Boney is an Australian television series produced by Fauna Productions during 1971 and 1972, featuring James Laurenson in the title role of Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte. Two series, each of thirteen episodes were filmed. The series is centred on Bonaparte, a half-Australian Aboriginal character, created by Arthur Upfield, who wrote twenty nine novels about him from 1929 until his death in 1964.
Boney and the Claypan Mystery
Jul 27, 1972
A light aircraft is found in Central Australia. Unconscious in the passenger seat is a young woman, paralysed by drugs, with no sign of a pilot or any tracks in the vicinity. Boney investigates, only to be confronted by a second attempt at killing the girl. Based on the novel 'Wings Above The Diamantina'. Filmed in Central Australia.
Boney Meets the Daybreak Killer
Aug 3, 1972
The murder of two girls in the outback town of Daybreak has baffled local police. Boney arrives to work on the case under cover as a horse breaker. Based on the novel 'Bony And The Mouse'. Filmed in South Australia. Frank Hardy won a Logie award for Best Scriptwriter (1972), and James Laurenson won a Logie award for Best Individual Acting Performance (1972) for this episode.
Boney and the Reaper
Aug 10, 1972
A large reaping machine pushes George Loftus' car into the path of a train. Boney has many suspects, and soon uncovers a connection to a murder in Rabul. Based on the novel 'Mr. Jelly's Business'. Filmed at Narridy, near Port Pirie, South Australia.
Boney in Venom House
Aug 17, 1972
On the track of a murderer, Boney comes to a gloomy old family home, long since cursed by Aboriginals. He finds two sisters twisted by jealousy and hate, a psychiatric nurse acting as housekeeper and, locked upstairs, a powerful man with the brain of a child. Based on the novel 'Venom House'. Filmed in New South Wales.
Boney Buys a Coffin
Aug 31, 1972
An unidentified body is found near a small fishing town, which is linked to the disappearance of a Vietnam serviceman. A stray dog leads Boney to vital clues that help solve a case of murder and drug addiction. Based on the novel 'The Clue Of The New Shoe'. Filmed in New South Wales.
Boney and the Payback Killer
Sep 7, 1972
An Aboriginal boxer is released from prison after serving a sentence for killing his tribal brother. He maintains he was innocent and sets out to serve Aboriginal justice on the real killer. Filmed in Sydney. Not directly based on a novel.
Boney Picks a Widow
Sep 14, 1972
Two widows have been murdered in Broken Bay, a small coastal town. Boney sets a trap for the killer using human bait - the widow he believes will be the next victim. Based on the novel 'The Widows Of Broome'. Filmed in New South Wales.
Boney and the Black Virgin
Sep 21, 1972
Investigating the strange death of an escaped convict, Boney discovers the prime suspect has also been murdered. He finds the key to the mystery in a weird love triangle. Based on the novel 'Bony And The Black Virgin'. Filmed in Central Australia.
Boney Takes a Holiday
Oct 5, 1972
A veterinary student and a customs agent disappear in the Flinders Ranges. Boney finds himself plunged into a strange case of murder and the illegal export of Merino rams. Based on the novel 'The Mountains Have A Secret'. Filmed at Wilpena Pound, South Australia. Last television role by Buster Fiddess.
Boney Buys a Woman
Oct 12, 1972
In the baffling mystery of a murdered white woman and her abducted daughter, Boney seeks clues among a tribe of Aboriginals. To spring his trap on the murderer, he must buy the beautiful Meena from her tribal chief. Based on the novel 'Bony Buys A Woman'. Filmed in Central Australia. The corroboree scenes on the series opening and closing titles are taken from this episode.
Boney and the White Savage
Oct 26, 1972
A young rapist escapes from prison and returns to the rugged mountain area near his home, and the scene of the crime, seeking refuge. Boney strikes fresh trouble when the rape victim tries to protect her attacker. Based on the novel 'Bony And The White Savage'. Filmed at Wilpena Pound, South Australia.
Boney and the Monster
Nov 2, 1972
Aborigines in the heart of the Australian outback plan a ritual killing with Boney as the intended victim when he investigates the mysterious death of a geologist. The Aborigines say the geologist has been trampled by the 'monster of Alice Gap', protector of their sacred burial ground. Investigations lead Boney on the track of a cattle stealing operation. Based on the novel 'The Lake Frome Monster'. Filmed in Central Australia.
Boney and the Black Opal
Nov 9, 1972
A policeman is found murdered on a road in the rugged MacDonnell Ranges and his black tracker is missing, also believed dead. Boney has an ally in a tribe of Aboriginals bent on revenge. Based on the novel 'Cake In The Hat Box'. Filmed in Central Australia.
