australian television information archive

The Noble Art

Episode 3.01 (51)
Written by Peter Hepworth
Directed by Brendan Maher

A boxing troupe brings excitement and unexpected romance to Coopers Crossing. Sam and Emma surprise everybody by returning early from their honeymoon. Kate gets a shock when she discovers the RFDS has reassigned her house to the newlyweds. Kate grows close to one of the young boxers whose career is sidelined by a heart condition. Inspired by a her and Vic's underwhelming wedding anniversary, Nancy decides to update the hotel's ladies lounge.

Starring: Robert Grubb as Dr. Geoffrey Standish, Liz Burch as Dr Chris Randall, Lenore Smith as Kate Wellings, Peter O'Brien as Sam Patterson

Regulars: Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Christopher Mayer as Johnny Lawrence, Peter Cummins as Clive Morton, Craig Elliott as Baz, Julian Branagan as Acker

Sapphire

Episode 3.02 (52)
W: Graham Hartley
D: Brendan Maher

A cushy three-day clinic run at the luxurious Manning property seems like Chris and Kate's idea of heaven — until it becomes evident that someone is trying to poison their host. The man's sister and young wife are the likely suspects but he refuses to involve the police leaving it to Chris to solve the mystery. Violet and Nancy hold a grand opening for their new bistro.

Regulars: Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Maggie Dence as Helen Manning, John Lee as Roger Manning, Deborah-Lee Furness as Sandra Manning, John Heywood as Wombat, Louise Siversen as Debbie O'Brien

Cries From The Heart

Episode 3.03 (53)
W: Shane Brennan
D: Chris Langman

When a driver is seriously injured in a car crash, the RFDS are called to the scene and take the unconscious man back to hospital. They later discover that the man's daughter, a passenger in the car, has gone missing. Sgt Carruthers pushes himself to find the little girl after initially discounting the only evidence for the her existence — the word of a frantic woman who lost her own young daughter. Nancy and Violet's bistro hosts a Hawaiian night.

Regulars: Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Michele Fawdon as Ann Larson, Peter Farago as Ron Thorpe, Phillipa Smith as Tracey Thorpe, Warren Owens as Dougie, Judith Roberts as Beryl Hodges, Christine Bridge as Shirley

All in a Days Work

Episode 3.04 (54)
W: Luis Bayonas
D: Chris Langman

A routine clinic run becomes a succession of emergencies just as the Vice President of the RFDS arrives for a snap inspection. Staff are concerned her visit will bring budget and staff cuts. Chris is injured while searching for the missing appendage after a man chops off his thumb with an axe. While commiserating over being single, Jack tells Chris about his marriage.

Regulars: Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Peter Kowitz as Bert Morgan, Maryanne Fahey as Lisa Morgan, Jackie Kelleher as Lorna McPherson, Amber Kilpatrick as Sarah Gardener, Jim Daly as Bob Carmody

Out of a Clear Blue Sky

Episode 3.05 (55)
W: Leon Saunders
D: Colin Budds

Marty Jarvis, a carefree old school mate of DJ's, arrives in Coopers Crossing and causes a commotion at the Blue Light Disco. An alcoholic shoddy dropper surprises the doctors with his medical knowledge. His death leaves a lasting impression on the locals, Marty in particular. Emma finds herself an apprentice and Jack travels to Broken Hill to initiate divorce proceedings.

Regulars: Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Ralph Cotterill as Walter McKay, Charlene Fenn as Raeleen Carmody, Dimity Barber as Jenny Harrison, Peter Moon as Repossessor, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger 2

Note: Mark Neal (previously in a different role in ep 1.05) joins as a regular. The Old Codgers don't return until 4.09

Affirmative Action

Episode 3.06 (56)
W: Denise Morgan
D: Colin Budds

A young woman under family pressure to get married goes against her demanding father and enters the Great Australian Camel Race. After George Baxter's sexist comments make the front page of the newspaper, he is confronted by a protest by the women of Coopers Crossing. Chris asks for Geoff's help when she realises Jack is taking a romantic interest in her. Kate tries to spend a quiet night alone but her concerned friends keep checking in on her. Vic takes Marty to task for ruining Emma's reputation.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Susie Lindeman as Meg Greenway, Robin Ramsay as Lloyd Greenway, Diana Greentree as Janet Greenway, John Higginson as Andrew Hughes, George Trotman as Brigalow, Stuart Conran as Reporter

Figures in Landscape

Episode 3.07 (57)
W: Peter Kinloch
D: Catherine Millar

A painter and his manager arrive in Coopers Crossing. The landscape artist is on a pilgrimage to rediscover his artistic roots unaware there is another plan in play to revive his struggling career. A pair of life-threatening medical emergencies expose the truth. A head-turning friend of Geoff's comes to Cooper Crossing hoping to lure him back to the city. After learning that Jack is going through his divorce to be with her, Chris admits she only likes him as a friend. Kate and Chris ponder Geoff's middle initial and Marty gives the garage a facelift.

Regulars: Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: John O'May as Max Prescott, Ronald Falk as Charles Noonan, Lynda Stoner as Marcia Dean Carl Price as Trucker, Bob Jewell as Grazier

The Devil You Know

Episode 3.08 (58)
W: Michael Joshua
D: Catherine Millar

George Baxter meets his match when he comes up against a tough American business woman. The hard-working executive represents the company that owns Baxter's business interests and won't slow down, even to the detriment of her health. Chris encourages her to fight back when Baxter tries to oust her. Soula asks DJ to keep quiet about having Chicken Pox lest her parents learn they both have it and realise they've been seeing one another. Marty offers to date Soula to throw off her parents.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Anita Cerdic as Soula Polites, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Nancy Black as Kimberly White, Sydney Conabere as Billy Daniels, Christine Kaman as Katina Polites, Fred Steele as Lex Morris, Christopher Stevenson as Ted Rowley

Note: Anita Cerdic (2.23 previously) returns as a regular. The first of 6 appearances by Nancy Black as businesswoman Kimberly White

Operating Solo

Episode 3.09 (59)
W: Mary Dagmar Davies
D: Paul Moloney

Geoff is injured responding to an accident at the gas fields. He dismisses the injury until it becomes serious requiring him to go to Broken Hill for surgery. With the hospital overcrowded due to a rash of injuries from a rodeo, Kate is forced to look after Geoff in a nearby hotel while waiting for a bed. With Geoff away, Chris must operate on her own to save her patient's life. Sam and Emma help DJ win back Soula — and overcome his fear of flying.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Anita Cerdic as Soula Polites, Shane Withington as Mike Lancaster

Guests: Steve Dodd as Manguana, Duke Bannister as Darius Newton, Alan Andrews as Dr.David Gibbs, Jim Ewing as Ted Johnston, Elizabeth Crockett as Pam, Christine Kerner as Nurse, Nick Lathouris as Spiros Polites [uncredited]

Note: Shane Withington joins the cast as geophysicist Mike Lancaster. The first episode not to feature the trio of Val Jellay, Marty Fields, and Pat Evison

The Path of True Love

Episode 3.10 (60)
W: Andrew Kennedy
D: Paul Moloney

The RFDS respond to a distress call from a tourist bus that has overturned trying to cross a flooded river. While treating a critically ill woman, doctors track down her long-lost love. DJ has convinced Marty that Soula's father is expecting him to marry his daughter. Nancy gets wanderlust after listening to the tourists tales of travel and adventure. DJ seeks Vic's advice on marriage and fixes up a new set of wheels.

Regulars: Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Shane Withington as Mike Lancaster

Guests: Arianthe Galani as Connie Porter, Alexandra Fowler as Josie Bennet, Michael Becher as Robert Armstrong, Sheila Kennelly as Merle Demster, John Murphy as Frank Demster, Nick Lathouris as Spiros Polites, Barbara Jungwirth as June Balir

The Kid

Episode 3.11 (61)
W: Shane Brennan
D: Colin Budds

Marty befriends a young runaway who arrives in Coopers Crossing with his dog. When the boy falls ill, Jack Carruthers tracks down his family to get consent for Geoff to operate. Marty convinces Geoff to let the boy out of hospital to compete in the working dog trials. Mike Lancaster steps up his efforts in his pursuit of Chris. On their first date he introduces her to the lady in his life. DJ asks Soula's parents for their permission to date their daughter.

Regulars: Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Anita Cerdic as Soula Polites, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Shane Withington as Mike Lancaster

Guests: Emil Minty as Andy Lawson, Simon Lodge as Scott Grady, John Bowman as Ian Grady, Nick Lathouris as Spiros Polites, Christine Kaman as Katina Polites, Steven Richards as Truck Driver

The First Step

Episode 3.12 (62)
W: John Alsop
D: Colin Budds

Geoff tries to help Gina Collins, a young mother who appears to have given up on life after suffering a stroke. Sam thinks doctors are wasting their time with Gina and should leave her to her preferred fate. When Vic is audited, Nancy scours the hotel searching for his missing financial receipts. Already talking about getting married, DJ is moving too fast for Soula. Violet sketches the local landmarks and Chris wants to learn to fly.

Regulars: Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Anita Cerdic as Soula Polites, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Shane Withington as Mike Lancaster

Guests: Mark Lee as Stewart Collins, Kim Trengrove as Gina Collins, Sara Gatt as Tessa Collins, Beverley Gardiner as Tax Auditor

Hopscotch

Episode 3.13 (63)
W: Alan Hopgood
D: Chris Langman

The good folk of Coopers Crossing come to the aid of a destitute young mother when her husband abandons her after the birth of their third child. When the family skips town in a vehicle with no brakes, they must be chased down by air to prevent a catastrophe. With her granddaughter's family moving to England, Violet agrees to go along as their nanny. DJ presents Soula with a catalogue of engagement rings.

Regulars: Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Anita Cerdic as Soula Polites, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Shane Withington as Mike Lancaster

Guests: Jennifer Cluff as Miriam Sutton, David Cameron as Barry Sutton, Lucy Clifton as Patsy Sutton, Emily Abay as Mandy Sutton, Richard Neal as Truckie, Christine Kaman as Katina Polites, Nick Lathouris as Spiros Polites

Jacks High

Episode 3.14 (64)
W: Denise Morgan
D: Chris Langman

A group of rowdy shearers descend on Coopers Crossing. The town is more than happy to feed their vices but things quickly spin out of control. Baxter's wool shed goes up in flames. Responding, Jack is accidentally shot leading to a frantic search for the one man in the area with his rare blood type. After learning from Chris that Soula doesn't want to get married, DJ bears the wrath of Soula's father by backing out of the engagement. Violet searches for someone to take over her shop and Soula moves to Melbourne to start business college.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Anita Cerdic as Soula Polites, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Anne Phelan as Rosie, Don Bridges as Smacker, Warren Owens as Dougie Kennedy, Richard Moss as Bernie Miller, Gerard Matte as Baxter's Manager, Nick Lathouris as Spiros Polites, Christine Kaman as Katina Polites [uncredited]

Note: Anita Cerdic's final episode

Clapped Out

Episode 3.15 (65)
W: Tony Morphett
D: Brendan Maher

An old friend of Kate's returns from America looking to take over the family farm from his aging grandfather but his mother is keen to sell to Baxter. The grandfather and his best mate abscond from their care home to save the homestead. Violet has second thoughts about moving to England when she learns the RFDS fundraising committee is searching for someone to replace her. Maggie Hutton, the woman Nancy finds to take over Violet's shop, is also given the presidency of the committee much to the dismay of Nancy who wanted the spot. Violet's friends surprise her with a celebratory farewell dinner. Jack is flown to Sydney for another operation.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Shane Withington as Mike Lancaster

Guests: Alwyn Kurts as Angus McGregor, Robert Taylor as Lachlan McGregor, Gerry Duggan as Young Bill, Nell Johnson as Ann McGregor, David Ashton as Taxi Driver, Allan Stewart as Farmer

Notes: Marie Redshaw's first episode as Maggie Hutton. One of Robert Taylor's earliest roles.

Private Lives, Public Faces

Episode 3.16 (66)
W: Cassandra Carter
D: Brendan Maher

Jack Carruthers' replacement arrives. He's a real stickler for the rules and is eager to make a good impression by tackling some unsolved cases — starting with a break-in at Baxter's office perpetrated by the kids from DJ's disco. Violet and Maggie compete to organise an RFDS fundraiser event but the stress lands Maggie in hospital. Mike reveals to Chris he has a wife and two children in Sydney. Violet offers Kate her house while she's away.

Regulars: Pat Evison as Violet Carnegie, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Simon Thorpe as Larry O'Connor, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Shane Withington as Mike Lancaster

Guests: Joy Smithers as Claire Banks, David Kirkpatrick as Vince Banks, Timothy Doutch as Henry Cooper Banks

Notes: Pat Evison's final episode. Joy Smithers appears as Violet's granddaughter, she was in ep 1.15 in another role. Simon Thorpe's first episode as Senior Constable Larry O'Connor