Underbelly s02e04 Episode Script
Business as Usual
Jungle drums are beating, mate.
Ray Chuck's got a job on.
(SHOUTS) If you want our tick of approval, we get a big drink out of it.
Sorry, boys, I got nothing on.
Who was it? Who was it? Ray Chuck.
TERRY: Wayne tells me you're a kindy teacher.
What brings you to Sydney? I wanted a change.
ANDY: 20200-gram bags.
Wouldn't have thought that much would fit, eh, Tel? TERRY: Relax.
You have nothing to feel guilty about.
It's not as if anyone's getting hurt.
SONG: # It's a jungle out there # It's a jungle out there # It's a jungle out there.
# (ROCK SONG INTRO ON RADIO) MAN: Here is the news.
Thousands of hysterical teenagers gathered at the city airport this morning (ROCK SONG INTRO CONTINUES) (GIRLS SCREAM) # When I walk down the streets # Thank you, boys.
Righto, let's see it.
# See the people who stop and stare # JACQUl: The Kane brothers.
Brian and Les.
# that face somewhere a long # Old school crims trading on their hard-earned reputation as the hardest men in the hardest city.
# See the stranger who says, "Why, hi" # With a "How you going, buddy? " when you walked on by # Heroin wasn't their natural territory.
But times change.
(INCREASES VOLUME) And lately, they'd moved into providing protection for Aussie Bob's Melbourne dealers.
# Weren't you on television every night? # Hey, Wayne.
(TURNS RADIO OFF) Scared the shit out of me.
Hurry up.
I've got a party to get to.
Yeah.
(LAUGHS) Bob and Terry need to send more next time, huh? Every hippy in Melbourne wants to get on smack.
'Cause you know we got the good stuff, eh? See you next month, mate.
Yeah.
# Take a look at me # I'm yesterday's hero # Yesterday's hero # (WHISTLING) # That's all I'll be # Give us your money or we'll blow your fucking head off! # Take a look at me I'm yesterday's hero # And yesterday's hero # Is all that I'm gonna be if I don't get together # Make a new start and be somebody better # All that I'll be if I don't get together now # (MOTORC YCLE REVS) TERRY: Marty's sourcing Seven runs.
Four K's a run.
That's hard, Terry, bringing that much in on your waist.
You don't feel safe.
Maybe we could find more couriers.
Maybe.
I was watching 'Mission: Impossible' the other night.
They had a briefcase with a false bottom in it.
Yeah.
Suppose it sounds kinda silly.
No, it doesn't.
But not a briefcase.
A suitcase.
A false-bottomed suitcase.
(PHONE RINGS) Mmm.
Don't.
Yes? Wayne Yeah, Wayne, mate.
What's up? What? GEORGE: How's your evening, Robert? Hear the latest from Macquarie Street? The Premier wants to close all casinos in the state.
Apparently they're linked to organised crime.
Well, the Police Commissioner reckons there's no such thing as organised crime in NSW, Robert.
And he'd know, wouldn't he? Good evening, Police Commissioner.
(LAUGHS) Detectives.
Argh! Leave it with me.
Hi, Terry.
Tonight, you're, uh Simon Templar? James Bond? Scarlet Pimpernel? Wayne's been ripped off.
$200,000.
All last month's takings from the Vic dealers.
Fuck me! Yes.
Fuck you, Bob.
Fuck you very much.
Wholesale, retail.
What happened to the fucking protection you organised with your Painter and Docker mates? No cause to shove your digit in my chest, sonny.
This needs to be sorted.
Yeah.
Well, I'm on the next flight.
I've got problems of my own.
I'll talk to my boys.
BOB: Not good enough, Brian.
The two clowns that relieved this young bloke of my cash and a goodly chunk of his nose weren't exactly in awe of your reputation, were they? Watch your mouth, fatso.
Watch your mouth.
Alphonse shut up.
You get a look at 'em? No.
They wore helmets.
Anything else? One of them's guns was shiny.
And they took off on a yellow motorbike.
We'll sort it out.
It's sweet.
Glad to hear it.
I might have a shot at this two-up lark.
Alphonse, Bernie, take the gentlemen over.
What the fuck you let him talk to us like that for? Kick your brain into gear, mate.
Who do you know owns a shiny silver pistol? And who else do you know rides a yellow Kawasaki? Oh, fuck off! Mm-hm.
Mm-hm.
(ALL SING) # A fighting fury, we're from Tigerland # In any weather you will see us with a grin # Risking head and shin # If we're behind, then never mind # We'll fight and fight and win # For we're from Tigerland # Hey, Vinnie.
Laurie.
Brian.
Les.
Hey.
Been riding your Kwaka lately, Vinnie? I take her out for a spin every now and then.
How about Brighton? You zip down there Sunday arvo? Brighton on Sunday? You know, I can't recall.
BRIAN: How about you, Loz? You down that way on Sunday with your shiny little pistol? LAURIE: Sunday arvo? Oh, I remember now.
Went to mass.
Took the holy sacrament.
LES: I'll make you holey, fuckwit.
I'll fucking make you pay for that! Hey, Les, that's blasphemy, mate.
from a friend of mine that day.
Now, you boys have a good think about whether or not you had anything to do with it or I'll come back.
See if I can jog your memories for ya.
LES: Fucking Richmond supporters, mate! Time was Vinnie and Laurie were your good mates.
Oh, yeah, mate, well, times have changed.
Talking to us like that.
Should have flushed their heads down the dunny.
(SIGHS) You don't have to prove you've got the biggest every day of the week, mate.
People are getting hungry, love.
Are the snags ready? No, no.
Nothing's ready.
Let you know when they're cooked, Jude.
They did it, bro.
Stole Aussie Bob's dosh.
Vinnie and Laurie are gutless wonders, though.
World-class toadies.
They wouldn't have the balls to do a job on their own, let alone brains.
Something's shaken them up.
Yeah, I'll fuckin' shake 'em up.
(ROCK SONG PLAYS) Cruikshank.
Sir.
I assume you've heard who's back in town.
Who would that be, sir? (SPITS) Do that again and I'll arrest you for littering.
LES: What brings a good girl like you over this part of town, Detective Constable Cruikshank? Where should I be, Les? Well, at home.
Barefoot and pregnant, cooking for your hubby.
Thanks for the advice.
Now I've got some for you.
You know Ray Chuck's back? Ray Chuck? He's in Melbourne? Fancy me not hearing a whisper about that.
Me being your best ear to the ground.
I don't want any trouble.
No fights, Les.
No shoot-outs at the OK Corral, not "put up your dukes".
Chuck's back, and you and your brother are going to live and let live.
What reason would I possibly have for wishing harm on Ray Chuck? No trouble.
(ROCK MUSIC) Yeah! Oh.
That's twice, boys.
Twice.
JACQUl: Ray Chuck had been the brains behind the Great Bookie Robbery, the last of Australia's big-time armed hold-ups.
But he hadn't given the Kane brothers one cent of the takings, which made it very hard for them to still go around town claiming they could stand over anyone.
Welcome home, Ray.
You need to put your coin in, Les.
Wait your turn.
Only thing I'm waiting for is a little bit of respect from you, actually.
You're going to be waiting a while.
You and your brother, you've been walking around here for years with your hands out, letting blokes with balls do all the yakka, haven't ya, huh? Your balls, mate, it's the only reason these bumboys are hanging around.
How are ya, ladies? Yeah? You stick your head in our business again and I'll kick it fuckin' off for ya, alright? What, in your ballet slippers, Les? (ROCK MUSIC) Come on, Ray! Come on! Get him, Ray! He's got a gun! Gun! Aargh! Aaargh! Next time, I use the other end.
Oooh! Get him out of here.
LAURIE: How does that feel, Les, eh? I'm never going to get the blood out of your clothes.
OK, just Come here, come here.
Jude, Jude, just (DOG BARKS) OK.
Put the ferret outside where he belongs, will ya?! (DOOR CLOSES) Hey.
Hey.
Don't get pissy with her just because you went off without thinking again.
At least I'm doing something.
(DOG BARKS) What's that supposed to mean? You know why Vinnie and Laurie thought they could even pull that job off, mate? 'Cause you did nothing about Ray Chuck.
You let him get away with giving us the big fat fuckin' finger.
And everyone everyone in town thinks you are weak as piss, right? I know what I'm doing, Leslie.
We're in this for the long haul.
It doesn't help business with you going off like a firecracker all the time.
Reckon he's gonna come after me? BRIAN: Nah.
He knew if he would, he'd be starting a war.
Ow! And he'd lose.
LES: Really? So what are we gonna do? We eat our greens and we behave like civilised people.
BRIAN: Bung the kettle on, would you, Jude? Eat our greens.
JACQUl: The usual way business happened between Australia's seven - count 'em - seven police forces was not at all.
Professional jealousy, territorial disputes and plain old mistrust.
Most coppers from one state barely spoke to those from another.
Thank you, darl.
And the Commonwealth Police, to state coppers, they were sleepy fat cats who wouldn't know a real crim if one walked past in a balaclava.
Still, they had their uses.
Thanks for coming in.
What can I do for you? The word is, you Commonwealth coppers have got all the latest bells and whistles.
Flash cars, tracking devices Interesting tea.
Earl Grey? Lapsang Souchong.
Phone taps.
Ah, state secret.
Can't confirm or deny.
Why? Heard of Ray Chuck Bennett? Great Bookie Robbery? I take a dim view of him pulling that job and squirrelling 7 million plus out of the country.
The only way to get evidence is for him to incriminate himself.
The only way to do that is to have him boasting over his phone, and you are the only one with access to phone taps.
Getting you a phone tap will take a bit of footwork.
String pulling.
I'll see what I can do.
Thank you, Inspector.
Top-up? G'day, Vinnie.
You got a sec? I gotta get on with my shout.
Three pots, mate.
Come on, mate.
You and I both know you and Laurie ripped off the 200 grand.
We either sort this out nicely or it gets ugly.
So, uh let's just have a chat.
Let me buy you a beer.
I don't drink with old men.
Ooh! Old man, huh?! On your feet, you pup.
I'll fucking turn you into an old man.
Huh?! # She never danced before # So let her on the floor # Let her on the floor # Let the little girl dance # Yeah? Come on! Huh?! # Let the little girl dance # She wants to give it a try # So let the little girl by # Let the little girl by # She's been a little wallflower on the shelf # Standing by herself # (SHOUTS) (SCREAMS) You fucking dirty motherfucker! Aargh! Fucker! You fucking dog! LAURIE: He's got his ear! (LAUGHS) He bit off Kane's ear! (ALL LAUGH) I'm gonna fucking kill you, Mikkelsen! RAY: How are you gonna hear where he is? Eh? (LAUGHTER) You should clean yourself up.
Oh, shut your mouth, Chuck, or I'll blow your head off too! I'm wetting me strides.
(LAUGHTER) I'm gonna blow your head off, then your wife's, then your fucking kid's.
You're a dead man, Kane.
You and your thickhead brother.
You're fucking dead.
LES: OK, get started on that, matey.
Can I have a pony, Daddy? Oh, if you're a very good girl, maybe when you're older.
Uh, thanks, darl.
(PHONE RINGS) It looks great.
Why always at tea time? Hello? Yeah, hi, Brian.
Yeah, sure.
(SIGHS) Sounds a bit funny.
Yeah.
(CLEARS THROAT) Yep? Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hang on.
CHILD: Hey? Vinnie done what? Fucking bastard! Well, mate, I'll go round to Ray Chuck's right now, kick his fucking head in! (LAUGHS) Hey Look, I'll find out where he lives, won't I?! (LAUGHS) Shh, shh.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Brian, listen to me.
Mate, he's gonna pay for this.
Yep.
Ray Chuck reckons he's gonna kill me and Brian.
Of all the criticisms you could level at Les Kane, being paranoid wasn't one of them.
While Brian had always kept his address secret, and Ray Chuck had done the same since coming back from Manila, everyone knew where Les and Judi lived.
Hey, hey, hey, come here, come here.
Hey, it's OK.
Hey, hey.
Love you guys.
Love you two.
Jeez, I love you two.
Justin, I love you, mate.
OK.
TERRY: How deep is this? 8, 9 inches? quick game's a good game.
TERRY: Maria! Bring us the tape measure.
Marty's bought an industrial press in Bangkok.
Isabel.
Pushes the powder into blocks.
So the volume is ALLY: 10,080.
If the false bottom's a quarter of the way up, how many blocks can fit per suitcase? Eight or nine? Depending on how they're wrapped.
Sculpt.
Oooh! Ten K's per suitcase.
We're going to triple the value of each run.
Triple our profits.
I'll get my guy to make up a sample.
Where'd you find a guy who can modify suitcases? Brian Alexander.
Pisshead knows everyone from garbos to the Premier.
Maybe they shouldn't be black.
Why not? Well, lots of people have black ones.
ISABEL: But you want it to be plain so it doesn't attract attention.
ALLY: Yeah, but you don't want some businessman from Perth taking off with your case thinking it's his.
You are so clever.
Terry TERRY: I could fucking do you right here over this table.
Hmm.
So, tartan, good.
No mistaking a good Campbell green.
BOB: Uh, Lennie, this is Ray I was telling you about.
He's from Melbourne, but don't hold that against him.
Ray, Lennie McPherson.
Bob says you want to do a bit of business.
I heard you might have some hardware available.
What sort of hardware are we talking? A couple of machine-guns modified for silencers.
Look, I think I'll let you two blokes wag your chins in private.
LENNIE: Custom-made shooters are going to set you back a bit, cobber.
I hope the job's going to be worth the outlay.
It is.
The question is which one first? Brian or Les? No contest.
Brian.
He threatened your kids, Ray.
Messed up Vinnie's eyes.
Yeah, but Les is crazy.
Brian's a clam, but he's not crazy.
Which is why we should knock him.
We take Les out, Brian is a sitting duck.
Whichever one we do, we've got to find them before they find us.
What do you reckon, Ray? (TV PLAYS) LES: Watch your head there, little mate.
JACQUl: After the ear biting, Les moved to the outer suburbs.
He was a needle in a haystack.
Brian, meanwhile, had trusted lieutenants, like the young Alphonse Gangitano, looking for Ray Chuck.
He lives in Yarra Valley.
Another one says he lives in Sorrento.
Big old spooky mansion.
BRIAN: Chuck follows Richmond, for Christ's sake.
The apple don't fall too far from the fucking tree.
JACQUl: And Ray Chuck had his lieutenants looking for the Kanes.
We found him.
DAVE: My superiors were a bit surprised when I explained you wanted a phone tap.
Not used to coppers wanting to arrest crims? Not used to a civil request from a state copper.
It'll take a while to survey Chuck's house, get the technician down, put a tap in place.
I'm grateful for your help.
Yeah.
Wonder if you could do me a bit of a favour, actually.
A little while back, a young New South Wales DSC named Warwick Mobbs cooperated in compiling a report on the illegal activities of a certain colourful racing identity.
George Freeman.
I encouraged Mobbs to take the report to his commissioner in the belief Merv Wood was clean.
Ah.
Mobbs now finds himself patrolling the dusty streets of Wagga Wagga.
He's a good copper.
I want him working for me.
He also worked the Donald Mackay murder.
I don't need to tell you what a combination of conspiracy and balls-up that investigation was.
But Mobbs is pretty sure one of the Griffith cannabis growers had a big hand in organising the hit.
Robert Trimbole.
Mmm.
Yes.
Well, Mobbs said you'd called the investigation.
You'd heard rumours in Melbourne prior to the Mackay murder that an Italian was looking for an Anglo hitman for an Anglo hit.
That was a rumour from my detective's informant, yes.
Reliable bloke, your detective? YOUNG JACQUl: That's Daddy, that's me.
And that's you, Mummy.
(LAUGHS) JOE: Visitor, Cruikshank.
I'm sorry, sir.
My husband was supposed to pick her up, but he's been caught up in an investigation in Geelong.
Hmm.
This is Inspector Priest, Commonwealth Police.
He has a request.
Sweetheart, why don't you go to the tearoom and get yourself a biscuit? What can I do for you, sir? Some time back, you received information an Italian was looking for a hitman.
Had to be white, for a white hit.
Mm-hm.
I have a few questions for your fizz if you could give me his name.
I'd prefer not to reveal my informant, sir.
I wouldn't be putting any pressure on him.
Just showing him a photograph.
I'd be very happy to ask him any questions that you have and relay his response to Inspector Messina or to you directly, whichever you prefer.
Sir.
(CHILD SPEAKS) (SONG PLAYS ON RADIO) Change that song before I rip the bloody radio out.
(CHILDREN LAUGH) (TURNS RADIO OFF) I said change the song, not turn it off.
I'll turn you off in a minute.
Don't start.
Oh, look, God, Les.
You've been like a bear with a sore head lately.
And at dinner tonight, ordering that waitress around like you're Lord Muck.
Hey, hey, hey! That's enough.
(CHILDREN LAUGH) (CHUCKLES) Oh, God.
I'll wear this, alright? Why? Clam's gonna be dead.
I want to wear it, anyway.
JUDl: You right? Hello, Simon.
Hi, mate.
Hey, what are you doing out here? Come on.
JUDl: Come on, you go and get yourselves ready for bed.
I'll be in in a second.
Come on, mate.
Think you've had enough.
Hey.
Shit.
What's that? I stripped that bed this morning.
(GASPS) (MUFFLED CRIES) (SOFTLY) No! Argh.
(MUFFLED CRIES) Les! Les! Daddy! Les! Mum! Mummy! Daddy! (CRIES) Daddy! Mummy! Daddy! JUDl: Les! Daddy! Where's Where's my baby? Daddy! Where's my baby?! Where's my baby? Bring me my baby! Please! I want Daddy! Stay here.
Hey, mate.
Hey, mate.
Are you alright? You alright? Hey, you're alright.
You're alright, honey.
(CHILD SOBS) (DOOR SLAMS) (CAR ENGINE STARTS) Hey You just stay here with your sister, OK? What Les! Oh! Ohhh! JUDl: Oh! (BANGING) Oh, God.
Oh (DOOR SHUTS) Come here.
Oh! Get off me! Mummy! Hey.
Mummy! You're alright.
You look at Mummy.
It's alright.
It's alright.
You're here with Mummy.
(MUTTERS) Shhh.
Brian? I'm sorry.
I am so sorry.
Are you sure it was them? Ray and Vinnie didn't even wear masks.
Only Laurie.
Maybe he couldn't face me.
You need to leave, Brian, 'cause Ray, he's going to come after you next.
I'm not going anywhere.
I'm going to get him.
(HAWAIIAN SONG PLAYS) (THUMPING) (MAN GROANS) SONG: # Tiny bubbles # BRIAN: Now, mate, we can do this all day.
I don't know, Brian.
I swear.
Now, where is he?! I don't know.
I swear.
# Tiny bubbles # Aargh! BRIAN: Want me to clean your teeth for you, cobber? Aargh! No? Three, two, one.
Argh! He's gone! Done a runner.
Queensland! Perth! Somewhere! (PANTS) # So here's to the golden moon # And here's to the silver sea # And mostly here's a toast # To you and me (SINGS HAWAIIAN LYRICS) LIZ: I'm trying to track down Les Kane.
He's not here.
Any idea where I might find him? I haven't seen him since payday.
Doesn't grow on trees, Bertie.
Got to give me something first.
Now, what's the deal with Les? Sir a couple of things you should know about.
There's rumours of a feud among the Painters and Dockers.
Ray Chuck and the Kanes? Flexing their muscles again.
Think they run this city.
I think it's serious this time.
Why? That information for Inspector Priest.
I'm having trouble finding my fizz.
Hmm? My fizz is Les Kane, sir.
No-one's seen him for over a week.
Detective Inspector Messina, Senior Detective Cruikshank, Mrs Kane.
Is your husband in? Uh, no.
Where is he? He's out.
Mrs Kane, we've heard rumours about Les, rumours he's in trouble.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Mrs Kane, this war, feud, whatever you want to call it, between your husband, his brother and Ray Chuck's crew Les is just out.
I'll let him know that you called.
Mrs Kane.
Is there anything we can do for you? No, I'm fine.
Thank you.
Not fine.
Hmm.
BRIAN: I can't find them.
They've gone to smoke, all three.
I need your help, Judi.
I need you to go to the jacks.
The cops were here earlier, looking for Les.
What did you tell them? Well, it's not going to bring him back or make us safer.
If the pricks are in jail, they won't be able to hide.
I don't care about them, Brian.
He hasn't spoken yet.
Not since And Martine keeps asking where Daddy's gone.
If I go to the cops, then this just keeps on going.
It keeps it in front of their faces, and they are all I care about, not revenge.
JUDl: And when I came home, the car was gone.
JOE: That's your husband's purple Futura? Yes.
Les still not back? I just thought that I should let you know about the car.
LIZ: Judi let us help you.
I know this is hard, but you have to tell us what's happened to Les.
What you know.
I told you, he's going to be home soon.
It could help you, help your children.
I can look after my children.
If you do change your mind (SIGHS) Hello.
JACQUl: Judi did eventually make a statement.
Called Messina at 10:30 at night the next Sunday.
And when he heard what happened, even that cool cucumber of a copper was shocked.
(MUSIC PLAYS OVER DIALOGUE) (MUSIC CONTINUES) JACQUl: I've never forgotten that day.
When Mum came home, she kept cuddling me and telling me she loved me.
She even let me sleep in bed with her and Dad.
I guess she never forgot it either.
LIZ: My informant has been murdered.
At least we believe so.
Sorry.
Yeah, I'm sorry too.
Good luck with your investigation.
Thank you for your help.
You won't be needing that phone tap now, will you? Not if Ray Chuck's vanished again.
Now I want him for murder as well as robbery.
You sound like a real copper.
Good luck.
Inspector you still have authority for a phone tap? Any chance you could put one on Chuck's mother's place? We tend to take a dim view of listening into the phone calls of private citizens, unless there's very, very strong evidence it'll result in the arrest of a felon.
Ray Chuck's a family man.
He'll call his mum.
JACQUl: Vinnie was eventually tracked down in Western Australia.
He was working as a rigger under an assumed name, but he enrolled his kids under their real names at the local school.
Genius.
# I feel a little strange # Like I'm in a pay phone # JACQUl: Laurie had been hiding in an outer suburb of Melbourne, but Mum eventually tracked him down too.
MAN: Drop it! OK.
Drop it! Drop it, Laurie.
Drop the gun, Laurie.
Drop it now.
Victorian Major Crime.
# I'm livin' in the '70s # Oh, thank Christ it's you guys.
JACQUl: He was just so glad they'd got to him before Brian Kane did.
# Just walkin' around, I need another pill to calm me down # JACQUl: And David Priest's phone tap came up trumps for Messina.
For Dave and Joe, it was the start of a beautiful friendship.
# I feel like a good time # That's never been had # I'm livin' in the '70s # I feel like I lost my keys # I got the right day, got the wrong week # And I get paid for just being a freak # I'm livin' in the '70s # I'm livin' in the '70s # I'm livin' in the '70s.
# Merry Christmas, sexy.
Hey.
Hmm, hmm.
Look what I got.
Take a look at this.
The bottom lifts out.
Is that? Icing sugar.
Testing it for the weight.
Nine kilos fits easy.
This baby is going to make me a fortune.
A fortune? Then maybe soon we'll have enough money.
Enough for what? Fiji.
When's enough enough? Um (GIGGLES) I can't stay long.
Oh, but it's Christmas.
Exactly.
Duty calls.
BRIAN: You want the good news or the bad news? Your money's history.
I tried.
Just hoping a few months working gratis would square the ledger.
Six months.
Six months? Yeah, I lost a lot of hard-earned cash, Brian.
Six months and then it's back to business as usual.
Fair enough.
I take it that wasn't the good news.
Those pricks who ripped you off? They won't give you any more trouble.
They're out of the picture.
They're gonna disappear.
Ah, no need for details, mate.
I'll leave it in your capable hands.
Oh, um my commiserations over your brother.
You heard what happened? Well, not really.
Ray Chuck fuckin' machine-gunned him.
That fuckin' coward got machine-guns with silencers from somewhere and killed Les in his own home.
The kids were right there.
My little brother.
That's outrageous.
God, what's the world coming to? Ohhh.
Merry Christmas.
Yeah.
Merry Christmas.
(CHOIR SINGS CHRISTMAS CAROL) MAN ON TV: Despite the Premier insisting I close all these illegal casinos immediately, it came to my attention that these premises employ over 300 staff.
Now, I'm as opposed to gambling as the next man, but to put off 300 hardworking New South Welshmen just before Christmas, well, an old copper can be a bit flexible during the festive season.
(CORK POPS) Ahhh! (LAUGHS)
Ray Chuck's got a job on.
(SHOUTS) If you want our tick of approval, we get a big drink out of it.
Sorry, boys, I got nothing on.
Who was it? Who was it? Ray Chuck.
TERRY: Wayne tells me you're a kindy teacher.
What brings you to Sydney? I wanted a change.
ANDY: 20200-gram bags.
Wouldn't have thought that much would fit, eh, Tel? TERRY: Relax.
You have nothing to feel guilty about.
It's not as if anyone's getting hurt.
SONG: # It's a jungle out there # It's a jungle out there # It's a jungle out there.
# (ROCK SONG INTRO ON RADIO) MAN: Here is the news.
Thousands of hysterical teenagers gathered at the city airport this morning (ROCK SONG INTRO CONTINUES) (GIRLS SCREAM) # When I walk down the streets # Thank you, boys.
Righto, let's see it.
# See the people who stop and stare # JACQUl: The Kane brothers.
Brian and Les.
# that face somewhere a long # Old school crims trading on their hard-earned reputation as the hardest men in the hardest city.
# See the stranger who says, "Why, hi" # With a "How you going, buddy? " when you walked on by # Heroin wasn't their natural territory.
But times change.
(INCREASES VOLUME) And lately, they'd moved into providing protection for Aussie Bob's Melbourne dealers.
# Weren't you on television every night? # Hey, Wayne.
(TURNS RADIO OFF) Scared the shit out of me.
Hurry up.
I've got a party to get to.
Yeah.
(LAUGHS) Bob and Terry need to send more next time, huh? Every hippy in Melbourne wants to get on smack.
'Cause you know we got the good stuff, eh? See you next month, mate.
Yeah.
# Take a look at me # I'm yesterday's hero # Yesterday's hero # (WHISTLING) # That's all I'll be # Give us your money or we'll blow your fucking head off! # Take a look at me I'm yesterday's hero # And yesterday's hero # Is all that I'm gonna be if I don't get together # Make a new start and be somebody better # All that I'll be if I don't get together now # (MOTORC YCLE REVS) TERRY: Marty's sourcing Seven runs.
Four K's a run.
That's hard, Terry, bringing that much in on your waist.
You don't feel safe.
Maybe we could find more couriers.
Maybe.
I was watching 'Mission: Impossible' the other night.
They had a briefcase with a false bottom in it.
Yeah.
Suppose it sounds kinda silly.
No, it doesn't.
But not a briefcase.
A suitcase.
A false-bottomed suitcase.
(PHONE RINGS) Mmm.
Don't.
Yes? Wayne Yeah, Wayne, mate.
What's up? What? GEORGE: How's your evening, Robert? Hear the latest from Macquarie Street? The Premier wants to close all casinos in the state.
Apparently they're linked to organised crime.
Well, the Police Commissioner reckons there's no such thing as organised crime in NSW, Robert.
And he'd know, wouldn't he? Good evening, Police Commissioner.
(LAUGHS) Detectives.
Argh! Leave it with me.
Hi, Terry.
Tonight, you're, uh Simon Templar? James Bond? Scarlet Pimpernel? Wayne's been ripped off.
$200,000.
All last month's takings from the Vic dealers.
Fuck me! Yes.
Fuck you, Bob.
Fuck you very much.
Wholesale, retail.
What happened to the fucking protection you organised with your Painter and Docker mates? No cause to shove your digit in my chest, sonny.
This needs to be sorted.
Yeah.
Well, I'm on the next flight.
I've got problems of my own.
I'll talk to my boys.
BOB: Not good enough, Brian.
The two clowns that relieved this young bloke of my cash and a goodly chunk of his nose weren't exactly in awe of your reputation, were they? Watch your mouth, fatso.
Watch your mouth.
Alphonse shut up.
You get a look at 'em? No.
They wore helmets.
Anything else? One of them's guns was shiny.
And they took off on a yellow motorbike.
We'll sort it out.
It's sweet.
Glad to hear it.
I might have a shot at this two-up lark.
Alphonse, Bernie, take the gentlemen over.
What the fuck you let him talk to us like that for? Kick your brain into gear, mate.
Who do you know owns a shiny silver pistol? And who else do you know rides a yellow Kawasaki? Oh, fuck off! Mm-hm.
Mm-hm.
(ALL SING) # A fighting fury, we're from Tigerland # In any weather you will see us with a grin # Risking head and shin # If we're behind, then never mind # We'll fight and fight and win # For we're from Tigerland # Hey, Vinnie.
Laurie.
Brian.
Les.
Hey.
Been riding your Kwaka lately, Vinnie? I take her out for a spin every now and then.
How about Brighton? You zip down there Sunday arvo? Brighton on Sunday? You know, I can't recall.
BRIAN: How about you, Loz? You down that way on Sunday with your shiny little pistol? LAURIE: Sunday arvo? Oh, I remember now.
Went to mass.
Took the holy sacrament.
LES: I'll make you holey, fuckwit.
I'll fucking make you pay for that! Hey, Les, that's blasphemy, mate.
from a friend of mine that day.
Now, you boys have a good think about whether or not you had anything to do with it or I'll come back.
See if I can jog your memories for ya.
LES: Fucking Richmond supporters, mate! Time was Vinnie and Laurie were your good mates.
Oh, yeah, mate, well, times have changed.
Talking to us like that.
Should have flushed their heads down the dunny.
(SIGHS) You don't have to prove you've got the biggest every day of the week, mate.
People are getting hungry, love.
Are the snags ready? No, no.
Nothing's ready.
Let you know when they're cooked, Jude.
They did it, bro.
Stole Aussie Bob's dosh.
Vinnie and Laurie are gutless wonders, though.
World-class toadies.
They wouldn't have the balls to do a job on their own, let alone brains.
Something's shaken them up.
Yeah, I'll fuckin' shake 'em up.
(ROCK SONG PLAYS) Cruikshank.
Sir.
I assume you've heard who's back in town.
Who would that be, sir? (SPITS) Do that again and I'll arrest you for littering.
LES: What brings a good girl like you over this part of town, Detective Constable Cruikshank? Where should I be, Les? Well, at home.
Barefoot and pregnant, cooking for your hubby.
Thanks for the advice.
Now I've got some for you.
You know Ray Chuck's back? Ray Chuck? He's in Melbourne? Fancy me not hearing a whisper about that.
Me being your best ear to the ground.
I don't want any trouble.
No fights, Les.
No shoot-outs at the OK Corral, not "put up your dukes".
Chuck's back, and you and your brother are going to live and let live.
What reason would I possibly have for wishing harm on Ray Chuck? No trouble.
(ROCK MUSIC) Yeah! Oh.
That's twice, boys.
Twice.
JACQUl: Ray Chuck had been the brains behind the Great Bookie Robbery, the last of Australia's big-time armed hold-ups.
But he hadn't given the Kane brothers one cent of the takings, which made it very hard for them to still go around town claiming they could stand over anyone.
Welcome home, Ray.
You need to put your coin in, Les.
Wait your turn.
Only thing I'm waiting for is a little bit of respect from you, actually.
You're going to be waiting a while.
You and your brother, you've been walking around here for years with your hands out, letting blokes with balls do all the yakka, haven't ya, huh? Your balls, mate, it's the only reason these bumboys are hanging around.
How are ya, ladies? Yeah? You stick your head in our business again and I'll kick it fuckin' off for ya, alright? What, in your ballet slippers, Les? (ROCK MUSIC) Come on, Ray! Come on! Get him, Ray! He's got a gun! Gun! Aargh! Aaargh! Next time, I use the other end.
Oooh! Get him out of here.
LAURIE: How does that feel, Les, eh? I'm never going to get the blood out of your clothes.
OK, just Come here, come here.
Jude, Jude, just (DOG BARKS) OK.
Put the ferret outside where he belongs, will ya?! (DOOR CLOSES) Hey.
Hey.
Don't get pissy with her just because you went off without thinking again.
At least I'm doing something.
(DOG BARKS) What's that supposed to mean? You know why Vinnie and Laurie thought they could even pull that job off, mate? 'Cause you did nothing about Ray Chuck.
You let him get away with giving us the big fat fuckin' finger.
And everyone everyone in town thinks you are weak as piss, right? I know what I'm doing, Leslie.
We're in this for the long haul.
It doesn't help business with you going off like a firecracker all the time.
Reckon he's gonna come after me? BRIAN: Nah.
He knew if he would, he'd be starting a war.
Ow! And he'd lose.
LES: Really? So what are we gonna do? We eat our greens and we behave like civilised people.
BRIAN: Bung the kettle on, would you, Jude? Eat our greens.
JACQUl: The usual way business happened between Australia's seven - count 'em - seven police forces was not at all.
Professional jealousy, territorial disputes and plain old mistrust.
Most coppers from one state barely spoke to those from another.
Thank you, darl.
And the Commonwealth Police, to state coppers, they were sleepy fat cats who wouldn't know a real crim if one walked past in a balaclava.
Still, they had their uses.
Thanks for coming in.
What can I do for you? The word is, you Commonwealth coppers have got all the latest bells and whistles.
Flash cars, tracking devices Interesting tea.
Earl Grey? Lapsang Souchong.
Phone taps.
Ah, state secret.
Can't confirm or deny.
Why? Heard of Ray Chuck Bennett? Great Bookie Robbery? I take a dim view of him pulling that job and squirrelling 7 million plus out of the country.
The only way to get evidence is for him to incriminate himself.
The only way to do that is to have him boasting over his phone, and you are the only one with access to phone taps.
Getting you a phone tap will take a bit of footwork.
String pulling.
I'll see what I can do.
Thank you, Inspector.
Top-up? G'day, Vinnie.
You got a sec? I gotta get on with my shout.
Three pots, mate.
Come on, mate.
You and I both know you and Laurie ripped off the 200 grand.
We either sort this out nicely or it gets ugly.
So, uh let's just have a chat.
Let me buy you a beer.
I don't drink with old men.
Ooh! Old man, huh?! On your feet, you pup.
I'll fucking turn you into an old man.
Huh?! # She never danced before # So let her on the floor # Let her on the floor # Let the little girl dance # Yeah? Come on! Huh?! # Let the little girl dance # She wants to give it a try # So let the little girl by # Let the little girl by # She's been a little wallflower on the shelf # Standing by herself # (SHOUTS) (SCREAMS) You fucking dirty motherfucker! Aargh! Fucker! You fucking dog! LAURIE: He's got his ear! (LAUGHS) He bit off Kane's ear! (ALL LAUGH) I'm gonna fucking kill you, Mikkelsen! RAY: How are you gonna hear where he is? Eh? (LAUGHTER) You should clean yourself up.
Oh, shut your mouth, Chuck, or I'll blow your head off too! I'm wetting me strides.
(LAUGHTER) I'm gonna blow your head off, then your wife's, then your fucking kid's.
You're a dead man, Kane.
You and your thickhead brother.
You're fucking dead.
LES: OK, get started on that, matey.
Can I have a pony, Daddy? Oh, if you're a very good girl, maybe when you're older.
Uh, thanks, darl.
(PHONE RINGS) It looks great.
Why always at tea time? Hello? Yeah, hi, Brian.
Yeah, sure.
(SIGHS) Sounds a bit funny.
Yeah.
(CLEARS THROAT) Yep? Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hang on.
CHILD: Hey? Vinnie done what? Fucking bastard! Well, mate, I'll go round to Ray Chuck's right now, kick his fucking head in! (LAUGHS) Hey Look, I'll find out where he lives, won't I?! (LAUGHS) Shh, shh.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Brian, listen to me.
Mate, he's gonna pay for this.
Yep.
Ray Chuck reckons he's gonna kill me and Brian.
Of all the criticisms you could level at Les Kane, being paranoid wasn't one of them.
While Brian had always kept his address secret, and Ray Chuck had done the same since coming back from Manila, everyone knew where Les and Judi lived.
Hey, hey, hey, come here, come here.
Hey, it's OK.
Hey, hey.
Love you guys.
Love you two.
Jeez, I love you two.
Justin, I love you, mate.
OK.
TERRY: How deep is this? 8, 9 inches? quick game's a good game.
TERRY: Maria! Bring us the tape measure.
Marty's bought an industrial press in Bangkok.
Isabel.
Pushes the powder into blocks.
So the volume is ALLY: 10,080.
If the false bottom's a quarter of the way up, how many blocks can fit per suitcase? Eight or nine? Depending on how they're wrapped.
Sculpt.
Oooh! Ten K's per suitcase.
We're going to triple the value of each run.
Triple our profits.
I'll get my guy to make up a sample.
Where'd you find a guy who can modify suitcases? Brian Alexander.
Pisshead knows everyone from garbos to the Premier.
Maybe they shouldn't be black.
Why not? Well, lots of people have black ones.
ISABEL: But you want it to be plain so it doesn't attract attention.
ALLY: Yeah, but you don't want some businessman from Perth taking off with your case thinking it's his.
You are so clever.
Terry TERRY: I could fucking do you right here over this table.
Hmm.
So, tartan, good.
No mistaking a good Campbell green.
BOB: Uh, Lennie, this is Ray I was telling you about.
He's from Melbourne, but don't hold that against him.
Ray, Lennie McPherson.
Bob says you want to do a bit of business.
I heard you might have some hardware available.
What sort of hardware are we talking? A couple of machine-guns modified for silencers.
Look, I think I'll let you two blokes wag your chins in private.
LENNIE: Custom-made shooters are going to set you back a bit, cobber.
I hope the job's going to be worth the outlay.
It is.
The question is which one first? Brian or Les? No contest.
Brian.
He threatened your kids, Ray.
Messed up Vinnie's eyes.
Yeah, but Les is crazy.
Brian's a clam, but he's not crazy.
Which is why we should knock him.
We take Les out, Brian is a sitting duck.
Whichever one we do, we've got to find them before they find us.
What do you reckon, Ray? (TV PLAYS) LES: Watch your head there, little mate.
JACQUl: After the ear biting, Les moved to the outer suburbs.
He was a needle in a haystack.
Brian, meanwhile, had trusted lieutenants, like the young Alphonse Gangitano, looking for Ray Chuck.
He lives in Yarra Valley.
Another one says he lives in Sorrento.
Big old spooky mansion.
BRIAN: Chuck follows Richmond, for Christ's sake.
The apple don't fall too far from the fucking tree.
JACQUl: And Ray Chuck had his lieutenants looking for the Kanes.
We found him.
DAVE: My superiors were a bit surprised when I explained you wanted a phone tap.
Not used to coppers wanting to arrest crims? Not used to a civil request from a state copper.
It'll take a while to survey Chuck's house, get the technician down, put a tap in place.
I'm grateful for your help.
Yeah.
Wonder if you could do me a bit of a favour, actually.
A little while back, a young New South Wales DSC named Warwick Mobbs cooperated in compiling a report on the illegal activities of a certain colourful racing identity.
George Freeman.
I encouraged Mobbs to take the report to his commissioner in the belief Merv Wood was clean.
Ah.
Mobbs now finds himself patrolling the dusty streets of Wagga Wagga.
He's a good copper.
I want him working for me.
He also worked the Donald Mackay murder.
I don't need to tell you what a combination of conspiracy and balls-up that investigation was.
But Mobbs is pretty sure one of the Griffith cannabis growers had a big hand in organising the hit.
Robert Trimbole.
Mmm.
Yes.
Well, Mobbs said you'd called the investigation.
You'd heard rumours in Melbourne prior to the Mackay murder that an Italian was looking for an Anglo hitman for an Anglo hit.
That was a rumour from my detective's informant, yes.
Reliable bloke, your detective? YOUNG JACQUl: That's Daddy, that's me.
And that's you, Mummy.
(LAUGHS) JOE: Visitor, Cruikshank.
I'm sorry, sir.
My husband was supposed to pick her up, but he's been caught up in an investigation in Geelong.
Hmm.
This is Inspector Priest, Commonwealth Police.
He has a request.
Sweetheart, why don't you go to the tearoom and get yourself a biscuit? What can I do for you, sir? Some time back, you received information an Italian was looking for a hitman.
Had to be white, for a white hit.
Mm-hm.
I have a few questions for your fizz if you could give me his name.
I'd prefer not to reveal my informant, sir.
I wouldn't be putting any pressure on him.
Just showing him a photograph.
I'd be very happy to ask him any questions that you have and relay his response to Inspector Messina or to you directly, whichever you prefer.
Sir.
(CHILD SPEAKS) (SONG PLAYS ON RADIO) Change that song before I rip the bloody radio out.
(CHILDREN LAUGH) (TURNS RADIO OFF) I said change the song, not turn it off.
I'll turn you off in a minute.
Don't start.
Oh, look, God, Les.
You've been like a bear with a sore head lately.
And at dinner tonight, ordering that waitress around like you're Lord Muck.
Hey, hey, hey! That's enough.
(CHILDREN LAUGH) (CHUCKLES) Oh, God.
I'll wear this, alright? Why? Clam's gonna be dead.
I want to wear it, anyway.
JUDl: You right? Hello, Simon.
Hi, mate.
Hey, what are you doing out here? Come on.
JUDl: Come on, you go and get yourselves ready for bed.
I'll be in in a second.
Come on, mate.
Think you've had enough.
Hey.
Shit.
What's that? I stripped that bed this morning.
(GASPS) (MUFFLED CRIES) (SOFTLY) No! Argh.
(MUFFLED CRIES) Les! Les! Daddy! Les! Mum! Mummy! Daddy! (CRIES) Daddy! Mummy! Daddy! JUDl: Les! Daddy! Where's Where's my baby? Daddy! Where's my baby?! Where's my baby? Bring me my baby! Please! I want Daddy! Stay here.
Hey, mate.
Hey, mate.
Are you alright? You alright? Hey, you're alright.
You're alright, honey.
(CHILD SOBS) (DOOR SLAMS) (CAR ENGINE STARTS) Hey You just stay here with your sister, OK? What Les! Oh! Ohhh! JUDl: Oh! (BANGING) Oh, God.
Oh (DOOR SHUTS) Come here.
Oh! Get off me! Mummy! Hey.
Mummy! You're alright.
You look at Mummy.
It's alright.
It's alright.
You're here with Mummy.
(MUTTERS) Shhh.
Brian? I'm sorry.
I am so sorry.
Are you sure it was them? Ray and Vinnie didn't even wear masks.
Only Laurie.
Maybe he couldn't face me.
You need to leave, Brian, 'cause Ray, he's going to come after you next.
I'm not going anywhere.
I'm going to get him.
(HAWAIIAN SONG PLAYS) (THUMPING) (MAN GROANS) SONG: # Tiny bubbles # BRIAN: Now, mate, we can do this all day.
I don't know, Brian.
I swear.
Now, where is he?! I don't know.
I swear.
# Tiny bubbles # Aargh! BRIAN: Want me to clean your teeth for you, cobber? Aargh! No? Three, two, one.
Argh! He's gone! Done a runner.
Queensland! Perth! Somewhere! (PANTS) # So here's to the golden moon # And here's to the silver sea # And mostly here's a toast # To you and me (SINGS HAWAIIAN LYRICS) LIZ: I'm trying to track down Les Kane.
He's not here.
Any idea where I might find him? I haven't seen him since payday.
Doesn't grow on trees, Bertie.
Got to give me something first.
Now, what's the deal with Les? Sir a couple of things you should know about.
There's rumours of a feud among the Painters and Dockers.
Ray Chuck and the Kanes? Flexing their muscles again.
Think they run this city.
I think it's serious this time.
Why? That information for Inspector Priest.
I'm having trouble finding my fizz.
Hmm? My fizz is Les Kane, sir.
No-one's seen him for over a week.
Detective Inspector Messina, Senior Detective Cruikshank, Mrs Kane.
Is your husband in? Uh, no.
Where is he? He's out.
Mrs Kane, we've heard rumours about Les, rumours he's in trouble.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Mrs Kane, this war, feud, whatever you want to call it, between your husband, his brother and Ray Chuck's crew Les is just out.
I'll let him know that you called.
Mrs Kane.
Is there anything we can do for you? No, I'm fine.
Thank you.
Not fine.
Hmm.
BRIAN: I can't find them.
They've gone to smoke, all three.
I need your help, Judi.
I need you to go to the jacks.
The cops were here earlier, looking for Les.
What did you tell them? Well, it's not going to bring him back or make us safer.
If the pricks are in jail, they won't be able to hide.
I don't care about them, Brian.
He hasn't spoken yet.
Not since And Martine keeps asking where Daddy's gone.
If I go to the cops, then this just keeps on going.
It keeps it in front of their faces, and they are all I care about, not revenge.
JUDl: And when I came home, the car was gone.
JOE: That's your husband's purple Futura? Yes.
Les still not back? I just thought that I should let you know about the car.
LIZ: Judi let us help you.
I know this is hard, but you have to tell us what's happened to Les.
What you know.
I told you, he's going to be home soon.
It could help you, help your children.
I can look after my children.
If you do change your mind (SIGHS) Hello.
JACQUl: Judi did eventually make a statement.
Called Messina at 10:30 at night the next Sunday.
And when he heard what happened, even that cool cucumber of a copper was shocked.
(MUSIC PLAYS OVER DIALOGUE) (MUSIC CONTINUES) JACQUl: I've never forgotten that day.
When Mum came home, she kept cuddling me and telling me she loved me.
She even let me sleep in bed with her and Dad.
I guess she never forgot it either.
LIZ: My informant has been murdered.
At least we believe so.
Sorry.
Yeah, I'm sorry too.
Good luck with your investigation.
Thank you for your help.
You won't be needing that phone tap now, will you? Not if Ray Chuck's vanished again.
Now I want him for murder as well as robbery.
You sound like a real copper.
Good luck.
Inspector you still have authority for a phone tap? Any chance you could put one on Chuck's mother's place? We tend to take a dim view of listening into the phone calls of private citizens, unless there's very, very strong evidence it'll result in the arrest of a felon.
Ray Chuck's a family man.
He'll call his mum.
JACQUl: Vinnie was eventually tracked down in Western Australia.
He was working as a rigger under an assumed name, but he enrolled his kids under their real names at the local school.
Genius.
# I feel a little strange # Like I'm in a pay phone # JACQUl: Laurie had been hiding in an outer suburb of Melbourne, but Mum eventually tracked him down too.
MAN: Drop it! OK.
Drop it! Drop it, Laurie.
Drop the gun, Laurie.
Drop it now.
Victorian Major Crime.
# I'm livin' in the '70s # Oh, thank Christ it's you guys.
JACQUl: He was just so glad they'd got to him before Brian Kane did.
# Just walkin' around, I need another pill to calm me down # JACQUl: And David Priest's phone tap came up trumps for Messina.
For Dave and Joe, it was the start of a beautiful friendship.
# I feel like a good time # That's never been had # I'm livin' in the '70s # I feel like I lost my keys # I got the right day, got the wrong week # And I get paid for just being a freak # I'm livin' in the '70s # I'm livin' in the '70s # I'm livin' in the '70s.
# Merry Christmas, sexy.
Hey.
Hmm, hmm.
Look what I got.
Take a look at this.
The bottom lifts out.
Is that? Icing sugar.
Testing it for the weight.
Nine kilos fits easy.
This baby is going to make me a fortune.
A fortune? Then maybe soon we'll have enough money.
Enough for what? Fiji.
When's enough enough? Um (GIGGLES) I can't stay long.
Oh, but it's Christmas.
Exactly.
Duty calls.
BRIAN: You want the good news or the bad news? Your money's history.
I tried.
Just hoping a few months working gratis would square the ledger.
Six months.
Six months? Yeah, I lost a lot of hard-earned cash, Brian.
Six months and then it's back to business as usual.
Fair enough.
I take it that wasn't the good news.
Those pricks who ripped you off? They won't give you any more trouble.
They're out of the picture.
They're gonna disappear.
Ah, no need for details, mate.
I'll leave it in your capable hands.
Oh, um my commiserations over your brother.
You heard what happened? Well, not really.
Ray Chuck fuckin' machine-gunned him.
That fuckin' coward got machine-guns with silencers from somewhere and killed Les in his own home.
The kids were right there.
My little brother.
That's outrageous.
God, what's the world coming to? Ohhh.
Merry Christmas.
Yeah.
Merry Christmas.
(CHOIR SINGS CHRISTMAS CAROL) MAN ON TV: Despite the Premier insisting I close all these illegal casinos immediately, it came to my attention that these premises employ over 300 staff.
Now, I'm as opposed to gambling as the next man, but to put off 300 hardworking New South Welshmen just before Christmas, well, an old copper can be a bit flexible during the festive season.
(CORK POPS) Ahhh! (LAUGHS)