Number 96 (TV series)

Number 96 is an Australian primetime soap opera that aired on 0-10 Network (the forerunner of what is now Network Ten) and was produced by Cash Harmon Television and created by David Sale, who also served as a scriptwriter, primarily alongside Johnny Whyte broadcast from 13 March 1972 to 11 August 1977, originally in the primetime slot of 8:30 pm for 5 x half-hour episodes every weeknight, then later 2 x one hour episodes screened per week. The series follows the lives of the residents and visitors of a fictional four story inner Sydney block of flats located at 96 Lindsay Street, Paddington (hence the title "96") Although the series gained a huge following in Australia, because of its risque and controversial content and subject matter for its time, it never attained the worldwide global success or cult following as later show Prisoner that was known as Prisoner: Cell Block H in the UK and USA. The show was originally broadcast in black and white monochrome until halfway through its run; starting in March 1975, it was seen in colour, after networks in Australia switched over to colour television broadcasting.

History and background Number 96 was notable for breaking new ground and introducing controversial and taboo subject matter to Australian television, at the time not seen anywhere in the world, including the United Kingdom or United States. The launch of the series was heavily promoted in media with full-page newspaper advertisements in a daily countdown to the launch lamponing "Tonight, Australian television loses its virginity". A launch party was also held with cast and crew with media personnel in attendance. The show was produced by Cash Harmon Television and was conceived by David Sale, a British novelist and former EP of The Mavis Bramston Show, who also was a screenwriter on the series. The series was originally commissioned by the then flagging 0-10 network which was in "a make or break situation" to boost ratings that were lagging behind the well-established rivals Nine Network and Seven Network, to make a soap opera with similar elements to the British series Coronation Street, "but a little racier". The show was a daring last-bid attempt from a network struggling on the verge of bankruptcy, and its immediate success (and advertising revenue) helped the network become more competitive by buying successful new international shows such as The Waltons and M*A*S*H. By 1974, the network was number one in the ratings for the first time in its history. Number 96 became one of the most popular Australian drama television series of all time, but due to its racy subject matter, it was not picked up by many international markets. It was the first soap opera to screen in prime time five nights a week, and later became the first Australian TV series to inspire a brief US remake. Number 96 became infamous for its groundbreaking depictions of controversial and taboo subjects of the time, exploring issues such as homosexuality, abortion, rape, interracial romance, drug usage, pregnancy in later life, and transgenderism, but also included an array of comedy characters with their own catchphrases, in a nod to vaudeville. The highest rated episode was the one in which it was revealed that Lucy Sutcliffe's (portrayed by Elisabeth Kirkby) lump in her breast was benign.

Multicultural milestones

British cast and characters Number 96 was based during an era of mass immigration to Australia, primarily from the UK and Europe, and as befitting its inner-city location, presented a much more multicultural view of suburbia. Popular British-born actors included future Neighbours star Tom Oliver as Jack Sellers and original cast member and the series' sex symbol Abigail as Bev Houghton. One of the most popular original characters was played by English comedy performer Johnny Lockwood, who played bumbling Hungarian Jewish deli owner Aldo Godulfus. Lockwood was most known as a variety entertainer, and although Aldo was conceived as a comedy character, it was Lockwood's first major dramatic role in a soap opera. British actors portraying British characters included originals Elisabeth Kirkby and James Elliot, who played Lucy and Alf Sutcliffe, who hailed from Lancashire. Series writer David Sale stated he based the characters on his own parents from England, and even named Lucy after his own mum, but whereas his own parents had emigrated to Australia and loved the country, he depicted Alf as the archetypal whinging pom who longed to go back to his native England. Actor Joe James was another English-born actor who joined as Dr. Gordon Vansard, who worked at the chemist with his sister, later revealed to be his wife Sonia (played by Lynn Rainbow Carol Raye played Don Finlayson's aunt Amanda von Papenburg who was a British Baroness who resided in Germany and arrived to visit Don on several occasions. In later years and having previously played Les Whittaker, Scottish-born Gordon McDougall returned to the series playing the role of Les's Scottish aristocrat brother Lord Andrew McCraddenow. Les's wife was played by English-born Sheila Kennelly, however she played the barmaid Norma as an Australian, evidensed by her famous "G'day Ducky" catchphrase.

European and other cast Fashion designer Vera Collins hailed from South Africa; coincidentally enough, her portrayer Elaine Lee was also born in South Africa. Bettina Welch was born in New Zealand and Arinanthe Galani was also born in New Zealand of Greek descent, but played fiery Italian Maria Panucci. Her Italian nephew who worked in the deli was portrayed by Harry Michaels, also of Greek Descent. Australian actress Philippa Baker played Russian-born deli assistant Roma Lubinski, who was soon to be Aldo's wife. Shorter-term characters included German-born Josephine Knur as waitress Lorelei Wilkinson and Karen Petersen as Italian jewel thief Christine Vettare. African American characters included dancer Ronne Arnold as Chad Farrell and comedienne Chelsea Brown as Hope Jackson,. Aboriginal hairdresser Rhonda Jackson was played by Justine Saunders, and there was an Indian medic Dr. Bannerjee.

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