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Percy the Policeman - Full Series

Television (Full Length Episodes) – 1974

This madcap comedy features Bruno Lawrence as a wily burglar, and Bill Stalker as the inept policeman on his tail. The five short episodes feature silent movie style chases and physical comedy. The NZ Broadcasting Corporation refused to screen the show, worried it ridiculed the police. Percy the Policeman was a collaboration between Goodbye Pork Pie director Geoff Murphy and Pacific Films founder John O'Shea. The climactic chase in episode two ropes in John Clarke in a wheelchair, along with many of the film crew. Percy began as a series of books Murphy created for primary school kids when he was a teacher.

It's definitely a rope.
– Percy (Bill Stalker) demonstrates his detective skills

Produced by

  • Acme Sausage Company

  • Pacific Films

Acknowledgements

Presented with thanks to the Aotearoa/New Zealand Film Heritage Trust – Te Puna Ataata

Music

Music by Dave Fraser and Blerta

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