Dorrie is determined to move the dressing table, from Flo's room in Flat 3, up into Flat 5. After all, "it is a well known fact" that Flo never uses its mirror! Flo points out that, according to Trixie, Bankcards must be paid back in full in 25 days! Dorrie is unconvinced. In the kitchen of Flat 7, Vera is preparing steak and salad for two. Adam compliments her on the choice of classical music. (She went into a record shop and picked out the cassette tape with the prettiest cover!) Trixie is off downstairs and she and Flo will probably end up at the Paddington RSL Club to play the pokies. (Trixie is known as the "Paddo Pokie Perp".) In the wine bar, Norma is frustrated by all of the wine varieties. Andy leaves; he has a date with... a typewriter. Marilyn's plans are upset by Trixie, who tries to convince her to go back to Blacktown instead of moving in with her and Adam. In Flat 6, a female figure emerges from the spare room. It is Tanya! She came back? "I had to, Andy, I just had to." Just as Vera and Adam finish dinner in Flat 7, and things are getting romantic, a phone call comes in for Adam from Dr Clinton Mather. He wants to see him about his concerto. Andy reacts badly to the surprise return of Tanya; he told her not to come back to Flat 6. Andy doesn't want her here and tells her to get out. He hands her a drink. Edie is ironing her doilies in Flat 5. They will look so shabby in the new house. Reg suggests buying new ones, but these were crocheted by Edie's late mother, for a wedding gift. Marilyn returns in a huff and announces that Trixie, too, has rejected her. She is coming to Blacktown after all, and will get a cat and a parrot and let the cobwebs grow over her. She will be an "old maid". Edie is thrilled. Dorrie receives a call from Maggie Cameron to say that she can add an additional cut for herself whenever a tenant's lease gets renewed. Dorrie imagines a future with an extra $80 per week. She could buy Joan a new home! Dorrie accidentally mentions that Herb is about to be a grandfather; following Dorrie's advice, Joan was "artificially incinerated". They are not telling Flo yet. "At last, all our storks are coming home to roost!" Andy tells Tanya about how he was a police suspect in the kidnapping and extortion debacle. He assumes that her rich parents paid the FBI to call off the investigation? Andy is also worried about Clark Harvey coming back, but Tanya states that her father had Clark killed. In the wine bar, Flo is about to call it a night. Norma invites her and Trixie to a wine-tasting on Friday afternoon. Some new wines from the Hunter Valley will be introduced. Trixie reminds Flo that that is the afternoon of the Queen Charlotte gig. Trixie is feeling guilty about rejecting Marilyn as a boarder. In Marilyn's bedroom in Flat 5, Reg tries to approach the subject of their return to Blacktown calmly, but Marilyn refuses to discuss the issue. After dinner, Vera and Adam are dancing in the subdued lighting of Flat 7. While discussing Adam's childhood - his composer father suicided when Adam was 12 - he declares that he wants to make good in his music career for his father's sake. An enemy composer stole Mr Shaw's unpublished symphony and burnt it. He was too depressed to redraft it. An aunt took over raising Adam and steered him away from music and his mad father's legacy. "A dangerous load of old rubbish!" After three years, Adam ran away. He did odd jobs, played music in pubs, and fell in with "Curly Meat" Jackson - until Trixie and Vera got him away from all that. Vera is confident that Adam will succeed if he believes in himself. They share a passionate kiss. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Queen Charlotte (1744-1818) was wife to King George III. In recent years, a fictitious Queen Charlotte has been a feature character in the "Bridgerton" (2020- ) streaming series. "Stout-Hearted Men" is an original song composed for the 1927 operetta, "The New Moon". The oft-mentioned Sister Bottomley can't get locked in the hospital morgue anymore (as in Episode #632) because a safety lock has been installed on the door.

722. (26/03) It is 8.15am in Flat 4 and Dudley is about to collect Don from the airport. Carol is beside herself with worry. Why is Don coming back when the plan was for him to die alone overseas? She won't be able to cope, pretending not to know that Don is dying. Dudley quotes the old Chinese saying, "Don't cross bridge until there is Honourable Bridge to cross." In Flat 3, Herb is still grappling with why the bank would send him $1000 on a Bankcard? Mr Fisher is only the Branch Manager, but the card came from Head Office. Three delivery men suddenly enter with a huge wall cabinet. Dorrie directs them into the spare room. Flo is bewildered; that's her room. Over breakfast in Flat 7, Vera and Adam almost get to talk about last night but Trixie suddenly returns from investigating all the shouting one floor below. Trixie mentions that she won $100 of the pokies, but Flo missed out on half because she went home early. Vera wishes Adam luck as he heads off to meet with Clinton. She returns to the table and Trixie asks how the music lesson went last night. "It went quite well." Tanya has made breakfast for Andy in Flat 6, but he still wants her to leave and get her own place. She claims to be down to her last 5 cents, not enough to buy a newspaper to check the Flats to Let section. After Tanya heard Mr Prior boast about having Clark killed, she realises just how much she detests her father for his hypocrisy. In Flat 5, Reg is leaving for the TH and Edie attempts to sound uplifted about the move to Blacktown. Edie reminds Marilyn of her old friends, like the Hamilton boy. "A pervy little freak!" - and Marilyn was ten at the time. Reg says that the Brothertons live on the corner and Mrs Brotherton is planning a welcoming party to introduce Marilyn to the social whirl. As soon as Daddy's gone (where he meets a concerned Trixie on the stairs), Edie breaks down in tears. Marilyn tries to comfort her, but Reg returns for a forgotten report on domestic pollutants that he promised to return to the TH archives - and overhears the truth! Edie dislikes the awful house and that Mrs Brotherton. A taxi pulls up in Lindsay Street and Dudley and Don emerge, just as Trixie reaches the foyer. Trixie and Don embrace. Flo comes out of the deli and hears Trixie's news about Don. Flo wants to follow him up the stairs but Trixie doesn't think he looks too well. "So he's come home to die, after all?" Don enters Flat 4 and affectionately greets his kid sister with "G'day, Fishface!" Flo and Dorrie are still arguing about the new furniture when Trixie arrives in Flat 3. Flo keeps locking her bedroom so Dorrie can't stack furniture in it. Herb is exasperated by all the bickering. Vera is working on a garment in the spare room of Flat 7 when Adam arrives, excited after his meeting with Clinton. If he scores the concerto for full orchestra, they can try it out with the Sydney Symphony, and add it to the next season at the Opera House! He should take Vera to lunch to celebrate. Tanya is pacing the floor of Flat 6 but darts into the spare room when she hears Andy returning home for lunch. Andy finds her sobbing on the bed, but he's angry and suspicious of her motives. She admits that she is in love with him. Andy leaves Tanya there and goes out for lunch. In Norma's Bar, Carol tells Don that they are celebrating his return with complimentary champagne. Vera and Adam come in and Vera is beside herself with happiness at seeing Don again. She introduces Adam and Don urges them to help him with the free champagne. Carol finds herself in a dilemma; she pulls Dudley aside and mentions that Don seems so ill. In Flat 5, Reg has returned from work, but is in no mood for luncheon. He breaks the news that his promotion has fallen through, and they will no longer be moving to Blacktown. A lesser qualified PS (Public Servant) was appointed as DTC of Blacktown. The man's wife is more socially prominent: a talented hostess who is untiring in her charity work. Edie is astounded: it is herself who is holding back Daddy's career aspirations? "If the cap fits, then you may wear it..." says Reg as he goes to pour himself a sweet sherry. Edie pleads for Daddy to grant her a divorce so that he can be free to advance his career. "Any grounds. You can say I slept with Mr Evans!" Reg reminds her that divorced men have no career path in LG. In the kitchen of Flat 7, Trixie sings A Good Man is Hard to Find but she transposes some words and it becomes the ribald version. Vera enters and Trixie muses about her risque version of the nursery rhyme, Ride a Cock Horse. Vera turns to Trixie for some advice; Vera is encouraged not to hold back her feelings for Adam just because he is young. Antonio the Juggler just got married at 68, to a girl who is only seventeen! Vera admits that she wants Adam but, for his sake, she must resist. Dorrie clambers over furniture to answer Flat 3's door. She learns from Reg that the MacDonalds are no longer moving away. Furthermore, Flo and Herb rush in with the news that the $1000 wasn't Herb's to spend; the Bankcard belonged to a Herbert Evans of Oxford Street. Don, Carol and Dudley return to Flat 4, where Don reveals that Amanda had informed him that no one expected to see him again. They were all expecting him to die overseas. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

"A Good Man is Hard to Find" (1917) was first sung by Trixie O'Toole in Episode #636, but has become a running gag. Reginald P. MacDonald's final handling of the withdrawn DTC (Deputy Town Clerk) promotion seems to be particularly cruel towards his wife.

723. (27/03) Don explains to Dudley and Carol in Flat 4 that his illness is not a fatal blood disease after all. An endocrinologist, Doctor Eugene Zorfitch of Switzerland, has diagnosed a psychosomatic syndrome. In Flat 1, Norma uses a posh voice to telephone a journalist, Mr Leon Delgardie, to her wine-tasting on Friday afternoon. Les shows Alf the book, Social Etiquette for Beginners to help him adjust to living with Vanessa. Norma joins them for a beer and imagines how Vanessa might sound after her ballet, elocution lessons and Roedean education. Norma hopes that the Sutcliffes' niece arrives in time for the wine-tasting. She must remember to ask Don. They wonder why Don came back? In the deli, Arnold is keen to learn some more Yiddish phrases and Roma wants to learn Australian expressions from him. Mrs Olsen suddenly comes into the deli with a new letter, again supposedly penned by Patti. This time it mentions her and Arnold enjoying Tahiti. Arnold realises that whoever is forging these letters must know them very well, since the Tahiti detail never made it into the newspapers. In Flat 4, Dudley and Carol discuss the validity of Don's story. He overhears them and comes into the lounge room. Carol goes to make coffee and Don reminds Dudley that no cure is needed because his ailment is psychosomatic. In the deli, Aldo fails miserably at telling Arnold a Jewish joke because its punchline involves amputations. Arnold is already testy because Aldo was at golf all afternoon and there are delivery orders to fill. Aldo is insistent that Arnold has a Bar Mitzvah, but Roma thinks that he is too old. Aldo storms off into the parlour of Flat 2 to ring his sister, Selma, who knows these things. Lucy overhears this discusion; she had assumed that Arnold converting to Judaism was just Marilyn having a joke. In Norma's Bar, the Whittakers get some clarification about Don's condition from Dudley. Les tries pontificating about Freud and the workings of the human psyche, but Norma shuts him up. Les begins an anecdote about an intensive care patient of his, Mrs Brewster. Les could have cured Don much cheaper than a trip to Switzerland. In fact, he would have treated Don free of charge. Lucy is making pretty curtains in Flat 8, for Vanessa's room. Alf is fed up, assuming that they will soon be having dinner at half-past-bloody-eight, in bloody tiaras and monkeysuits, all to satisfy "Our Dear George's Bloody Vanessa". Lucy points out Alf's failings, including his appearance and his manners and - at the mention of Arnold's change of religion - his use of the derogatory term "ikey". Alf won't be giving up ham, bacon or rump steak, either! There is an unexpected knock at the door; Alf opens it - and the scruffy hippy, whom he mistakes for a beggar, turns out to be Lucy's niece, Vanessa Harrison (Wendy Hughes)! In the kitchen of Flat 1, Carol and Dudley talk about Don no longer being at death's door. When is a good time to tell him about them? In Flat 8, Vanessa describes how she ended up penniless in Hong Kong and had to hitch a ride on a cargo plane filled with goats, opium and smugglers. (Probably lice as well, the way she keeps itching her head.) Lucy realises that Vanessa's room is not ready yet, but Vanessa reckons that she "can sleep like a top on a bed of nails". She is famished, though, having not eaten for three days. The Sutcliffes decide to take their guest down to the wine bar for dinner, and Lucy manages to convince her to have a bath beforehand. It is almost closing time in the deli and Aldo has the all-clear from Selma about a Bar Mitzvah for Arnold. Arnold sees Mrs Olsen arrive at the Boulevarde Cafe. She wants to get the police involved over the fake letters and phone calls, but Arnold worries about the press. Arnold advises a trip away, so that the perpetrator gets no response. No wonder Patti loved Arnold! In the wine bar, Les broaches the topic of the Baroness's finances that Don had to help her with, but Don tells the Whittakers that he knows that they know the real story. A relieved Norma invites Don to her wine-tasting, but Les mentions how Norma's forgets to spit out the wines she is tasting! Lucy and Alf come down to the wine bar, ahead of Vanessa, and are thrilled to see Don there. Alf warns them that Vanessa's last bath was in Istanbul, but it must have been half mud! Arnold arrives home to Flat 8, not realising that the naked Vanessa has taken over his room. They manage to miss seeing each other as Vanessa tries to fill the bath - and Arnold keeps turning off the taps. Arnold ends up seeing a lot of Vanessa when she asks him to help her choose between two garments. Next morning, Vanessa is sound asleep on the floor of Flat 8. Arnold whispers to the Sutcliffes that he would prefer that Vanessa takes his room. When Lucy tries to awaken her, Vanessa demonstrates quick reflexes from her time in Burma. She realises that Vanessa is naked inside the sleeping bag. Vanessa reaches for some nearby fabric, wraps herself in it, and jokes that it is suited to "dear old ducks at the church fete". She then realises that they are the new curtains for her room. In the deli, Aldo is excited about Arnold's Bar Mitzvah. Aldo will place an order with Barney Solomon for some exotic Kosher foods. Norma is in Flat 1, rehearsing for her wine-tasting. Les comes in fron night duty and mentions that Mrs Brewster, his asthmatic patient, is going home soon and considers Les to be the person who cured her. She has promised to drop by and thank him. Les is concerned that Norma is still swallowing more wine than she is tasting. Spitting it out is proper wine etiquette. Arnold visits Patti's grave at the cemetery. He notices a woman in a nurse's uniform tending the grave. He suddenly realises that it is Mrs Olsen, wearing makeup in Patti's usual style and a dark wig. "Don't you recognise your own wife?" she says, speaking just like Patti. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Arnold Feather was interviewed for a hotel management job based in Papeete, Tahiti, in Episode #669 (the day that Patti Feather died). Arnold holds a carton which had contained "Enavite" crispbread, a now long-deleted line of products. In the UK, "Ikey" was used as a derogatory term for Jews, derived from the popular name, "Isaac". Wendy Hughes, who portrays Vanessa Harrison, was a cast member of the TV pilot of 1971's "The Group", as Laura Bent, but was unable to commit to that show when it went to series. She was replaced by Roslyn Wilson. Terry O'Neill, Gregory Ross and Jenee Welsh were regulars who later also made appearances in "Number 96". Mrs Brewster will be mentioned frequently in dialogue, eventually appearing onscreen in Episode #740. The comedic sequence with Arnold and Vanessa is accompanied by the tune, "Admiral's Horn Pipe" by William Farran. We do not see Vanessa's arrival in the wine bar but, when Les Whittaker mentions how good Vanessa had looked in Arnold's shirt, it becomes obvious that Vanessa had raided Arnold's wardrobe in the earlier scene.

724. (28/03) At the cemetery, Mrs Olsen seems convinced that she is Patti Feather. To his dismay, it becomes obvious that Mrs Olsen was behind all the mysterious letters and phone calls. She notices the flowers that he is carrying and asks, "Are those flowers for me?" Arnold tries gently to ease his mother-in-law into reality. Mrs Olsen breaks down, sobbing. She has been trying to keep Patti's memory alive. Vanessa does her morning Tai chi exercises in Flat 8 and demonstrates a special Cambodian trance dance to Alf. She manages to put him into an actual trance! Dudley brings Carol a cup of tea in her bedroom in Flat 4. It is 9.30am, but she claims that she has been waiting for Dudley to get out of the bathroom. Carol wants Dudley to tell Don about their relationship before someone else does. Don finally emerges from his bedroom at 11.30am, just as Carol and Dud are due downstairs at Norma's Bar. Lucy comes to the deli to see Arnold. He is busy, but she is assured by Aldo that Arnold is serious about becoming Jewish. There is much that Aldo can help her with but, in the parlour of Flat 2, Arnold and Roma are with a distressed Mrs Olsen. Patti's mother needs to sort fact from fiction. She has no idea as to what she had been doing. Arnold convinces her to see a doctor. "Doctor Morgan, isn't it?" Roma offers coffee. Norma is fretting that she only has two hours to learn all the varieties before her 3.00pm wine-tasting event. Dudley tries to encourage Carol to get out of her funk; she is being "just the teensiest bit Bette Davis". Carol counters that Dudley is being "just the teensiest bit chicken". Dudley had a perfect opportunity to talk to Don and didn't take it. Vera comes in and asks Carol for a quiet word when she's free. Vera goes across to Norma. A slightly tipsy Norma is worried that inviting Mr Delgardie was a mistake, not to mention the threat posed by their new rival, The Grapevine! Vera is confused; she spent the morning with Maggie Cameron, who insisted that there is something between Carol and Dudley. Carol admits that it is true and she seeks Vera's advice. Carol says, "Oh my God, we're in a mess!" Arnold returns to the deli and informs the Godolfuses that Doctor Morgan thought that, after the traumatic revelations, Mrs Olsen should be on the mend. Roma comments that the woman always seemed so sane and in control before. They want Arnold to take the afternoon off. Roma suggests that he and Aldo should both attend the wine-tasting, while she minds the shop. Adam brings Vera a coffee in Flat 7. She is working on a garment that is being difficult. Would she prefer a drink? "Not with the orgy of the wine bar in front of me!" He has bad news: due to a reshuffling-of-the-reshuffle down at the TH, he and Trixie can't move into Flat 5. The MacDonalds are no longer moving to Blacktown! Vera reminds him that he and Trixie are always welcome here. Flo and Trixie are at their snooty women's club event. Adam tries to get romantic but Vera resists. Lucy arrives early; Marilyn relieved her at the laundrette early because she was so excited about no longer having to move away from Paddington. Vera selects what to wear to the wine-tasting as she has a heart-to-heart with Lucy. Vera is in love with that boy, isn't she! Lucy knows her friend too well. In Norma's Bar, Alf tells Adam about the trance and how Vanessa had to throw a bloody bucket of water over him to break it! Les puts a sign on the wine bar door: Wine Tasting by Invitation Only! Meanwhile, Norma is still tasting wines in Flat 1! Les comes in to tell her that the guests are arriving - and she passes out! Arnold, Aldo and Mr Delgardie arrive at the tasting. Dudley worries that they need to get some food into the guests before they all get rotten drunk. Les tries to host the wine-tasting in Norma's absence but no one is listening to his descriptions of the wines. ("A prattling little shop-girl of a wine proclaiming to the entire world her lowly origins...") Carol and Dud check on the slumbering Norma, then get more food from the kitchen. Things remain very strained between them. Carol tells Dudley that, until he says something to Don, she will move out of Number 96. Norma finally awakens, wig and tiara askew, and attempts to take over the disastrous wine-tasting. Roma, Aldo and Arnold are all enjoying the wine-tasting when they realise that no one is minding the deli! Leon Delgardie is really enjoying himself. Vanessa is soon teaching the attendees how to do the Zorba the Greek dance. Leon joins them and they all Zorba right out the front door and down Lindsay Street, leaving Norma to pontificate without them. Her only customer left is a stray labrador. He begs for a slice of cheese and is rewarded. Don escorts Vera up the main stairs. He convinces her to come into Flat 4 for a short visit. Don wants to tell Vera about his psychosomatic syndrome diagnosis, which Doctor Zorfitch had said was brought on by stress and his emotional insecurities. After the doomed relationship with Bruce Taylor, Don seemingly has a deep fear that Dudley, too, will come out as bisexual and leave him for a woman. (Vera is obviously uneasy, having only today learned the truth about Carol and Dudley's relationship.) Don admits that he was a fool to worry about Dudley. He should never have doubted him, and never will again. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

This was a Good Friday screening. Previously, special Easter programming had always preempted "Number 96". Patti Feather's gravestone reads "PATTI, Beloved wife of Arnold Feather. Born 1952. Died 1974." Hollywood actress Bette Davis was noted for her willingness to play unsympathetic, sardonic characters. Andrew Peterson (aka Robert Neesam) can again be seen playing an uncredited wine bar patron. He was last seen in Episode #707. Robert played a hooded robber in the deli in Episodes #543 and #552, and would return in other roles, including a taxi driver (twice), and a policeman in Episode #1193. Tony Girdler makes an early uncredited appearance as an extra at the wine-tasting, prior to his later named roles: Larry Berringer from Episode #1053; the second actor to play Doctor Pearman (in Episodes #1090 and #1210); and a Catholic priest in Episode #1186. Gough was the real-life labrador belonging to Jeff Kevin. Gough was previously seen in Episodes #608 and #619 and would later be known as "the dog from the hardware store".

Evzones dancer in the traditional fustanella

725. (31/03) Reg is irate as there is no sign of evening meal preparation in Flat 5, nor slippers by his chair, and he must await Edie's return from Norma's wine-tasting. Marilyn has been invited to Flat 7 for dinner. Marilyn has also discovered her father's secret: Daddy learns of her encounter with Mrs Townie today. Beckie Townie and Marilyn were at Blacktown High together. Beckie now works for Blacktown TH and Mrs Townie had heard all about the new DTC turning down his promotion to remain in Paddington! Daddy did it because Mummy wanted to stay. "Are you afraid of being a sentimental, old 'fuddy duddy', Daddy?" Edie eventually arrives home, smashed, and in the company of a effervescent young Evzones dancer, Theodoros Popapopadopoulos (Harry Michaels). He is dressed in full Greek fustanella and plants a kiss on each of Reg's cheeks. Theodoros makes Reg join him and Edie in the Zorba dance. In the kitchen of Flat 7, Adam describes what happened in the wine bar - and out onto the street - after Vera and Don left the wine-tasting. It was crazy Vanessa from next door who instigated it. They even picked up a Greek dancer who was waiting at the bus stop. "In national costume?", Vera asks while cooking Chicken Marengo. Adam sounds disappointed to learn that Don and Marilyn will be joining them at dinner. Can't they have dinner alone sometime? "Moonlight, roses..." Vera changes the subject and sends him to answer the door. Arnold is a guest of the Godolfuses for dinner in Flat 2. Arnold is enjoying his learnings in Judaism. He has even made a sign for the deli door for tomorrow, announcing that they will be closed every Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Aldo almost explodes with frustration. Roma brings out a platter of... Lobster Thermidore! Arnold is aghast, as lobster is not considered Kosher. Aldo faints. Over the washing up in Flat 5, the MacDonalds chat about Theodoros and Edie's desire to host a party, to celebrate them staying at Number 96. Vera and Adam have a row over her ignoring him at the dinner party to which Don and Marilyn had been invited. She tries to disregard her attraction to him. Arnold becomes a Jew but, instead of celebrations, Aldo is unsure about the increase in tensions. Reg and Edie decide to host a party because they are staying on at Number 96. Carol realises her situation with Dudley is becoming more hopeless and decides to move out. Adam tells Vera he loves her; Vera realises that she must tell the truth: Adam is to leave her alone. In the deli, Vanessa announces that the world is ending in three weeks. Vera visits Flat 4 and tries to convince Dudley and Carol that they must not tell Don about their affair because Don's condition will deteriorate. Reg and Edie return home with their party supplies to find their flat completely bare. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Harry Michaels makes an early (uncredited) cameo as a Greek "Evzones" dancer (named as Theodoros Popapopadopoulos in a later scene between the MacDonalds) before returning as a new regular character, the Italian Giovanni Lenzi, from Episodes #921-922. "Chicken Marengo" is a French dish consisting of a chicken sautéed in oil with garlic and tomato, garnished with fried eggs and crayfish. Jeff Kevin does some subtle acting on this episode when Arnold Feather sits on the floor next to Vanessa Harrison. Despite being told by producer Bill Harmon to ignore Arnold's prosthetic leg (some months after the amputation in Episode #446), because the limping was slowing down scenes, here Jeff takes his time positioning the leg, while continuing to deliver dialogue.

726. (1/04) Edie has made a terrible mistake. Not only did she neglect to cancel the removalists, Reg discovers that the electricity has been cut off. Andy abuses Tanya for being spoilt and insincere. They have a huge argument but resolve it in the bedroom. The MacDonalds decide to go ahead with the party after all. Dorrie offers them some furniture, for a small hiring fee, of course. The main topic at the party is Vanessa and her predictions about the forthcoming end of the world. Tanya must adjust to poverty, but she finds it difficult; perhaps the time has come for her to make a confession? The first of Vanessa' predictions - a thunderstorm - comes true. Dorrie and Herb go to the pictures, and arrive home to find Flo collapsed on the floor. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

The official Cash Harmon synopsis by Peter Pascoe states that Tanya and Andy argue, but "make it up and 'hop in the cot!!' Thought you'd get a laugh over that."

727. (2/04) Trixie again tells Vera that if she really wants Adam, she should "go get him". Dorrie attempts to persuade Flo from going on the cruise with Trixie. Carol tells Don she has met a great fellow and is sharing a flat with him. Maggie arrives to see Don. Her brash manner is her unique way of welcoming him back. A shocked Trixie worries about Flo, who is "feeling crook". Maggie enjoys stirring Vera and Adam. There is tension in Flat 4, with Don acting subdued and Dudley being restless and uptight. In Flat 8, there is a gathering around a telescope to view a comet that Vanessa has predicted. The drama between Vera and Adam is somewhat resolved when they express their love for each other. Arnold's intensity over Judaism is driving a wedge between himself and Aldo. Adam and Vera are off to dinner to celebrate their mutual affection. On their way out, Dudley arrives to discuss Don with Vera. Once again, she warns him not to mention his situation to Don. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

728. (3/04) There is great excitement when everyone witnesses Vanessa's comet through the telescope. An angry Lucy is still unmoved by the predictions. Reg and Edie spend an uncomfortable night sliding around on the polythene wrappings of the borrowed furniture. Maggie is on the rampage. She intrudes on Adam and Vera's restaurant outing. Adam loses his temper and tosses his wine in Maggie's face. Dorrie finds herself in a quandary. Her niece, Georgina, rings from Coffs Harbour, wanting "Auntie Dee" to come and look after Jeff Carter, who has had a slight stroke. Because Flo is also ill, Dorrie sends Herb to Coffs Harbour instead. Trixie needs to break the news to Flo that she shouldn't come on the cruise. Vanessa asks Adam if he would like to accompany her to a concert at the Sydney Opera House and he agrees. Reg informs Edie that there is to be a further delay on the return of their posessions. They enter their flat and it is completely empty again. Dorrie has used her spare key to retrieve the borrowed furniture. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

729. (4/04) Norma's Bar is strangely quiet due to the opening of The Grapevine. A distraught Tanya comes in still looking for Andy, who has gone missing. Alf and Lucy are concerned about Vera's behaviour concerning Adam. Andy finally shows up, bedraggled and confused as to where he has been. Les has developed a new scheme: he is on the hunt for items to place into a time capsule. Dudley lets it slip in front of Don that he and Carol were planning to move into the flat above The Grapevine. As he attempts to cover up his slip, Maggie interrupts him. Norma is suspicious about a case of good linen hankies she has found and Les admits that they were a gift from Mrs Brewster, one of his patients. Andy tells Tanya that he was on a rough assignment when he went missing. Carol and Dudley debate about telling Don their secret. The mystery deepens: Andy is surprised by a strange, attractive woman. She interrupts him and Tanya to thank Andy for a great time the other night. Maggie is sloshed - and delights in telling Don all about Dudley and Carol. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

730. (7/04) Carol decides that she and Dudley should wait until Don is fully recovered before telling him about their relationship. Vera loses her temper about Adam staying out all night after the concert with Vanessa. He explains that he was at Clinton's place with Sean Hilliard, who played his concerto and loved it. Lucy has a decision to make. She wants Alf to talk to Vanessa about using their flat as a hotel. Alf should also tell Vanessa to get a job. Maggie has organised for Vince Hansen, a big clothing manufacturer, to look at Vera's designs. Vera is not very interested. Aldo devises a plan with Roma: perhaps Manny Goldman would be willing to sell them The Majestic Rooms at Bondi Junction? Dudley finally talks to Don about his relationship with Carol. Don admits he already knows but won't say who told him. Vera gives in and goes to bed with Adam. [No writer credited. Episode directed by Peter Benardos.]

731. (8/04) Norma is unsure whether to be jealous, while Dudley manages to horrify Reg. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

732. (9/04) Andy's behaviour puzzles Tanya. Arnold's golf instructor, Jimmy, introduces him to Club Secretary Gordon Nicholson (John Stone). Gordon is Jewish, so Arnold is puzzled as to why Aldo was not admitted to the golf club? Arnold manages to hurt Aldo's feelings. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

The character of Gordon Nicholson is miscredited as "Nicholls" onscreen.

733. (10/04) Maggie and Reg arrange a meeting. Tanya has a terrible shock and Marilyn is horrified by some news. Arnold and Marilyn brave a meal at the run-down restaurant, The Majestic Rooms at Bondi Junction, where they meet the unsavoury waitress, Phyllis Pratt (Moya O'Sullivan). [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

The distinctive voice of Moya O'Sullivan (as Phyllis Pratt) was first heard in Episode #687, as one of Brian Bury's offscreen TV interviewees.

734. (11/04) Edie is unsure about whether or not she approves of Marilyn's plan, while Les has a mysterious engagement. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

735. (14/04) Norma is surprised by Les. Carol and Dudley burn their bridges. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

736. (15/04) Flo has a warning for Dorrie; Herb makes a discovery which surprises him. Adam has made Maggie furious. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

737. (16/04) Arnold agrees to help Roma and Aldo. Tanya's comment frightens Edie. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

738. (17/04) Dudley remains unforgiving. Dorrie meets up with her sister, Connie Meadows (Delore Whiteman), who has become a wealthy woman after the death of her husband, Frank. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

739. (18/04) Flo expresses her concern for Vera. Andy has a terrible shock. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

740. (21/04) Les winds up in a tight spot with Mrs Elena Brewster (Olga Dickie) and her Maltese terrier, Impetu (Itself). Dudley is unhappy, while Alf remains sceptical. [Episode written by Robert Bruce; directed by Peter Benardos.]

"Impetu" means "a force a nature", or "a force that encourages a particular action or makes it more energetic or effective".

741. (22/04) Vera has made up her mind. Don introduces her and Adam to Bernard Spaulding (Craig Ashley), a lawyer colleague who seems to be knowledgeable about music. While dining with Carol and Don, Bernard meets up with "a mad medical student" friend, Miles Cooper (Scott Lambert). According to Bernard, Miles is attempting his degree for the second time. Miles immediately makes a play with Carol, cancelling out Bernard's chances with Carol. Arnold suffers a disaster, while Aldo and Roma can't agree. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Peter Benardos.]

742. (23/04) Edie prepares for the end of the world. Meanwhile, Marilyn is convinced that Arnold has something to tell her. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Peter Benardos.]

In the midst of the excitement, Mr Perky, Flo Patterson's budgie, says, "This is the end of the world!" He will repeat this in Episode #829.

743. (24/04) Flo makes a confession and Andy is confused by Tanya. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Peter Benardos.]

744. (25/4) Roma makes Aldo furious. Andy is happy for Vera. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Peter Benardos.]

745. (28/04) Maggie's change of heart amazes Vera. Norma must rethink her attitude towards Dudley. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

746. (29/04) Tanya once again puzzles Andy. Dorrie is sure she has a solution to the mystery of the dog. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

747. (30/04) Vera is impatient with Don and Alf's advice. A nasty shock awaits Reg. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

748. (1/05) Roma's present to Arnold horrifies Aldo. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

This episode was preceded by the premiere of the one-hour television special, "Hasham", which launched Joe Hasham's LP record of the same name. The Network 0-10 special also gave the world a famous TV blooper, when Joe was accidentally swept off rocks, mid-song, into the ocean.

749. (2/05) Dudley attempts to face the truth. The Godolfuses have a problem to resolve. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

750. (5/05) Don has some advice for Maggie. Arnold's brilliant idea to hire Phyllis misfires. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

From this episode, the location of the "Holiday Inn" is identified in the credits as being Crows Nest, no longer North Sydney. Guests appearing in the series stay in this hotel. "The Red Baron" restaurant, within the hotel, continues to be the venue for regular meetings of the series' writers.

751. (6/05) Andy's wife, Pamela, goes to see him. She desperate for financial assistance. Tanya is in for a terrible shock. Marilyn decides to interfere and give Edie some assistance. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Louise Howitt returns in the role of Pamela Marshall. Often namedropped in scripts, Pam was last seen onscreen in Episode #616.

752. (7/05) Old Miss Winthrop (Colleen Clifford), from a few doors down, is revealed to be the mystery dogfood can saboteur. Dorrie and Flo reminisce about performing on stage with Claude Tufnell in a school production of "The Merry Widow". Alf makes a discovery, while Aldo is in trouble with Phyllis. Dudley chats to Miss Winthrop and her pramful of six miniature poodles. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

753. (8/05) Doctor Pearman (Edward Lansdowne) is frank with Alf about the need for Lucy to get plenty of rest. Andy is angry with Tanya. Miles makes a muddle of his private life. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

The oft-mentioned Doctor Pearman is portrayed here by Edward Lansdowne. In later years, Tony Girdler takes over the role.

754. (9/5) Marilyn offers advice to Edie. Herb is full of complaints for Dorrie and Flo. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

755. (12/05) Maggie tries to seduce Reg and he renders her speechless. He knew what she was up to all along. The Council was not going to buy her warehouse property and he was leading her on to see to what depths she'd sink. Tanya tells Marilyn that Andy has returned to Melbourne with his wife. Les plans to go along with the agreement with Mrs Brewster but Alf calls him a fool. Marilyn informs Miles that she'd do anything for him. Reg tells Don about the property deal and Don is furious with Maggie. Lucy is feeling unwell, which is of concern to Alf. He drags her away from the laundrette and threatens to lock her up. Maggie propositions Miles. Les informs Alf he is helping the police to catch Mrs Brewster. Maggie turns up at Reg's door, smashed, and pleading for Reg to let her go to bed with him. He closes the door on her. Meanwhile, in a doublecross, security guard Jim Parnell (Robert Bruning) holds up Les with a gun. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Brian Phillis.]

756. (13/05) Dorrie receives a letter from Claude, teen heart-throb of both herself and Flo, saying that he arrives in Sydney tomorrow. Carol receives a surprise call about a job with South Pacific Travel but she doesn't want to leave Miles. Arnold's attempts to fire Phyllis fail, especially when she tells him about her daughter, and how working in the deli allows Phyllis to keep Pandora at St Agnes' College. Les is a source of worry and alarm for Norma; he supposedly left the hospital at 2.00am with a security guard. Dorrie and Flo plot to get Herb out of the flat when Claude is visiting. They buy Herb a ticket to a special screening at the Sydney Opera House. Maggie gives the story about Miss Winthrop to the newspapers and Dudley and Carol threaten to resign. A detective (Don Philps) shows Norma and Alf some mugshots and Norma recognises Mrs Brewster as part of the gang! [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Brian Phillis.]

757. (14/05) Don settles Maggie's problem with Miss Winthrop for $5000. Edie races home for the next instalment of the TV soap opera, Natalie Faces Life. Claude Tufnell (Noel Brophy) arrives from Gulargambone. He has really let himself go: unattractive, boring and asthmatic, but he wants to stay. Reg tries to talk to Edie, but she is engrossed by her serial. Herb realises that he was tricked, but finds it amusing to see Claude coughing and spluttering everywhere. Carol considers the New York-based job. Marilyn decides that she will continue to see Miles as she has no pride. Disturbing dreams interrupt the sleep of both Dorrie and Flo. Don offers Dudley the use of the spare room. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Brian Phillis.]

758. (15/05) Norma is convinced that Les has been murdered. Mr Levenson wants to buy back Romaldo's and Arnold realises it is because the business on both sides of the restaurant would be able to expand. Herb moves in with Miles, who is flat minding in Flat 7. Alf has been nagging Lucy to slow down, so she suggests a solution to Tanya. Aldo is being driven up the wall with Dorrie shopping for remedies for all of Claude's ailments. Roma worries about the future of Romaldo's. Arnold manages to sell it for $40,000 profit, but she is upset. Alf tells Marilyn that he saw Miles in the company of two blondes. Herb is unsympathetic about Dorrie's - and then Flo's - complaints about Claude always trying to put the moves on them. They are getting what they deserved, and he will stay with Miles until Claude leaves. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Brian Phillis.]

759. (16/05) Edie amazes Reg, telling him that their "farce of a marriage must go on" but she will no longer sleep with him. The detective fears the worst for Les and he tells Norma. Phyllis makes Aldo feel ashamed that he wanted her fired. Norma finally receives a call from Les. Edie tells Phyllis all about Natalie Faces Life, then Edie goes out into the world "to face life". Jim and Eleanor are using Les as a hostage to travel to Orange and then leave the country in a private plane. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Brian Phillis.]

760. (19/05) Flo has a bright idea, and she and Dorrie put Claude onto a starvation diet to coerce him to leave. As pensioners, they have "run out of money" and can only afford vegetable leaves. They have had to pawn their clothes and the bed linen will be next. Meanwhile, Carol has decided to take the New York position and comforts Miles. Don wonders why Carol is not particularly excited about the new job. Dorrie and Flo hide all the quality food in the bedroom but Claude doesn't seem to mind the slop they are making for him. Miles tells Carol he has no intention of settling down. Les is being kept prisoner in an old warehouse so he tries tapping out Morse Code with a fork on an old water pipe. Eventually, he receives an answering tap. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

761. (20/05) Maggie is again rejected by Reg and is furious. Norma is unwell and Lucy prescribes bed rest. Parnell tells Les they plan to kill him but Les is rescued by two policemen and a wino, Amos, who had reported the Morse Code message. Les arrives home to find Norma ill with shingles. The hospital plans to make a presentation to Les. Flo tells Les that Carol will be leaving the wine bar. Edie wants to go job-hunting so Maggie makes a surprising move. She gets Edie a position as Public Relations Officer for the Gay Liberation Movement. Predictably, Reg is horrified. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

762. (21/05) Les assumes the hospital will give him a sum of money on his presentation day. Arnold has a tough decision to make; if Phyllis can't be fired, he must be the one to go. Phyllis accidentally sets fire to the deli's newspaper stand. Vera makes a surprise return from Stuttgart, but without Adam. Arnold still can't fire Phyllis and is overcome with pity. Miles reveals that Vera had told him, in secrecy, that her flat would only be vacant for two weeks. Herb helps Miles with a plan, and Tanya invites them both to move in with her. Les returns from his presentation with an awful-looking pottery vase. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

763. (22/05) Vera tells Maggie that she deliberately acted like a bitch towards Adam, to convince him that their affair wouldn't work. Dorrie visits Herb and Miles to tell them that Flo seems to be sick with a runny nose and a headache. Miles promises to check in on her. Don tells Carol that Dudley is welcome back, on a purely platonic basis. Dorrie is in for a terrible shock: Miles pronounces that Flo has suspected cholera, but it is a ruse to get Claude to leave Flat 3. It works! Claude sneaks out at night. Carol arrives home drunk, having borrowed Don's car to attend a party. Aldo uncovers a truth when Phyllis spills the news that she met Manny Goldman, who boasted about Roma making $40,000 on the restaurant sale. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

764. (23/05) Reg finds it difficult to accept the new Edie. She is loving every minute of her new job with the Gay Libs. Reg sees the light when Edie reveals that she got the job from Maggie. Carol apologises to Don about a dent on his car after she hit a signpost. She wants to pay for the damage, but Don is unconcerned. Roma must provide some answers; Aldo is upset that she hid the fact that her restaurant sale resulted in so much profit. Roma walks out on him. Vera retreats into her hard-headed businesswoman persona and won't reveal details about Adam to Lucy. Others also notice the change. A telegram brings the Sutcliffes news that Alf's mother has had an accident and they need to travel to Perth. Marilyn is to take over the laundrette in Lucy's absence. Arnold visits Roma at the Holiday Inn, where she is staying, to tell her he invested the $40,000 on the stock market, but it made another $20,000. Roma is horrified. A policeman (Arthur Faynes) visits Don, wanting to inspect his car, but it is at the panel-beaters. It seems it wasn't a signpost the car hit on Ferguson Street, but a now-comatose pedestrian. Don admits to being the driver. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

765. (26/05) Norma recovers from her illness. Les is depressed; the hospital gifted him a vase instead of a cheque and he had plans for the money. Don sticks with his statement that it was him, not Carol, driving the car when it hit a pedestrian. Phyllis and Arnold try to help Aldo in his separation from Roma, but Aldo is unbending and tells them to mind their own business. Maggie organises a replacement for Carol's wine bar shifts. Dorrie gets hooked on Natalie Faces Life. Maggie tells Vera she will never get the Solange contract back again. Phyllis receives bad news about Pandora's wish for a pony. Dudley has offered advice to Don about the consequences of a statement to the police, but will Don follow it? Dorrie and Les decide to help Aldo and Roma patch up their differences. Aldo is miserable. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Brian Phillis.]

766. (27/05) Tanya hits up Miles for the rent money. Maggie may be able to provide the solution to Norma's problem: Prue Rhinegold (Camilla Rountree), the daughter of wealthy, socialite friends of Claire, wants to work in the wine bar "for a giggle". Dorrie goes to the Holiday Inn, where Roma is staying, to attempt some marriage guidance counselling. Roma thinks Dorrie and Les are romantically involved. Vera meets Prue. Perpetually-penniless Miles wonders about accepting Maggie's new proposition: she requires an "escort" for business functions. Prue arrives for her first shift, accompanied by all of her friends. Miles tries to talk Tanya into having an affair with him, to keep Maggie away. Vera secures the Solange Fashions contract from Vince Hansen without Maggie's help. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Brian Phillis.]

767. (28/05) Dudley and Prue have their first confrontation. He decides he can't stand her. Edie continues with her Gay Liberation Campaign. Marilyn thinks she has achieved a promotion at the laundrette and gets very business-minded. Vera is shocked about Don's involvement in Carol's car accident. Marilyn plans to marry Miles. Prue almost arrives late for work because Daddy's Volvo was in for a respray, her Aunty Grace had the Rolls Royce and Mummy was driving Prue's little Mercedes. Dudley suggested she could have caught the bus. "Luckily, 'Bunny' Pycroft called by - and he gave me a lift right to the door." Les gives Edie the vase he received from the hospital. Maggie again tries to seduce Miles. Marilyn walks in on them, but Miles gets rid of her. Tanya discovers the source of Miles's nest egg. Marilyn tells her mother that Reg was never in love with Maggie and that he gave up the job at Blacktown for Edie. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Brian Phillis.]

"Bunny" Pycroft's son, Roger, is mentioned in Episode #877 and appears in an onscreen story arc from Episode #881. Roger Pycroft's connection to Prue Rhinegold is specifically addressed in Episode #884.

768. (29/05) Edie is still obsessed with Natalie Faces Life. A surprise overwhelms Roma: a huge bunch of flowers is delivered to her. The card has been signed by Aldo. Phyllis worries about Pandora's pony. Aldo receives a box of cigars, with a card signed by Roma. Reg goes to lunch with Rodney (Alan Faulkner) and Adrian (Sean Myers), Edie's oft-mentioned gay friends, and gets along with them like a house on fire. Rodney and Adrian are interior decorators and antique dealers. They tell Dudley that the vase, which Les gave to Edie, is a collector's item. They declare Edie's furnishings to be "kitsch taken to its sublime." Roma and Aldo are reunited. Tanya seeks Arnold's advice. Marilyn fires Tanya, then tells Miles that she plans to marry him, but will she be hurt yet again? Phyllis's sister, Millicent (Brenda Gayle), arrives with terrible news. [Episode written by Johnny Whyte; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Brenda Gayle, who portrays Millicent Scott, previously appeared as Major Duval's hotel manageress in Episode #177. She would return as a magistrate in Episode #911.

769. (30/05) Phyllis is in a quandary, while Dudley loses his temper. Don is in a predicament over Carol's accident. Flo decides to go to Mittagong to visit her daughter, Raylene. [Episode written by Johnny Whyte; directed by Brian Phillis.]

770. (2/06) Edie tells Les that Reg requires her to return the vase, but Les is distracted as he is preparing to leave for work. Maggie is pleased. Vera has apologised for not offering her a commission on the Solange deal, but Maggie refuses it, saying she never intended to take one. Dudley gives Norma an ultimatum: either Prue goes, or he does. Reg intends to take Edie to Cascades Hotel at Minnawarra Falls for a week and she is ecstatic. Tanya can't afford to keep helping out Miles She tells him to stop avoiding Maggie and ask her for money. Not knowing its value, Norma gives Dorrie the vase for the church bazaar. Don and Dudley argue about the car accident. Les needs $1000 to buy back his patent on the Wine-o-matic. Maggie tells Norma that Pol magazine will be doing a fashion shoot in the wine bar. Norma anticipates good publicity but Vera is uninspired and has not started on the Solange collection yet. Maggie orders her to "pull her socks up". Don has a court appearance and Maggie is furious about it. Reg finally gets through to Les about the value of the vase, but Norma's news leads to disappointment. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

771. (3/06) Edie has bought the vase from the church bazaar but neglects to tell anyone, due to her excitement about Minnawarra Falls. Cascades Hotel was where she and Reg had spent their honeymoon. Phyllis tells the Godolfuses that Pandora intends to marry a man named Tom Lloyd. Phyllis worries that her daughter will be ashamed of her. She suggests that Roma go instead, pretending to be Phyllis. Roma plans to learn Origami and Aldo thinks it is a foreign language. Maggie warns Don that the court case is bad publicity. Phyllis asks Vera to impersonate her. The Pol magazine shoot is underway in the wine bar and the situation angers Dudley. Vera meets the model, Bernadette (Charne Marshall), at the shoot. She agrees to work for Vera on her new collection. Aldo is in for a shock: an encounter with the topless Bernadette. A woman enters the deli asking for a "Mrs Pratt". Phyllis is horrified and realises it is her daughter, Pandora Scott (Jennifer Cluff). [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

According to Charne Marshall, who played Bernadette, her scene with Johnny Lockwood was described as "the longest topless scene in the history of TV", resulting in the embarrassed Charne developing hives.

772. (4/06) Phyllis has denied to the snobbish Pandora that a "Mrs Pratt" works at the deli, but Roma enters and calls Phyllis "Mrs Pratt". Les is still trying to retrieve his vase. Pandora just wants her permission to get married. Dorrie wants a reluctant Herb to help her with her marriage guidance counselling. Pandora claims to have a week off school but her Aunt Millie says that she is an uncontrollable runaway. Alf is back, but Dorrie suspects a rift because Lucy is still in Perth. The Godolfuses attempt to help Phyllis. Pandora doesn't want Phyllis to meet Tom, but is convinced to return to school. Alf creates problems. Les hears that George Turner, the injured pedestrian, is sinking fast. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

773. (5/06) Dudley tells Don about Les ringing the hospital and Don blows his stack, first with Dudley, then with the Whittakers. Norma fears trouble with Maggie because Dudley has replaced Prue with Tanya, and Prue was Maggie's appointment. Maggie is fine with the decision and Prue finds it amusing because she is heading off to St Moritz anyway. Vera is successfully handling negotiations, much to Maggie's fury. Don apologises to Les and Norma. Maggie announces that she is now managing Bernadette's modelling career, angering Vera. Miles is expected to be available at any time in return for financial assistance. Tanya has an ultimatum for Miles and is pushing him towards Maggie. The Wine-o-matic patent is up for auction. Vera remembers that Don couldn't have been driving at the time of the accident because she saw him at home, wearing pyjamas. Don tells her off. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

774. (6/06) There is a surprise for Alf. Tanya explains to him how Marilyn had fired her from the laundrette. Marilyn is aghast about some news; Lucy did not give her the business. Alf demands that Marilyn transfer the laundrette profits back out of her account. Roma discovers that Origami is not a language. Arnold confesses that he has been unsuccessful and Roma's investments are making even more money. She doesn't want Aldo to find out, but he is standing nearby and hears everything. To Arnold's relief, Aldo will now manage all of Roma's business affairs. Alf argues with Marilyn and fires her. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

775. (9/06) A shock awaits Marilyn, while Maggie is up to her old tricks. Alf faces a new problem: Valerie Mason (Sally McMaster) has a new permanent job at the local Woolies' supermarket checkout and can't take on any shifts at the laundrette. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Sally McMaster makes a return appearance as the oft-mentioned Valerie Mason, last seen onscreen in 1973. Her end credit reads "Sally McMasters".

776. (10/06) Alf offers Arnold a bribe and Roma agrees to keep a secret. Pandora needs Phyllis to give her permission to marry Tom Lloyd (Bruce Barry) because she is underage. A young woman, Liz Chalmers (Margaret Laurence), arrives at the door of Flat 3, looking for the vacationing Macdonalds. She collapses at Dorrie's feet. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Margaret Laurence arrives as a regular character, Liz Chalmers. She claims to be Dean MacDonald's fiancée from South Australia. Margaret's real-life husband was Brandon Smith, who had portrayed Clark Harvey from Episode #708.

777. (11/06) A medical emergency involves Dorrie and Herb: Liz has collapsed outside their door, into what Flo assumes is a diabetic coma. Pandora is horrified by how common Phyllis is, and plans to get as much money from her as she can. Maggie finds out that Don is covering for Carol. Dudley forces Don to lose his temper. A revived Liz reveals that she is Dean's fiancée from Adelaide. Edie rings Flo to find out what has been happening in Natalie Faces Life. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

778. (12/06) Arnold has reached the end of his tether and tells Alf. Maggie throws a spanner into Miles' plans. Don visits George Turner (Ray Bennett), the injured pedestrian, in the hospital. George remembers that it was a woman driving Don's car, but he hasn't told police. He wants $10,000 from Don to keep quiet. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Ray Bennett, who portrays George Turner, was previously seen as Mr Jeffries in 1973.

779. (13/06) Tanya is furious with Miles. Les has a delightful surprise. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

780. (16/06) Arnold attempts to intervene in a crisis. Maggie continues to upset Miles. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

On this day, a single by Maureen Elkner (who had played Monica, Maggie Cameron's secretary, in 1972) entered the Australian pop charts at #60. "Rak Off, Normie", an "answer song" to Bob Hudson's comedic "The Newcastle Song", performed almost as well as the original. "Rak Off, Normie" peaked at #11 on 4/08/1975.

781. (17/06) The mystery surrounding Bernadette deepens. Norma is fed up with the fuss over Les and his Wine-o-matic patent. Marilyn cannot believe the stories Liz is telling about Dean. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

782. (18/06) Marilyn is agitated, while Vera is infuriated. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

783. (19/06) Don is in a quandary. Arnold makes a shattering discovery and Norma also suffers a shock. Detective Constable Roberts (Mark Kelly), a plainclothes policeman, learns about Don's perjury in the "hit and run" case. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Mark Kelly portrays Detective Constable Roberts. Previously, he played Detective Sergeant Miller, who had investigated stolen money in relation to Flat 8 and, in Episode #239, the morphine stolen from the chemist shop. He also played Detective Inspector Mitchell in Episode #861.

784. (20/06) Reg is angry with Edie and Dudley offers a warning to Tanya. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

785. (23/06) Norma tries to be firm with Les. Don loses his temper again. Tanya is hurt and angry. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

786. (24/06) Edie is upset and Alf loses his temper with Marilyn. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

787. (25/06) Herb has an remarkable surprise for Dorrie and Flo. At the courthouse, Don introduces Vera to his Counsel, Charles Brent (Eric Wright). Bernadette loses her patience. David Palmer (Vince Martin) comes into the wine bar to meet Don and Maggie about leasing Flat 6. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

788. (26/06) Arnold seeks a solution to Aldo's problem, while Norma offers assistance to Tanya. Now that the lease on Flat 6 is signed, David is revealed to be a friend of Miles, thus foiling Maggie's plan to evict Tanya and Miles. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

789. (27/06) Flo is willing to help out Lucy. Dorrie, Herb, Flo and Edie are auditioning acts for the Ladies' Prawn Night at the Paddington Senior Citizens Club. They have a terrible shock when a performer, Count Copernicus (Himself, aka David Albert Clark), does his striptease act for them. Dorrie mistakenly calls him "Count Copper Knickers". [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

During this episode, Pat McDonald hides a plaster cast on her forearm with a tea towel. The injury occurred during a serious real-life car accident but her character was not able to be temporarily written out for several more episodes. Count Copernicus was a notorious male stripper on the club circuit.

790. (30/06) Roma will be surprising Aldo. There may be bad news for Lucy. [Episode written by Colin Eggleston; directed by Peter Benardos.]

791. (1/07) A new event leaves Dudley agog. Dorrie is served with a writ for disturbing the peace after Count Copernicus appeared at the Ladies' Prawn Night. Miles is able to foil Maggie's plans. Ernst Bremerski (Louis Wishart) reveals grave news to Roma. [Episode written by Colin Eggleston; directed by Peter Benardos.]

During this episode, Pat McDonald hides the plaster cast on her forearm with a shawl. During this month, Marty Rhone, who had portrayed Dean MacDonald in the series in 1974, had a single, "Denim and Lace", peak at #2 on the Australian pop charts. He sang the song in character as high school student, Tom Carter, in an episode of the TV soap opera, "Class of '75".

792. (2/07) Roma is upset, while Maggie has harsh words for Don. Miles auditions a string of hopeful models while pretending to be David. Girl 1 is almost discovered in the bedroom by Tanya. She "wasn't interested". Girl 2 (Susan Hannaford) claims to be "very versatile" but brought her model sister, while Girl 3 (Robyn Bartley) brought along her agent (Brian Anderson). Word gets around about the auditions and soon there are nine women in the flat when David arrives. Maggie tells Don that Sir Percival Quail informed her that Judge Erickson loathes homosexuals. A message from "ALAN" is left in lipstick on Bernadette's mirror. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Brian Anderson, who portrays the theatrical agent, will return as Arnold Feather's doctor in Episode #896.

793. (3/07) Dorrie tries to remedy a situation. A strange visitor calls on Bernadette again. It is her troubled brother, Alan (Peter Weston), who accidentally pushes Dorrie down the stairs. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Peter Benardos.]

From this episode, Dorrie's scenes were minimised to accommodate Pat McDonald's recovery from her serious car accident.

794. (4/07) Vera shares a confidence with Don. Flo and Herb are concerned. Alf has other problems. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Peter Benardos.]

On this day, the "Mark Foy"'s heiress, newspaper owner/journalist and activist, Juanita Nielsen, disappeared from Kings Cross, in one of Australia's most notorious unsolved Underworld crimes. The incident would inspire three Australian movies: "The Killing of Angel Street" (1981), "Heatwave" (1982), and "The Beehive" (2018). The first two productions featured numerous "Number 96" alumni. Coincidentally, "Number 96" was winding up its storyline concerning the kidnapping of the heiress of a wealthy family.

795. (7/07) Maggie embarrasses everyone and Roma mystifies Aldo. An American journalist, Ross Leggett (Brian Evis), arrives at Flat 6 and tries to interview Tanya about "Rosemary Prior" and her father, who has announced a plan to move into US politics. She tricks Miles into throwing him out. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

796. (8/07) Production Assistant Grace "Prim" Primrose (Pamela Gibbons) arrives in time for David's deliberately-terrible TV commercial shoot for Ninotchka Vodka. Miles tries to console a very upset Tanya. Edie has a new problem. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Grace "Prim" Primrose was undoubtedly named for the lead character in a 1966 comedy TV series by NLT Productions, "The Private World of Miss Prim", with Dawn Lake (wife of Bobby Limb) and several "Number 96" alumni, Owen Weingott, Marion Johns and Benita Collings. Bill Harmon was closely associated with NLT, which was founded in 1961 by Jack Neary, Bobby Limb and Les Tinker (whose surname initials suggested the production company's title). Peter Benardos directed the episodes of "The Private World of Miss Prim" and Dick Barry and Stan Mars were writers. All went on to work for Cash Harmon Productions.

797. (9/07) Norma threatens Les and Vera's strange behaviour confuses her friends. Reg is consulting with Herr Humpernickel (Raymond Duparc) of the Hamburg Sanitation Department. They stumble into the craziness of David's TV commercial. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Raymond Duparc, who plays Herr Humpernickel, was previously Doctor Riley in 1972 and Doctor Alistair Pascall in 1973.

798. (10/07) Tanya causes troubles for Miles. Phyllis introduces the residents to her boyfriend, Cuthbert "Spider" Jones (Don Reid). A tragedy brings the Godolfuses together. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

799. (11/07) Alf is unable to find Lucy. Norma talks about her relationship with Les and wants advice. Reg discusses effluent recycling systems with Mr Osito (Terry Woo) of Tokyo. When they arrive at Flat 5, Edie and Les have organised a special Japanese tea ceremony for the visitor. Phyllis and Spider are married in the wine bar by the celebrant, Mrs Smedley-Beaston (May Howlett). Pandora sends a congratulatory telegram. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

800. (14/07) Tanya's situation confuses Miles. Dudley's letter causes him concern. Tanya opens to door the man she has been trying to avoid: her father, Mr J.G. Prior (Brian Adams). He enters Flat 6 and says, "Hello, Rosemary." [Episode written by Kate Harvey; directed by Peter Benardos.]

801. (15/07) Lucy tries her hand at matchmaking and Aldo has a terrible shock. A large Swastika has been daubed across the shop window. [Episode written by Kate Harvey; directed by Peter Benardos.]

This and the next three episode scripts were originally assigned to Ken Shadie, but are credited to Kate Harvey.

802. (16/07) Reg is convinced that Edie is a failure at hostessing social events, but Liz and Edie are out to prove him wrong. Miles discovers the truth about Tanya: that she's actually an American, by the name of Rosemary Prior. A policeman (Russell Jordan) challenges Edie's right to hold a fundraising fruit stall in Lindsay Street. Aldo admits that Ernst Bremerski's information, about "a man named Godolfus" being responsible for a massacre in the German town of Lindorf during World War II, is true. [Episode written by Kate Harvey; directed by Peter Benardos.]

803. (17/07) Alf is bitter towards Lucy, while the Godolfuses are beside themselves with worry. Edie encounters another policeman while running her fruit stall and she assaults him with tomatoes. Vera is wooed by Warwick Thompson (Kit Taylor) about an intriguing offer. [Episode written by Kate Harvey; directed by Peter Benardos.]

804. (18/07) Norma violently disagrees with Les's suggestion that the latest disaster is good publicity. A judge (Norton Howarth) heading the panel of three presiding over Don's case advises him that he is likely to be disqualified from practising in the legal profession. [Episode written by Kate Harvey; directed by Peter Benardos.]

805. (21/07) The Jewish Board of Deputies believes that Franz Godolfus, Aldo and Selma's brother, is still alive and living in Israel. Alf is confused by Prim's behaviour. Reg has harsh words for Edie. Susan Temple (Debbie Baile), a child psychology student at the same university as Miles, encounters him in the wine bar. Reuben Levy (George Pollak), of the Board of Deputies, arrives at the deli to interview Aldo about Franz's accusations. Mr Levy reveals that Franz is a respected export merchant in Tel Aviv and a generous contributor to Jewish charities, with a son who is a sergeant in the Israeli Army. [Episode written by Bill Simpson; directed by Brian Phillis.]

806. (22/07) Surprisingly, Maggie is in need of help. Les still refuses to notice Norma's scheming. [Episode written by Bill Simpson; directed by Brian Phillis.]

807. (23/07) Roma tries to pacify Aldo's sister, Selma Horowitz (Lea Denfield), about Franz's accusation about Aldo. Aldo confirms some horrifying news to Selma. Dudley believes that all his dreams are about to come true. Prim is left alone to run the wine bar on her very first shift. Susan confirms to Miles that she is pregnant - with his child. [Episode written by Tom MacLennan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Lea Denfield, who previously featured in several episodes as Mrs Buchanan (from Episode #533), becomes the third actress to portray Selma Horowitz, following Marion Johns in 1972 and Hilda Scurr in 1973 and 1974.

808. (24/07) The wine bar is chaotic on Prim's first night and Edie - playing barmaid, and supported by her "Gay Lib" boys - is no help. Arnold loses his temper. Miles keeps a problem close to his chest. Maggie tries to tempt Warwick while Vera is in Melbourne. Dorrie entertains several visitors in the hospital. Maggie and Reg make front page headlines. Dorrie causes concern by living in the past and Edie manages to injure herself during a visit. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Brian Phillis.]

809. (25/07) The nursing sister (Trish Hughes) on Dorrie's ward begrudgingly allows Herb and Flo to visit her outside official visiting hours. Aldo is firm with Selma, while Vera has an eye-opener for Warwick and Maggie. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Brian Phillis.]

810. (28/07) Lucy loses her temper with Alf. Dudley springs a surprise on Don. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

811. (29/07) David receives advice from Prim. Aldo surprises an intruder in the deli. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

812. (30/07) Norma and Edie are so suspicious of Les's activities that chaos ensues. Doctor Julian Flaxman (Rob Dallas) drops into Flat 6 with a surprise for his friend Miles: Susan is three months pregnant with "a beautiful little bastard". [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

813. (31/07) Dudley has a new plan. What has happened to Arnold? [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

814. (1/08) Vera is unforgiving. An upset Liz confides in Lucy. [Episode written by Eleanor Witcombe; directed by Peter Benardos.]

815. (4/08) Edie has begun to feel unwanted. Alf refuses Les's help. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Brian Phillis.]

On this day, a single by Maureen Elkner (who had played Monica, Maggie Cameron's secretary, in 1972) peaked in the Australian pop charts at #11. "Rak Off, Normie", an "answer song" to Bob Hudson's comedic "The Newcastle Song", performed almost as well as the original (#1 in March.)

816. (5/08) Miles is muddled, while Flo is suspicious of Herb's antics. A bearded Don arrives home quite enebriated, having hitched a ride with Bill the truckie. Aldo hears some shocking news from Selma: Franz is the guilty one, after all, even though he was only 14 at the time. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Brian Phillis.]

817. (6/8) Something has happened to change Don. Liz offers her assistance again. Maggie suffers a terrible shock. Who is the mysterious caller? [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Brian Phillis.]

818. (7/08) Maggie has an accusation for Vera. Liz surprises the MacDonalds. Julian throws Miles' life into confusion again. The woman who came to him for the pregnancy test was not Susan. [Episode written by Colin Eggleston; directed by Brian Phillis.]

819. (8/08) There is a nasty surprise awaiting Miles and disappointment for Vera. Alf needs Don's help. [Episode written by Colin Eggleston; directed by Brian Phillis.]

On the weekend, in journalist Frank Fairfax's newspaper column, "Fair in the Middle", it was revealed that Executive Producer Bill Harmon and Channel TEN's General Manager, Ian Holmes, had come to an agreement to scrap 50 completed Number 96 scripts, at a cost of $70,000, to create a dramatic crisis for the characters under a veil of secrecy. This "crisis" would become the infamous bomb blast (in Episode #839) that would revamp the direction of the series over three more years, hopefully creating an upswing in the TV ratings (which it did, at least for a while). The producers wanted to combat speculation that the series was to be axed, but also bring in new "sex symbol" characters, such as Anja Seleky (as Jaja Gibson), and return of past popular cast members, including Tom Oliver (as Jack Sellars). The new contractual agreement also embedded the creation of "backdoor pilots", that would spin off popular characters. This footage could also be presented as cost-effective scenes within episodes of the parent show to gauge viewer approval. These pilots would become "Mummy and Me", "Fair Game" and "A Law To Himself" in 1976, and Hope'll Help in 1977, ultimately, all unsuccessful.

820. (11/08) Prim is firm with Miles. Arnold puts his foot in it. Alf is in trouble again. [Episode written by Ken Hayles; directed by Peter Benardos.]

821. (12/08) Vera is unable to calm a terrified Maggie. Liz has a warning. Sir Paul Cooper (Phillip Ross) promises to finance Miles' forthcoming marriage and honeymoon, so Prim is swiftly pronounced his fiancée. Maggie tells Vera about how Warwick has treated Vince Hansen (David Nettheim) of Solange Fashions. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

822. (13/08) Herb seems to be hiding something, which puzzles Flo. Dudley has an important meeting with Francis, an advertising executive. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

823. (14/08) Arnold's discovery angers Aldo. Liz has a shock for Lucy. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

824. (15/08) Alf's luck seems to be changing. Prim ensures that Miles' latest plan will go awry. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

825. (18/08) Roma surprises Alf. Don receives bad news and refuses to help out. Gilbert Barton (Don Philps) and Norma share an intimate evening. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

826. (19/08) Norma confides in Lucy, while Dorrie's promise of assistance leads to disaster. Doctor Pearman gives Lucy an ultimatum: with only five weeks remaining of her pregnancy, she must give up work. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

827. (20/08) Don delivers a shock to Maggie, while Prim has some surprises for Miles. Dudley finds a blonde, female stranger on Don's side of the bed. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

The blonde stranger, portrayed by Anya Saleky, will turn out to be Dudley's country cousin, Jaja, whom he hasn't seen since she was ten years old.

828. (21/08) Lucy is upset with Alf, while Dudley has a surprise. His cousin, Jacqueline "Jaja" Gibson (Anya Saleky) from Forbes, has turned up. Vera finds a note warning of a bomb in Number 96 and Sergeant Davey (David Williams) organises an evacuation of the building, leaving Edie behind in the cellar. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

David Williams, a former policeman, appears here, and next episode, as Sergeant Davey. Previously, he appeared in Episodes #139 and #140, and as a constable on the beat in Episode #91.

829. (22/08) There was good reason to panic at Number 96; Sergeant Davey and his partner, George, search the cellar and find an explosive device. After deactivation and analysis, the bomb from the cellar is pronounced to be real! Dorrie is worried about Flo. Aldo catches the shoplifter! [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Mr Perky, Flo Patterson's budgie, once again says, "This is the end of the world!" as he is being evacuated. He learned this phrase from Lucy's niece, Vanessa Harrison, during her story arc earlier in 1975.

830. (25/08) The shoplifter is revealed to be a boy named Kerry Braddon (Ashley Grenville). Jaja poses a problem for Dudley and Don. Aldo makes a horrifying discovery. [Episode written by David Brogden; directed by Peter Benardos.]

831. (26/08) Don has a proposition for the Sutcliffes. Maggie makes some accusations. A Magistrate (Les Foxcroft) presides over Kerry's case. The probation officer, Mr Parker (Rob Steele), paints a dire picture of Kerry's current circumstances. [Episode written by Tim Mitchell; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Les Foxcroft, who portrays the Magistrate, previously played Mr Holloway's office caretaker in Episode #22. He will return as Quentin Flemming in Episode #905, and the recurring character, Sir William Mainwaring, from Episode #1008.

832. (27/08) Jaja's latest escapades infuriate Prim. The new DTC, Nigel Morgan (John Allen), arrives. Norma can't understand the new mystery. [Episode written by Ross Napier; directed by Peter Benardos.]

16 consecutive colour episodes (#832-847) were released on DVD in 2012, "Number 96: The Beginning and the Bomb" (Volume 3), by Umbrella Entertainment Australia. The other 16 episodes were from the b/w era.

833. (28/08) Dudley's latest plans amaze the Sutcliffes. Maggie confronts Jaja. In the wine bar, Liz has an encounter with a strange man (Peter Morris) who is nursing a bag and talking about bombs. [Episode written by Ross Napier; directed by Peter Benardos.]

834. (29/08) The MacDonalds receive a nasty shock and Roma loses her patience with Aldo. Film producer Louis Spiro (Jeff Ashby) has advice for David. [Episode written by Ross Napier; directed by Peter Benardos.]

835. (1/09) Roma speaks harshly to Aldo. Flo's behaviour baffles Dorrie. [Episode written by Kate Harvey; directed by Brian Phillis.]

836. (2/09) Reg and Edie are unsure how to handle a situation. Maggie has strong advice for Vera. [Episode written by Kate Harvey; directed Brian Phillis.]

Vera Collins and Warwick Thompson depart Mon Coeur, an actual restaurant at 51 Moncur Street, Woollahra. This is stock footage from a scene in the movie, when Vera is out with Nick Brent. The restaurant eventually became Big Mama's Trattoria Italiana! It still has the distinctive awning.

837. (3/09) Flo is desperately unhappy, while it seems that Vera has overplayed her hand. [Episode written by Tom MacLennan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

838. (4/09) Maggie has infuriated Warwick. Some unlikely visitors call on Reg at 1.00am in the morning. [Episode written by Tom MacLennan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

This episode was later showcased in Foxtel/Austar TV1's "Television's Greatest Hits: The Best of Number 96" (2000), introduced by Andrew Mercado.

839. (5/09) The new Flo raises Dorrie's suspicions that her friend is shoplifting. Lucy and Alf think they have solved their house-hunting troubles: they decide to swap flats with Don. Les finds a note about a bomb in Number 96 and sounds a warning to all the residents, but will he have enough time? [Episode written by Derek Strahan (uncredited) and Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Many of the scripts in the bomb arc were hastily rewritten by Derek Strahan, but it was too late to credit him for the work. In this episode, very few of Ken Shadie's original scenes were left intact. Instead of the traditional shot of the building and individual flats during the closing credits, the text appeared over footage of the smouldering aftermath of the bomb, and no closing theme music. This episode, also, was showcased in Foxtel/Austar TV1's "Television's Greatest Hits: The Best of Number 96" (2000), introduced by Andrew Mercado.

840, 841. (8/09) The explosion in the deli has claimed the lives of Aldo, Roma, Miles and Les. Alf is worried about Lucy and the baby, while Vera turns to Warwick for comfort. Lucy's obstetrician (John Faassen) is pleased with her progress. Norma's doctor (Graham Dixon) has grave news for Don and Dudley about her condition. Nigel takes over and Maggie is determined to solve a new mystery. Arnold is shocked by a visit from Aldo's daughter, Rose Myers (Vivienne Garrett). [Episodes written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Two episodes were screened back-to-back to create a sixty-minute presentation. An airbrushed photograph of the building showed the damage during the opening and closing credits sequences, much cheaper than redressing the actual Moncur Flats building in Woollahra. Closing credits for the characters of Flats 5 and 6 are accidentally transposed. John Faassen, who appears as Lucy Sutcliffe's obstetrician, previously appeared as Sir Montague Porter in Episode #277, Warren Davies in Episode #236 and Maurice Hardy in Episode #277. Vivienne Garrett returns in Episode #841 for a guest arc as the former Rose Godolfus. The character had moved to Port Moresby, Papua-New Guinea with Julian Myers and raised a family there. Episode #840 was later incorporated into an episode of "The Golden Years of Television" entitled "Salute to Australian Soaps" (1986). Both of "the bomb" episodes were showcased in Foxtel/Austar TV1's "Television's Greatest Hits: The Best of Number 96" (2000), introduced by Andrew Mercado. On the 2012 DVD, "Number 96: The Beginning and the Bomb" (Volume 3) by Umbrella Entertainment Australia, Episode #840 includes an archived audio commentary with director Peter Benardos and TV historian, Nigel Giles.

842. (9/09) Arnold tries to offer comfort and explanations to Rose. Aunt Selma's interference again! Don has some plans afoot. Norma's nurse (Josephine Townsend) can't let Liz in to visit her patient. Two more former residents return to Number 96in response to the bombing incident: Gary Whittaker (Mike Ferguson), who had been doing an Army-related course in Washington DC; and Jack Sellars (Tom Oliver), who now lives in Paris, France, with his wife, the former Helen Sheridan. Warwick's publicist, Martin (John Bennett), is keen to get Vera's finished designs so they can be photographed for the salon's campaign. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Mike Ferguson and Tom Oliver return for guest arcs as Gary Whittaker and Jack Sellars respectively. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

843. (10/09) Dudley runs into trouble, while Reg has some explaining to do to Edie. Lucy discovers the truth about the tragic bomb blast. Mystery continues to surround Maggie. Jack lends a hand to trap the bomber. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Maggie Cameron's receptionist, Angela, gets a namedrop in this episode. She was last seen onscreen in early 1972.

844. (11/09) Alf blames himself for his awful mistake. Detective Sergeant Symons (Tony Wager) questions Maggie Cameron about her role in the fatal delicatessen bomb blast. Dorrie has a mystery to solve. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed Brian Phillis.]

Tony Wager, as Detective Sergeant Symons, returns to the role he first played in 1972. The character is seen again in 1977. This episode was later showcased in Foxtel/Austar TV1's "Television's Greatest Hits: The Best of Number 96" (2000), introduced by Andrew Mercado.

On a Sunday night in September, "The Norman Gunston Show" returned for its second season on the ABC and featured six three-minute mini-episodes entitled "The Checkout Chicks". The recurring sketch was a send-up of melodramatic TV soap operas set in a supermarket, with Sonia Hoffman and featuring "Number 96" alumni: Abigail, Philippa Baker, Vivienne Garrett, Judy Lynne, Candy Raymond, Anne-Louise Lambert and Johnny Lockwood.

845. (12/09) What is the truth behind Flo's strange secret? [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

846. (15/09) Dudley's reaction to Jaja's adventures thrill her. Arnold makes a noble sacrifice. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

847. (16/09) Dorrie is not sure if she approves of the changes in Flo. Alf and Lucy's baby has been placed in the Observation Ward with a chill. Some news brings out a strange reaction in Liz. Warwick tells his butler, Fletcher (David Bradley), that there will be two for breakfast in the morning; Vera is expected to stay overnight. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Last of 16 consecutive colour episodes (#832-847) released on DVD in 2012, "Number 96: The Beginning and the Bomb" (Volume 3), by Umbrella Entertainment Australia. The other 16 episodes were from the b/w era.

848. (17/09) Edie is suspicious of Liz. Herb and Dorrie argue over the latest disaster with Flo. Harvey Williams (John Armstrong) is being considered as a replacement tenant for Flo's room. Jack tells Norma about little Jackie Jr, his pet name for his and Helen's baby. The boy's name is actually John. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

John Armstrong, who plays Harvey Williams, previously appeared as Barry Deprose in Episode #134.

849. (18/09) Nigel ruffles Dudley, while Don advises Vera. Warwick's fashion photographer (Jeff Murray) is being very thorough at the salon. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

850. (19/09) Prim is given frightening news, via a thug (Ron Hansen), which she must pass on to David: "Louis wants to see you, like yesterday." Warwick does some straight talking. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Peter Benardos.]

851. (22/09) Reg is annoyed with the way Edie is treating Liz. Dudley chooses the wrong moment to interrupt. [Episode written by Ross Napier; directed by Peter Benardos.]

852. (23/09) Flo's latest escapade horrifies Dorrie. Don meets Jack's solicitor, Laura Trent (Mary-Ann Severne), who is nothing like he expected. Vera decides to confide in Don. Arthur Partridge (Gordon Glenwright) arrives at Flat 3, posing as "Mr Jones", to view Flo's room. It seems that Warwick already knows Laura. [Episode written by Ross Napier; directed by Peter Benardos.]

853. (24/09) Jaja manages to confuse Gary. Vera is determined to confront Warwick. [Episode written by Ken Hayles; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Mike Ferguson had returned as Gary Whittaker for an extended stint.

854. (25/09) David doesn't react according to Prim's plans. Dorrie, Herb and Flo have come up with a new scheme. Vera wants to know about Warwick's connection to Laura. He knew her bankrupt father, Patrick Trent, Warwick's first senior partner. Warwick admits that he loves Vera. At the opening of The House of Danielle, Loueena Derwent (Lorraine Bayly) thinks of Vera as "the woman who tamed Warwick Thompson". [Episode written by Ken Hayles; directed by Peter Benardos.]

855. (26/09) Vera is acting strangely, while Liz and Jaja clash. [Episode written by David Phillips; directed by Brian Phillis.]

856. (29/09) Dudley's news amazes David and Prim, while a confused Norma suffers pangs of guilt about her friendship with Gilbert. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Brian Phillis.]

857. (30/09) Nigel and Reg disagree. Warwick has some advice for Vera. Vera is unimpressed by the efforts of the seamstress, Eileen Chester (Patti Crocker). Eileen has been with Warwick's company for 15 years, but Vera demands that Miss Townsend (Patricia Craig) fire her immediately. [Episode written by Peter Thorburn; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Patti Crocker, who portrays Eileen Chester, made a previous appearance as a hospital matron in Episode #157.

858. (1/10) Arnold is gullible, while Norma is put into a spot by Liz. Alf and Lucy's son, Jim Sutcliffe (Brendan Lunney), is back in Sydney for a surprise trip. Warwick's wife, Muriel Thompson (Rowena Wallace) finally meets Vera. Who put a bag of heroin in David's camera bag? [Episode written by Tom MacLennan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Brendan Lunney makes his third onscreen appearance as the oft-mentioned Jim Sutcliffe. Previously he had a brief story arc from Episode #41 and another from Episode #247.

859. (2/10) David confronts Louis Spiro about the bogus Bali trip, while Dorrie disapproves of Flo's new friend, Arthur. Reg is depressed about Nigel's popularity at the TH, and is impatient to take over as DTC. Louis gives David a new assignment, which he passes with flying colours. What are Arthur's intentions regarding Flo? While outside a Paddington fruit shop, baby Emma is taken from her pram by a mysterious woman. [Episode written by Tom MacLennan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

860. (3/10) Gary has a warning for Dudley, while a distraught Lucy tries to cope with a disaster; a woman referred to as "Mad" Stella (Anne Charleston) has taken Emma. Alf has no time for the reporter (Douglas Stark) from The Clarion newspaper, who turns up at Flat 4 to do a story on Emma's kidnapping. A plainclothes member of the Vice Squad is looking for David. [Episode written by Joel Sweetenson; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Anne Charleston, who portrays Stella, previously appeared as Madame Jacqueline in Episode #600.

861. (6/10) Liz is playing a strange game with Arnold. Lucy breaks down over little Emma Sutcliffe's disappearance. Mayor Charles Gough (David Whitford) and his lover, Sandra (Peta Peter), trick Edie MacDonald into giving them the run of Flat 5 for a secret rendezvous. Detective Inspector Mitchell (Mark Kelly) attempts to resolve the kidnapping of Emma Sutcliffe and gives advice to Alf. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

David Whitford, who portrays Charles Gough, first appeared as Paul Mathews in Episode #228. He will return as Mayor Gough in Episode #1059. 861 Since David was a taxi driver in real life, when not acting, he can often be seen as an extra, driving his own taxi, in many Australian productions of the day. David is the brother of Peter Whitford, who will eventually play the regular character of Guy Sutton. Mark Kelly portrays Detective Inspector Mitchell. Previously, he played Detective Sergeant Miller, who had investigated stolen money in relation to Flat 8 and, in Episode #239, the morphine stolen from the chemist shop. He also played Detective Constable Roberts in Episode #783.

862. (7/10) Dudley's plans don't proceed according to his expectations. Herb believes that Dorrie may have acted in haste. Liz accepts Arnold's proposal of marriage. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

863. (8/10) David's situation worries Prim, while Norma gives advice to Louis. Dorrie is excited to show Flat 4 to the prospective tenants, the Reverend Mr Humphries (Robert Eagen), a retired Borneo-based minister, and his wife. Flo realises that she has been duped. Tomorrow's trip to Melbourne is actually for the christening of Kingsley Parker, Dorrie and Herb's grandson. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

864. (9/10) Gary causes David to lose his temper, with disastrous results. Arnold makes a special announcement about his and Liz's future. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

865. (10/10) Gary attempts to convey the truth to Arnold but Liz is always a step ahead. Arthur proses marriage to Flo. Eileen moves into the vacant Flat 4 with her youngest daughter, Debbie Chester (Dina Mann). Flo meets Cookie (Himself), Arthur's pet cockatoo. Gary overhears Gilbert talking to Norma and takes action. [Episode written by Richard "Dick" Barry; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Future regular script and synopsis writer, Dick Barry, is credited here as Richard Barry.

866. (13/10) Don has some advice for Vera. Prim is positive that David is hiding something. [Episode written by Richard "Dick" Barry; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Future regular script and synopsis writer, Dick Barry, is credited here as Richard Barry.

867. (14/10) Debbie's older sister, Jane Chester (Suzanne Church), arrives at Flat 4 to find that Eileen has finished unpacking. Reg is outraged, while Don's suggestion horrifies Laura. What is the strange hold that Celia Palmer (Margaret Christensen) has over her son, David? [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

868. (15/10) Arthur's model trains and Cookie take over much of Flat 3. Gary has his suspicions about Gilbert and Norma. Prim finds out the truth about David's relationship with Celia: she is actually his wife, not his mother. Arnold's latest news is a surprise to Flo, but she and Arthur agree to witness a marriage. Vera is baffled by Muriel's actions. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

869. (16/10) Don and Laura have a plan, while Edie is distressed by Liz's announcement. The marriage celebrant (May Howlett) officiates at Arnold and Liz's wedding. Debbie's school friend, Teresa (Julieanne Newbould), introduces her to a new thrill: a hypodermic of heroin. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Jane Chester references a boyfriend, Bill Degotardi, presumably a namedrop for commercial real estate agents, Graeme and Brian Degotardi, who have operated on Sydney's North Shore since the 1960s. Debbie Chester was shown mainlining heroin, in a scene made with police participation. The censors decreed that Rose Godolfus had to be shown to dislike the effects of smoking a marijuana cigarette in Episode #19. Chris Benaud and Angela Punch-McGregor had portrayed cannabis-smoking teenagers, in more graphic scenes, in Episode #523.

870. (17/10) Prim has a proposal for Vera; she would like to be a boarder in Flat 7. Gary makes Liz furious; she then begins acting very strangely. Jaja moves in with Laura. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Peter Benardos.]

871. (20/10) Edie is told to take a good, hard look at herself. Eileen is still oblivious to what is going on with her younger daughter, Debbie. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

872. (21/10) David can't see a way out of his dilemma. Warwick is angry with Muriel. David finds Celia in the bathtub - with her wrists slashed. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

873. (22/10) Reg receives a mysterious telephone call from his son, Dean. David is threatened by Celia. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

874. (23/10) Edie is the recipient of some harsh words from Arnold. Laura is concerned about Jaja. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Peter Benardos.]

875. (24/10) Muriel makes a suggestion to Warwick. Flo must come to a decision. Vera tells Don that she is pregnant to Warwick. [Episode written by Ross Napier; directed by Peter Benardos.]

876. (27/10) Edie is forlorn over Reg's oversight. Mr Mandelburg's fur shop has a Persian lamb coat in the window, which Edie covets, and had believed that Reg would buy for her as a 25th wedding anniversary gift. Eileen fails to notice Debbie's ill health, and is called into the school to speak with the headmistress, Mrs L. Macreadie (Lynne Murphy). Teresa's drug pusher, Nick (Terry Camilleri), has been lurking on Lindsay Street and threatens Debbie about monies owed for services rendered. [Episode written by Ross Napier; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Lynne Murphy, who plays Headmistress Macreadie, will return as the regular character, Fay Chandler, from Episode #989.

877. (28/10) Don's first new client with Sir Percival Quail is one Roger Pycroft, a young man charged with multiple traffic offences. The local "garbos", Frank "Weppo" Smith (Roger Ward) and his colleagues, "Chinka", "Armpits" and Clarence, aka "Nutsy", are celebrating with lunch in the Norma's Bar, instead of their usual pub venue. It is the last day on the truck for "Chinka". Muriel demands to see Laura immediately and Don wonders what the problem might be. Arnold attempts to smooth things with Edie. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

The Pycrofts (in Episode #767) were said to be high society friends of the Rhinegolds (Ozzie, Rita and daughter Prue). Roger Ward portrays Weppo Smith. Previously, he had played a licensing inspector posing as a deli customer, in Episodes #87 and #89.

878. (29/10) Dorrie plays the part of Flo's fairy godmother. Liz threatens Gary. Athol (Brian Barrie) and his wife (Betty Cheal), tourists from Auckland who are staying at a nearby motel, wander into the deli looking for toiletries. They are stunned to recognise Liz, calling her "Beckie Wilson". They offer condolences on the fate of Beckie's husband, but Liz is perplexed, denies knowing them, and warns that it is almost closing time. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

879. (30/10) Debbie loses control in front of Dorrie and Flo. Gary makes a promise to his mother. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

880. (31/10) Prim attempts to help Vera. Gary ignores his promise and seeks a showdown. [Episode written by David Phillips; directed by Peter Benardos.]

881. (3/11) Jane tries to reason with Debbie. Arthur takes charge of Dorrie's landscaping plans... and the Sunshine Patio takes shape at the rear of Number 96. Debbie, using the alias "Joan Thomas of Smith Street, Paddington", tries to pawn Eileen's engagement ring with a local Pawnbroker (Noel Mitchell). Roger Pycroft (Andrew Grant) gets physical with Don when it is suggested that Roger should plead "Guilty" in court. [Episode written by David Phillips; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Roger Pycroft is finally seen onscreen, played by Andrew Grant. Previously, Andrew played Detective Sergeant Wellington in a story arc from Episode #335.

882. (4/11) Gary is playing games with Liz. Debbie's proposition stuns Dudley. [Episode written by David Phillips; directed by Peter Benardos.]

883. (5/11) Gary's news startles Prim. Liz threatens the garage mechanic (Don Goldenburg) about having Arnold's car repaired after all. Reg has a suggestion for Weppo: he should move into Flat 5 as a boarder. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

884. (6/11) Jaja believes that she has found true love. Arnold unexpectedly returns to Liz's chagrin. Roger confirms that he knows Prue Rhinegold and her parents, Ozzie and Rita. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

885. (7/11) Don is mystified about an incident. Roger is sure that he has an inoperable brain tumour. There is a shock in store for Debbie. Teresa's mother (Jennifer West) tells her that her daughter is in hospital, following an overdose. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

886. (10/11) Liz continues with her strange game. Prim tries to comfort Vera. Jaja meets a scantily-dressed tart named Victoria (Terry Herlihy) coming out of Flat 6 and realises that David is not just setting up an escort agency, but a high-class prostitution racket, just as Prim had said. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Terry Herlihy, who portrays Victoria, will return as Naked Lady in Episode #1149.

887. (11/11) Don is in trouble, but Debbie is in deeper trouble. While waiting to meet her pusher, one of Debbie's schoolgirl friends (Wendy Horton) warns her not to be late for roll call. Jane tries to get Dudley to see reason. [Episode written by Lynn Foster; directed by Brian Phillis.]

On this day, after a series of dramatic political events, including a 1974 double dissolution of Federal Parliament, the "Khemlani Loans Affair" and a budgetary supply crisis, the Gough Whitlam-led Labor Government became the first (and only) government in Australian history to be dismissed by the Governor-General (Sir John Kerr). Malcolm Fraser was installed as caretaker Prime Minister. While this constitutional crisis overshadowed the Whitlam years, his administration left a lasting legacy of social and political reform. Many of the cast members of "Number 96" had participated in the "It's Time..." winning election campaign that had seen Whitlam first rise to power as Prime Minister.

888. (12/11) Dorrie places some blame solely on Reg's shoulders. Muriel makes her move; she is divorcing Warwick. Vera's obstetric specialist, Doctor Hunter (John Charlton), delivers grim news after the miscarriage of her baby. A previous history of abortions, including a badly botched one, means that she will never be able to bear children. Portrayed by [Episode written by Lynn Foster; directed by Brian Phillis.]

889. (13/11) Debbie loses her temper with Arnold, while David makes a stand. Jaja is offered a job for the evening by a visiting Dubbo businessman (Hugh Sawkins) who can't find a suitable escort from David's listings. On the recommendation of her pusher, Debbie gets "tarted up" and heads to Kings Cross, but has little success raising drug money. [Episode written by Lynn Foster; directed by Brian Phillis.]

890. (14/11) Dudley is worried about his sexual prowess. Reg seeks Weppo's help to resolve the problem of "The Dustbin Dispute". In Kings Cross, a prostitute (Jinx Huber) castigates Debbie and points out the nearby Wally, the protector of her interests. A sinister man (Robert Driscoll) tells David about the protection racket; they are holding Jaja hostage until David agrees to pay 50% of his agency's earnings. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Jinx Huber (now Jinx Lootens), who portrays the Kings Cross prostitute, was the then-wife of Executive Producer Bob Huber. Jinx had previously appeared as Samantha Vanderhum (from Episode #235), and as a nurse in 1973. She would return in other roles, Mrs Hadley in Episode #1149, and several appearances as Coral Fuller (aka Olga Medcalf) from Episode #1187.

NOVEL: The plotlines for an original paperback novel, "Number 96" (Stag, Published early 1976), take place around the time of Episode #890. There is even a reference to the ongoing garbage strike happening in the series. The two main story arcs feature Jaja Gibson and Grace "Prim" Primrose prominently, but no actors from the series appear on the cover. Uncredited, this novel was supposedly written by Carl Ruhen, who did the "Neighbours" paperbacks a decade or so later. He is also credited with novelisations for "Alvin Purple", "Mad Max 2", "The Young Doctors", "Sons and Daughters" and "Melvin, Son of Alvin".

Characters:

Norma and Gary Whittaker of Flat 1 and Norma's Bar. (Gary is only briefly mentioned.)

Arnold and Liz Feather of Flat 2 and A. Godolfus, Delicatessen. (The Feathers were married in Episode #869.)

Dorrie and Herb Evans and Flo Patterson of Flat 3. (Herb is consistently called "Herbie".)

Eileen, Jane and Debbie Chester of Flat 4. (The Chesters are not mentioned in this novel.)

Reg and Edie MacDonald and Weppo Smith of Flat 5. (Nigel Morgan is frequently involved. Introduced in Episode #832.)

David Palmer and Jaja Gibson of Flat 6. (David is away for work. He and Jaja are kidnapped in Episode #902.)

Vera Collins and Grace "Prim" Primrose of Flat 7. (Vera is only briefly mentioned. Prim is said to be missing David.)

Don Finlayson and Dudley Butterfield of Flat 8.

Note: The Paddington Council garbage strike in the series: Episode #885 (Weppo tells Reg about it.) Episode #890 (Reg asks Weppo to resign.) Episode #892 (TV journalist Brian Proud covers strike.) Episode #894 (Norma gets involved.) Episode #896 (The Mike Walsh Show interviews Dorrie and Weppo.) Episode #898 (Strike is over.)

A crank caller rings a young woman. The reader eventually realises that the victim of these calls is Prim.
Dorrie, Herb(ie) and Flo discuss a forthcoming island cruise, and a Paul Newman movie.
Norma's Bar - Don, Dudley, Prim (who is missing David), Jaja.
Reg MacDonald (consistently misspelt "Mc") and Nigel, Norma. There is mention of her son, Gary, and deceased husband, Les.
Christmas party with Mayor (Charles Gough), TC (Edward Buchanan), DTC (Nigel Morgan?), Town Engineer, at Paddington TH. Miss Celia Carmichael in filing room, tell the DTC, attempt to blackmail Reg.
Prim interacts with the bar regulars, including George Meadowes, who wants divorce from his wife, "The Puff Adder"; The Undertaker, and Constable Peter Wills (who has just moved into the upper floor of a terrace around corner).
David is filming in the country, Prim getting crank calls, the caller knows all about her.
Michael Hooper, who drives a Datsun sportscar, works in a studio called Superior Photography
Garbage strike is ongoing.
Liz often lies awake at night after a traumatic incident with Gary.
Herb wants to get rid of a monstrosity of a vase - he sneaks it down the back stairs and will say that he broke it accidentally.
Dudley’s fling with with his cousin, Jaja, is affecting Don. Dudley gets hung over and has brought home a young man Shane, a country lad who is about 17 or 18.
Jaja and Michael - strip.
Dorrie and the missing vase - where are their tickets and travellers cheques?
Deli order for Vera. References to departed tenants: the Sutcliffes, Patti(e), the Godolfuses, Les and the tragic Maggie, Liz's experience with Gary.
Vase is gone.
Reg and Edie - he will visit Celia.
Michael and Jaja make love, watched by a man, Clive.
Herb tells Arnold about vase and tickets.
Prim tells Peter about the caller know everything.
Clive: Porn is chic, compared to Linda Lovelace.
Reg visit Celia’s apartment block.
Caller obsesses on Prim.
Mrs Marks’ gossip. Senior Cits’ need to buy a gift for Dorrie as retiring Secretary. Colour TV?
Miss Carmichael in a ground floor flat - smell of gas. George infers she is a prostitute and assumes that Reg is her “ponce”. George called away by woman.
Naked man in her room - Nigel. A betrayal? Reg could be the Eastern Suburbs Rapist?
Herb searches for vase.
Shane watching Abbott & Costello on TV. His young friends in the Western Suburbs are invited over. Dudley is needed by Prim down in the bar.
Clive and Michael argue. Fight, flagon to head. Jaja hurls camera out window.
Prim tries to entrap caller as Peter had advised. Keep him talking.
Suspicion falls on The Undertaker, who comes in, George has a cut. Dudley has seen four friends of Shane, two guys, two girls.
Don arrives home to a blocked driveway, and must park in street.
Nigel has bluffed Celia.
Prim to meet guy in park, Peter to follow.
Mrs Marks's speech, Mr Fogarty drops walking stick, Herb almost sneezes during speech..
Michael takes Jaja back. White slavery racket revealed. Michael must leave.
Don wants the youths out of his flat. Threatens them with police. Eddie grabs the phone. Don knocked out.
Dorrie opens her gift: her own missing vase! No two such ugly vases could exist. Herb and Dorrie wrestle over vase. It smashes! Tickets and travellers cheques were still inside.
Prim goes to the park. Peter is following. She challenges Peter, as she had never told him the time of the meeting, and yet Peter knew. They struggle. Two police turn up. Prim won’t press charges.

891. (17/11) Don is furious with Dudley. Vera breaks down and makes a confession to Prim. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Peter Benardos.]

892. (18/11) Gary makes a suggestion to Liz. Arnold receives an unexpected windfall. Reporter Brian Proud (Himself) attempts to cover the story of the garbage dispute for TV's Eyewitness News. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

Brian Proud, an actual Network 0-TEN reporter, returns to present stories on a Randwick bank robbery in Episode #931, Herb Evans' skyjacking incident in Episode #1136, and to interview Opal Wilkinson on TV in Episode #1207.

893. (19/11) David has a warning for Jaja. Meanwhile, Arnold gives Liz a nasty shock. A hood (Jim Clifford) from the protection racket collects his cut - $325 - from David, but then complains that it doesn't seem enough for an agency with 12 girls on the books. He insists on taking Jaja for the evening, to receive his 30% share. David reluctantly agrees that she should go with him. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

894. (20/11) Norma enters the fray of the strike and Debbie is in trouble again. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Peter Benardos.]

895. (21/11) Liz's move fails to concern Debbie. Dorrie sets out to defeat the council after Weppo is attacked by three of his former friends. [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Brian Phillis.]

896. (24/11) Norma loses her patience with Gary. David needs comforting. Dorrie and Weppo appear as guests on The Mike Walsh Show, to be interviewed by Mike Walsh (Himself), about the garbage strike in Paddington. Don tries to get Laura to see reason. Arnold's doctor (Brian Anderson) thinks that he has a virus and writes a prescription for antibiotics. Liz tells the doctor that she believes her husband "is being slowly and systematically poisoned". [Episode written by Susan Swinford; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Mike "Shirley Temple" Williams makes a brief appearance as himself on "The Mike Walsh Show" set. He had previously been an extra in Episode #353. Brian Anderson, who portrays Arnold Feather's doctor, previously appeared as a theatrical agent in Episode #792. Note that antibiotics are no longer considered a suitable treatment for a virus, only secondary symptoms.

897. (25/11) Reg sides with Weppo. Jane has a shocking confession for Eileen. Three of Weppo's angry garbo colleagues come to Flat 5 looking for him, as a result of what was said on The Mike Walsh Show. One of them, Dunleavy (Ray Meagher), is keen to hang Dorrie "on a meat-hook and leave her for the crows". Weppo soon calms the situation and ends up sharing beers with them. One of Debbie's schoolgirl friends (Terrie Lynn) seems unapproachable about hard drugs, but would be interested in getting some pot. [Episode written by Ross Napier; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Ray Meagher, who plays Dunleavy the garbo, returns in 1977 as the recurring character, Fred Shrimpton.

898. (26/11) Jane does not think too highly of Dudley's idea of discretion. Muriel is plotting to destroy Warwick's happiness. Simon Thompson (Sean Hinton), Warwick's young son, delivers a disturbing message to Vera at the penthouse. [Episode written by Ross Napier; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Sean Hinton, who portrays the oft-mentioned Simon Thompson, is the real life son of actor Phillip Hinton. Phillip Hinton appears as a faux K.G.B. spy in Episodes #1208 and #1209.

899. (27/11) Gary has a tirade of harsh words for Norma and remains unforgiving. The police have been called in to investigate Arnold's health situation. Senior Sergeant Murphy (Max Osbiston, credited as "Orbiston") and Detective Johns (Alan McGuiness) find a bottle of potassium antimony tartrate in Gary's pocket and insist on taking him to the police station for questioning. [Episode written by Ross Napier; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Max Osbiston, who portrays Senior Sergeant Murphy previously appeared as Charles in Episode #5. Alan McGuiness, who portrays Detective Johns, returns as a fisherman in Episode #1110 and as Mark in Episodes #1209, 1210 (credited as "McGuinness").

900. (28/11) Gary refuses to go to the police station. Debbie feels trapped: Nick refuses her $40, telling her that the price is $50 unless she agrees to push drugs for him. David warns Jaja about the tour to the Far East once again, but she won't take him seriously. Gary is charged with poisoning Arnold. He tells Laura that it was Liz. Edie intends to be a candidate in the local council elections. Jaja signs a contract with Oscar Barry (Redmond Phillips), believing his theatrical agency is for showgirls and hostesses to travel to Singapore and perform in shows. [Episode written by Lynn Foster; directed by Howard Scrivener.]

Redmond Phillips, who portrays Oscar Barry, would return to play the recurring role of Mr Bingham in 1976.

901. (1/12) Liz feigns surprise about Gary's arrest. Jane inadvertently triggers a disaster. After Simon's visit, Vera breaks down and confesses a secret to Warwick. $50 is missing from the delicatessen's till and Jane has found Debbie's heroin implements. Prim reluctantly incriminates Gary. Reg arrives home to find a gathering of councillors, including Aldermen Sinclair and Palfrey, and Alderman Mrs April Bullock. They are meeting to discuss tactics to defeat Clem Benson in the local elections. Jane tries to help Debbie go "cold turkey", without success. [Episode written by Lynn Foster; directed by Howard Scrivener.]

902. (2/12) Debbie's doctor (John Larking) tells Jane what to expect regarding her sister's recovery. The latest scandal about Gary has not met with Dorrie's approval. Liz makes an accusation about Debbie to Eileen. Jaja tells David that she has signed the contract for the tour, which instigates another row. Eileen blames Jane for Debbie's condition. David proposes to Jaja. No barrister is willing to take on Gary's case. Detective Cord (John Vale) from Police Headquarters visits David about the reports he has given them about the white slave racket. Cord is concerned that David and Jaja are continuing to involve themselves. Dorrie searches for bodies in the Sunshine Patio and is overheard by Senior Sergeant Murphy. A disappointed Oscar Barry orders a taxi for Jaja, who has backed out of the tour. David has walked into a deadly trap - and is quickly joined by Jaja. She sees David, bound and gagged, in the back seat of the taxi. The bogus Detective Cord pushes her inside and the vehicle drives off. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Howard Scrivener.]

John Larking, who portrays Debbie's doctor, previously appeared as Mr Pelham in Episode #183, and will return as Mr Hogan in Episode #1046.

903. (3/12) Muriel does some fast talking and Warwick is left feeling confused. Norma is resigned to the fact that Gary is going to prison. Eileen is unforgiving. Reg acts as MC for Dorrie's grand opening of the Sunshine Patio, but nobody turns up. After a trip to the zoo, Warwick's daughter, Caroline Thompson (Belinda Grose), and son, Simon, tell their father exactly how they feel about his relationship with Vera. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Howard Scrivener.]

In the leaderstrip to the episode compile, the audio transmission date has a homage to Weppo's appearances. "As Shakespeare would say, 'Whenever and however...'" can be heard, instead of the usual "TBA" ("To Be Announced").

904. (4/12) Dudley and Prim share concern over David and Jaja's welfare. Don has questions for Liz, but she manages to bluff her way through. Edie and April plan a political rally. Don visits the oft-mentioned Eunice Springer, who supports Liz's story, but Gary knows that the woman is lying. Warwick wants to make plans for a trip to Europe with Vera. Dorrie is annoyed that Edie's rally on the patio interrupts her peace and quiet. Muriel asks Laura to hold off the divorce proceedings for the time being. At the police station, Dudley is told by the desk sergeant (Digby Thomas) that a body of a girl fitting Jaja's description has been found, washed up on rocks at Turimetta Head. Dudley then identifies a body at the morgue: it is Jaja's. [Episode written by David Sale; directed by Howard Scrivener.]

In the leaderstrip to the episode compile, the audio announcement is accompanied by a resounding theatrical echo. Digby Thomas, who plays the desk sergeant, will portray Henry Dunmore's chauffeur in Episode #985.

905. (5/12) Don realises that something has upset Dudley. He must now organise for his Uncle Vern and Aunt Elsie, Jaja's parents, to travel to Sydney from Forbes. Eunice Springer (Anne-Marie Wiles) sticks to her story. Edie puts Reg in a quandary; should he be worried or elated about her political aspirations? Alderman Mrs Bullock introduces the asthmatic "Bill Stickup", who will be responsible for pasting Edie's campaign posters all over Paddington. Don has lunch with a barrister, Quentin Flemming (Les Foxcroft), "a top QC" and a friend of Bunny Pycroft. He urges Don to drop Gary's case or, at least, get more tangible evidence. Journalist Oliver Hobbs (Reg Gorman) does not instill confidence about the accuracy of the article he is writing. Arnold threatens to lodge a formal complaint about Don's treatment of Liz. Muriel realises that Laura, too, is in love with Warwick. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Quentin Flemming mentions that Bunny Pycroft is up for Commodore at his local yacht club. Flemming is played by Les Foxcroft, who was last seen as the Magistrate overseeing Kerry Braddon's case in Episode #831. Previously, he was Holloway's office caretaker in Episode #22, and will return as the recurring character, Sir William Mainwaring, from Episode #1008. Reg Gorman, seen here as Oliver Hobbs, previously played Constable Wyatt and Irate Father in 1972, and Bert Kelly in 1974. The episode has a running gag of characters being referred to by their incorrect names ("Rex", "Ron", "Rob" and "Ray" MacDonald, "Bill Stickup", Alderman Mrs "Bollocks", Edie "McDougall", especially by journalist Mr Hobbs. The joke extends to the end credits: the actors for the characters of Hobbs and Flemming are actually switched. Quentin Flemming is miscredited to Reg Gorman. Oliver Hobbs is incorrectly attributed onscreen to John Cobley, an actor who would play Zeke Bolton in "The Young Doctors".

906. (8/12) Warwick undergoes a change of mind. A funnelweb spider is an uninvited guest at Dorrie's barbecue. Vera tries to bring Warwick and the children closer together. Arthur finds an advertisement in a Queensland paper asking for Herb to contact a solicitor and Dorrie is convinced he will receive an inheritance. Arnold gives Don a piece of his mind. Liz threatens Eunice; she has to stick to their story, after all, Eunice was the one who obtained poison for Liz last time, during an incident in New Zealand. [Episode written by Ken Shadie; directed by Brian Phillis.]

907. (9/12) Arnold makes a confession to the police, claiming that he poisoned himself, but Detective Sergeant Murphy doesn't believe him. Eileen does her best to cover up for Debbie, but Jane is furious. Jaja's funeral takes its toll on Dudley. Vera refuses to give Eileen time off to visit Debbie. The police ask Norma about Gary's attempt to shoot his estranged wife, Anna Maria, years before. Edie goes missing while campaigning. During a family outing to the beach, Warwick finds Muriel floating face down in the water. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

908. (10/12) Herb is thrilled by news of an inheritance, which will require a plane trip to Brisbane. Vera hears grim news about Muriel. Prim tries to help Dudley. Dorrie causes an accident and Arthur may never be the same. While seeing Herb off at the airport, Flo meets faded Hollywood actor, Trevor Banks (Kev Golsby) and he kisses her hand. Later, and his manager, Scott Taylor (Robert Davis), seek out Norma's Bar, where Trevor asks for his "little lost baby", whom he hasn't seen for over 20 years. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

Kev Golsby, who portrays Trevor Banks, previously appeared as the recurring character, Rudi Savanto, from Episode #605. That time he was credited as "Kevin" Golsby.

909. (11/12) Reg is frantic over Edie's disappearance on polling day. Arthur is suffering from a concussion. Eileen prepares for Debbie's hearing with the magistrate. Despite a plea from Scott, Prim refuses to forgive her unexpected visitor: her alcoholic father, Trevor. Will Magistrate Breverton (John Rayner) recommend that Debbie be placed in a detention centre for delinquents? Arthur needs a wife to take up a job at the train museum in Bowral. Edie defeats Clem Benson in the election. Muriel's operation has been only partly successful. [Episode written by Derek Strahan; directed by Brian Phillis.]

John Rayner returns to the magistrate character he first played in Episode #92. He is given the surname "Breverton" in dialogue used in Episode #911. Over the years, John Rayner also portrayed a lawyer, Mr Locksley, an attorney, and the recurring role of TC Ian Duncan. In Adelaide, scheduling had fallen behind. This episode would be aired in a one-hour timeslot with Episode #910, but not until Thursday 13/05/1976. (Episodes in South Australia were being played at 9.35pm, following a one-hour compilation of episodes of "The Box" at 8.35pm.)

910. (12/12) Prim still has no time for Trevor, and throws him out before he can tell his side of the story. Don is coopted as a waiter in the wine bar. Dorrie announces that she and Herb have great expectations but, instead of money, Herb inherits a 51-year old son from the deceased Gladys Winthrop's will. He and Flo desperately try to hide the truth. Liz shows Don an incriminating letter which Norma confirms as being in Gary's handwriting. Vera learns that Muriel will never walk again. In private, Liz tells Gary that she wishes he would hang. Inexplicably, Jaja is back from the dead. [Episode written by Johnny Whyte; directed by Peter Benardos.]

This episode's cliffhanger endings would not be resolved until the 1976 ratings season, when episodes would be screened twice weekly, in one-hour blocks. On Saturday 13/12/1975, a federal election would be held. After a bitter campaign, the conservative Fraser Government is confirmed in power. Christmas messages from the cast (often in character as Reg & Edie MacDonald, Trixie O'Toole, Dorrie & Herb Evans with Flo Patterson, Arnold Feather & Giovanni Lenzi, Don Finlayson & Dudley Butterfield; and Norma & Gary Whittaker with Jane Chester) are included in the "Special Features" section of the 2010 DVD, "Number 96: Aftermath of Murder" (Volume 2), by Umbrella Entertainment Australia.

Number 96 synopses © 1994, 2020 Ian McLean and Lindsay Street Productions. They have been rewritten and annotated from information derived from Sydney and Melbourne editions of TV Week and TV Times, cross-referenced with original Cash Harmon documentation (including synopses by Peter Pascoe) and viewings of episodes. No text may be reproduced without the express permission of the author. To use this material in research, you are requested to inform the author and credit his contribution accordingly. Thank you.

Page last updated February 2025.