Police Rescue
Also known asPolice Rescue – Gefährlicher Einsatz (Germany), "Noodroep" (Afrikaans – South Africa),
Polizia Squadra Soccorso (Italy)
Sydney Police (France)
Záchranáři (Czech Republic)
Written byChristopher Lee
Debra Oswald
Philip Cornford
Directed byPeter Fisk (1989–1993)
Michael Carson (1991–1993)
Scott Hartford-Davis (1995–1996)
StarringGary Sweet
Sonia Todd
Steve Bastoni
John Clayton
Tammy MacIntosh
Belinda Cotterill
Jeremy Callaghan
Doug Scroope
Steve Bisley
Frank Holden
Marshall Napier
Tim McKenzie
Peter Browne
Ada Nicodemou
Salvatore Coco
Leah Purcell
ComposersMartin Armiger
Garry Hardman
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of series5
No. of episodes61 + pilot
Production
Executive producersPenny Chapman
Kim Williams
Errol Sullivan
ProducersJohn Edwards
Sandra Levy
Production locationsNew South Wales, Australia
CinematographySteve Arnold
Russell Bacon
Stephen Windon
EditorVarious
Running time50 minutes
90 minutes (pilot)
Production companiesAustralian Broadcasting Corporation
British Broadcasting Corporation
Southern Star Xanadu
Original release
NetworkABC
Release15 March 1989 (1989-03-15) 
22 November 1996 (1996-11-22)

Police Rescue is an Australian television series which originally aired on ABC TV between 1989 and 1996. It was produced by ABC and Southern Star Xanadu in association with the BBC.[1]

Apart from the 61 episodes, there was a 90-minute pilot episode (first screened in 1989) as well as a feature film in 1994, starring Zoe Carides.

The series dealt with the New South Wales Police Rescue Squad based in Sydney and their work attending to various incidents from road accidents to train crashes. The show was very well received for the first four series, however a decline in ratings by the commencement of the 1996 series saw the cancellation of the show, following an almost epitaph in the final three episodes.

Police Rescue was shown in the United Kingdom first on BBC1 and later on Sky One, in the Czech Republic as Záchranáři on TV Nova, in South Africa as "Noodroep" (dubbed in Afrikaans), in parts of Italy as Polizia Squadra Soccorso on T9, in France on TF1 as Sydney Police, in Germany on VOX as Police Rescue – Gefährlicher Einsatz, in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark on the United Kingdom-based TV3, and in the Republic of Ireland on RTÉ.

Cast

Main

Actor/actress Character Rank Tenure Episodes
Gary Sweet Steve "Mickey" McClintock Sergeant 1989–1996 01–61 + Pilot Episode & Feature Film
Sonia Todd Georgia Rattray Constable/Senior Constable/Sergeant 1989-1996 01–61 + Pilot Episode & Feature Film
Tim McKenzie Peter "Ridgy" Ridgeway Sergeant 1989-1990 01-13 + Pilot Episode
John Clayton Bill Adams Inspector 1989–1996 01–61 + Pilot Episode & Feature Film
Marshall Napier Fred "Frog" Catteau Sergeant 1989–1992 01-19 + Pilot Episode
Peter Browne Trevor "Sootie" Coledale Constable 1989–1990 01-14 + Pilot Episode
Doug Scroope Percy "Ptomaine" Warren Constable 1989-1993 01-32 + Pilot Episode
Steve Bastoni Yiannis "Angel" Angelopoulos Constable/Senior Constable 1990-1996 01-61 + Feature Film
Steve Bisley Kevin "Nipper" Harris Senior Sergeant 1992-1995 14-42
Belinda Cotterill Sharyn Elliott 1992–1994, 1996 14-39, 53-61 + Feature Film
Tammy MacIntosh Kathy Orland Constable 1992-1995 14-52 + Feature Film
Jeremy Callaghan Brian Morley Constable 1992-1995 19-52 + Feature Film
Ada Nicodemou Anastasia Skouras 1994-1995 40-52
Frank Holden Glenn "Spider" Webb Senior Sergeant 1994-1996 43-61
Zoe Carides Lorrie "Flash" Gordon Constable 1994 Feature Film Only
Salvatore Coco Joe Cardillo Constable 1996 53-61
Leah Purcell Tracy Davis Constable 1996 53-61

Recurring minor cast

Actor/actress Character Rank Tenure Episodes
Kerry Armstrong Des McClintock Mickey Ex-Wife 1990-1991
Deborah Kennedy Bronwyn Catteau 1990-1992 3 episodes
Harold Hopkins Tony Fuller NARC Detective 1990-1992
Gia Carides Helena Angelopoulos 1992-1993 7 episodes
Justin Rosniak Sam 1993-1996 Seasons 3–5, 4 episodes
Lani John Tupu David Goldberg 1992 Season 2
Daniel Rigney Constable Lohmeier Constable 1993 Season 3

Guests

Actor/actress Character Tenure Episodes
Anne Tenney Katie McCarthy 1991 Season 1, episode 9 :"One for Dad"
Bec Cartwright Emma 1992 Season 2, episode 9
Ben Mendelsohn Dean Forman 1995 Season 4, episode 13: "Wild Card"
Cate Blanchett Mrs Haines / Vivian 1993 Season 3. episode 5: "The Loaded Boy" & TV movie: "Police Rescue In Action"
Celia Ireland Lachlan's mother 1992 Season 2, episode 2: "Sugar"
Colin Friels Lew Campbell 1992 1 episode
Debra Byrne Maria Mellick / Tricia Mellick 1991; 1992 Season 1-2, 2 episodes
Joel Edgerton Andy 1995 Season 4, episode 13: "Wild Card"
John Jarratt Dave 1994 Season 4, episode 9: "Public Mischief"
John Noble Sergeant 1991 1 episode: "Hostage"
Judith McGrath Hazel 1995 Season 5, 1 episode
Justin Rosniak Sam 1993-96 Season 3-5, 4 episodes
Melissa Tkautz Helen Catteau 1991 Season 1, 1 episode
Nash Edgerton Alex's mate 1994 TV movie: "Police Rescue In Action"
Russell Crowe Constable Tom 'Bomber' Young 1992 Season 2, episode 1: "The Right Stuff"
Sharyn Hodgson Kerry 1998 1 episode
Zoe Carides Constable Lorrie 'Flash' Gordon 1994 TV movie: "Police Rescue In Action"

Episodes

Pilot movie

In mid-1989, Southern Star Xanadu broadcast the pilot episode of Police Rescue via the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The 90-minute telemovie established the background of the protagonist of the series, Sergeant "Mickey" McClintock (Gary Sweet). Several issues were raised in the pilot, such as women's discrimination, sexism and street violence. The plot evolved around the entrance of the first woman member to the Police Rescue Squad, Constable Georgia Rattray (Sonia Todd) and then the search for a missing boy in Sydney's sewer system.[2]

Number
in series
Number
in season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
PilotPilot"Rescue"Peter FiskEverett De Roche15 March 1989 (1989-03-15)
The 90-minute telemovie established the background of the protagonist of the series, Sergeant "Mickey" McClintock. Several issues were raised in the pilot, such as women's discrimination, sexism and street violence. The plot evolved around the entrance of the first woman member to the Police Rescue Squad, Constable Georgia Rattray and then the search for a missing boy in Sydney's sewer system.

Season 1 (1991)

The telemovie was well received and spawned the series of Police Rescue, which carried on shortly after the pilot.

Number
in series
Number
in season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
11"Mates"Michael CarsonPeter Schreck14 February 1991 (1991-02-14)
A highly successful businessman who threatens suicide, makes Mickey realize how lucky he really is.
22"Angel After Hours"UnknownUnknown21 February 1991 (1991-02-21)
A visiting psychologist learns to respect the RESCUE team when he joins them for a rugged night shift and angel is forced to share his family crisis with Mickey.
33"LPG"UnknownUnknown28 February 1991 (1991-02-28)
LPG A liquid petroleum gas tanker crashes with another vehicle trapping one driver and his young son, as the tankers are parted for rescue to begin its noticed that there are chlorine pellets on the floor which if they get wet will have cause a thermal explosion. To make matters worse a LPG plant is just down the road the whole area is cordoned of as rescue set about extracting the driver and his son. Meanwhile back at base, one of the team struggles with past addictions due to the death of his beloved pet dog.
44"The Cosmic Lightbeam"UnknownUnknown7 March 1991 (1991-03-07)
A lock-out, a break-in, and a police trainee spell trouble for 'Mickey'.
55"Mad Dog"UnknownUnknown14 March 1991 (1991-03-14)
A prison guard strike leads to the male members of the squad being sent to substitute and an escape.
66"Saturday Night"UnknownUnknown21 March 1991 (1991-03-21)
On a fishing trip Ridgy gets washed ashore while trying to rescue another man from drowning.
77"Reunion with Snake"UnknownUnknown28 March 1991 (1991-03-28)
Two boys gets chemical burns after playing in a tunnel.
88"Raid"UnknownUnknown11 April 1991 (1991-04-11)
While 'Mickey' and 'Angel' are in competition for the new hire's attention, the squad is tasked to work with Special Operations to go after a gangster for murder.
99"One for Dad"UnknownUnknown18 April 1991 (1991-04-18)
Mickey and Frog spends a long night in a swamp while looking for a missing girl.
1010"Hostage"UnknownUnknown25 April 1991 (1991-04-25)
Mickey and Georgia get caught up in a shoot out by a bank robber who has taken a hostage.
1111"Up a Tree"UnknownUnknown2 May 1991 (1991-05-02)
Animal rescue to riot control – a typical day for the Police Rescue Squad,,,or is it?
1212"Saving the Princess"UnknownUnknown16 May 1991 (1991-05-16)
Mickey stands by Georgia when she makes an unpopular decision on an MVA call.
1313"By the Book"UnknownUnknown13 June 1991 (1991-06-13)
The squad gets called out to free a man trapped during a building demolition but end up finding Romeo and Juliet.

Season 2 (1992)

Number
in series
Number
in season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
114"The Right Stuff"UnknownUnknown3 September 1992 (1992-09-03)
Constable Tom 'Bomber' Young (Russell Crowe), a footy hero, joins the squad with disastrous results.
215"Off the Track"UnknownUnknown10 September 1992 (1992-09-10)
When a car and commuter train collide, it's an emotionally and physically draining shift for the entire squad.
316"The Hard Way"UnknownUnknown17 September 1992 (1992-09-17)
Georgia finds a car crash involving a couple suspicious and wonder if the woman tried to kill her husband.
417"The Big Canary"UnknownUnknown24 September 1992 (1992-09-24)
Fraud Squad Head Superintendent Tony Daniels, ask Bill Adams if Rescue can guard a Dr Baldwin - in a secret operation. Mickey's the man for the job.
518"Judgement Day"UnknownUnknown1 October 1992 (1992-10-01)
Frog seems to be running out of luck: first while trying to save a girl in a demolished building, then when a man kills his whole family and finally climbing down a cliff to rescue a boy.
619"Stakeout"UnknownUnknown15 October 1992 (1992-10-15)
When on an assignment with a crashed truck, Mickey and Georgia unintentionally disturb a drug squad stakeout.
720"Sugar"UnknownUnknown22 October 1992 (1992-10-22)
After the death of Kathy's brother, she is maybe to quickly back at work and struggles to deal with handling a car crash and an accident at a sugar refinery.
821"With a Vengeance"UnknownUnknown29 October 1992 (1992-10-29)
The team is searching for a small missing airplane and finds it hanging on a ledge with two young men trapped inside.
922"Reasons to Live"UnknownUnknown8 November 1992 (1992-11-08)
Mickey and Angel rescue prominent artist, Lew Campbell, who has been trapped in his studio by a gas explosion. His wife, Holly, and their two young daughters have escaped unhurt.
1023"From This Day Forward"UnknownUnknown15 November 1992 (1992-11-15)
At the pub where Angel is having his bucks night, Nipper runs into an old contact, Johnny Blackett, who's just been released from a six-year jail sentence. There's obviously bad blood between them.
1124"Angel's Devils"UnknownUnknown22 November 1992 (1992-11-22)
Angel is having martial problems. When he sees Helena getting out of a sportscar outside her office then kissing the driver goodbye, Angel suspects that she is having an affair.
1225"The Real Meaning"UnknownUnknown26 November 1992 (1992-11-26)
Mickey baulks when Paramedic Tricia Mellick, tells him she is going to abseil down a skyscraper to help him rescue an unconscious man caught on a gantry between the 34th and 33rd floor.
1326"Heartbeat"UnknownUnknown3 December 1992 (1992-12-03)
Georgina is struggling with wedding planning. When the team is sent into a cave to rescue archaeologists caught in a flood, Mickey suddenly vanishes.

Season 3 (1993)

Number
in series
Number
in season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
127"Lifeline"UnknownUnknown10 June 1993 (1993-06-10)
A girl calls the rescue team telling she is locked up in a room but she don't know where. A race against time begins for the team to find the girl before her father does.
228"Wild Goose Chase"UnknownUnknown17 June 1993 (1993-06-17)
Georgina has cancelled her wedding. The team is searching for a missing man but it feels like a wild goose chase.
329"On a Roll"UnknownUnknown24 June 1993 (1993-06-24)
Angel's getting hooked on horse race gambling.
430"Prodigal Daughter"UnknownUnknown4 July 1993 (1993-07-04)
...
531"The Loaded Boy"UnknownUnknown8 July 1993 (1993-07-08)
A truck with chemical waste crashes and a can with the possible deadly material goes missing.
632"Good Buddy"UnknownUnknown15 July 1993 (1993-07-15)
Brian becomes friends with one of Nippers old mates, private investigater Temple, who isn't who he seems to be.
733"Rush Hour"Ian BarryChristopher Lee22 July 1993 (1993-07-22)
Brian gets challenged with his phobia, when the rescue squad has to search for missing persons in the subway tunnels.
834"Speeding"UnknownUnknown29 July 1993 (1993-07-29)
Mickey gets worried about his son after a car with drugged teenagers crashes.
935"Lift Sixteen"UnknownUnknown5 August 1993 (1993-08-05)
Nipper gets stuck in an elevator that breaks down due to an earthquake.
1036"Whirlwind"UnknownUnknown19 August 1993 (1993-08-19)
Kathy gets a little too involved with an adrenalin junkie.
1137"Cold Snap"UnknownUnknown26 August 1993 (1993-08-26)
Angel's had enough of the rivalry between Mickey and him. After a big row with Mickey, he leaves Police Rescue. He is transferred to Special Operations. 2 Youngsters are stuck on a cliff. One of them is rescued by Georgia by helicopter. Mickey stays with the other one till the chopper returns for them to pick them up. They wait for hours and hours. The weather conditions get worse. The helicopter cannot fly anymore because there is too much fog. It is impossible for Mickey to climb down, because the other guy is too badly injured. The only way to get out of there is ...
1238"Double Illusion"UnknownUnknown2 September 1993 (1993-09-02)
A man lying at the base of a cliff leads Mickey to pursue two crooked detectives.
1339"The Last to Know"UnknownUnknown8 September 1993 (1993-09-08)
Mickey has anger management issues after his father has a heart attack.

Feature Film and TV Special (1994)

Number
in series
Number
in season
Title Directed by Written by Release Dates
11"Police Rescue: In Action"Scott FeeneyUnknown9 March 1994 (1994-03-09) (TV Airing)
special hosted by John Edwards and Sandra Levy that aired to promote the series, and 1994 feature film. It featured interviews with cast members, Gary Sweet, Sonia Todd, Steve Bastoni and Zoe Carides.
22"Police Rescue: The Movie"Michael CarsonDebra Oswald17 March 1994 (1994-03-17) (Cinema Release)
Constable Laurie Gordon transfers from the Drugs Squad to Sydney's elite Police Rescue squad after her partner and lover is killed when a raid goes wrong. When allegations of corruption follow her to Rescue, Gordon must fight to regain the vital trust of the squad and Sgt. 'Mickey' McClintock. This trust is tested when a gunman takes a teacher and kids hostage at a child care centre, and the Rescue Squad is called in to assist.

Season 4 (1995)

Number
in series
Number
in season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
140"On the Outer"UnknownUnknown27 April 1995 (1995-04-27)
Brian is struggling with fitting in and ends up in a couple of dangerous situations.
241"Conduct Endangering Life"UnknownUnknown4 May 1995 (1995-05-04)
A bank robbery goes wrong and Nipper's wife ends up as a hostage.
342"Wrong Side of the Road"UnknownUnknown11 May 1995 (1995-05-11)
By chance Mickey and Nipper are first on site when a bus is found crashed on the side of a mountain road which makes the rescue of the passengers more difficult.
443"Something's Got to Give"UnknownUnknown18 May 1995 (1995-05-18)
Senior sergeant Webb's first day on the job isn't without difficulties. Nor for Georgia who hoped for the promotion after Nipper left.
544"Guardian Angel"UnknownUnknown25 May 1995 (1995-05-25)
While having problems with his love life, Angel finds relief in taking a young boy under his wing.
645"Double Jeopardy"UnknownUnknown1 June 1995 (1995-06-01)
A gas explosion leaves people trapped in the basement of a building. The rescue squad attempt gets even more difficult and dangerous with poisonous fumes and the risk of another explosion.
746"Crossing the Line"UnknownUnknown8 June 1995 (1995-06-08)
Georgina tries to help a woman with drug problems and her two young children.
847"Damage Control"UnknownUnknown15 June 1995 (1995-06-15)
Kathy has a hard time dealing with a drying man's last words spoken to her in belief she is his wife.
948"Public Mischief"UnknownUnknown22 June 1995 (1995-06-22)
Mickey gets hooked up with a couple living life dangerous as base jumpers, while Georgia looks into a factory with a little too many work accidents.
1049"Breaking Strain"UnknownUnknown29 June 1995 (1995-06-29)
Angel tries to help his old friend, a tow truck driver.
1150"The Sharp End"UnknownUnknown6 July 1995 (1995-07-06)
When a demolition team gets ready to take down a building, something goes wrong and they get trapped in a really dangerous situation.
1251"Rescue Me"UnknownUnknown13 July 1995 (1995-07-13)
Angel has difficulties coping with his hated father's death. Meanwhile Georgia tries to help a friend and her daughter after they were hurt in a gas explosion.
1352"Wild Card"UnknownUnknown20 July 1995 (1995-07-20)
A cold blooded killer (Ben Mendelsohn) blames Mickey for the death of his brother and wants revenge.

Season 5 (1996)

Number
in series
Number
in season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
153"The Ultimate"UnknownUnknown20 September 1996 (1996-09-20)
The rescue squads three new recruits gets tested to the limit while performing a rescue on a skyscraper.
254"Nobby's Place"UnknownUnknown27 September 1996 (1996-09-27)
An old man keeps fishing in a dangerous place and Mickey soon loses his patience.
355"The Getting of Wisdom"UnknownUnknown4 October 1996 (1996-10-04)
Joe, the new guy, rescues a woman with psychological problems and gets a little too involved with her.
456"The River"UnknownUnknown11 October 1996 (1996-10-11)
Errol and his son Robbie, both big fans of flying, crash into the wilderness. During the search for the victims, Angel falls down into the ravine. The rest of the squad immediately start looking for him. But when it gets too dark, they have to go back to base camp and wait till the next day. They have no other choice than to leave him behind.
557"The Ship"UnknownUnknown18 October 1996 (1996-10-18)
An apparent accidental explosion on a ship turns to an act of terrorism putting Police Rescue in grave danger.
658"Flash the Descent"UnknownUnknown25 October 1996 (1996-10-25)
The team is sent out to rescue a couple of climbers stuck on a mountain wall.
759"The Holliman Kid"UnknownUnknown1 November 1996 (1996-11-01)
When a little girl disappear every one wonders what happened to her. Meanwhile Georgia learn she's pregnant.
860"Tomorrow Never Knows"UnknownUnknown8 November 1996 (1996-11-08)
When Angel's younger brother gets killed in a car accident, Angel takes his anger out on the drunk driver, who caused the crash.
961"The Only Constant"Scott Hartford-DavisChristopher Lee22 November 1996 (1996-11-22)
The team race against time to rescue two little girls trapped in a storm drain which is quickly filling up with water. Meanwhile Angel's taking his leave and Georgia is pondering to do the same.

Home Media

Between 1993-1994 Village Roadshow Released Selected Episodes on VHS.

In 1994 CIC-TAFT Video Released Police Rescue (The Movie) on VHS.

The First Police Rescue DVD Release was in November 2006 With Season One Released. The Following year Warner Vision Released Seasons 2 and 2 in April 2007 and In July 2007 the Final Seasons 4 and 5 were Released.

The Second Police Rescue DVD Release was in November 2017 with Via Vision Entertainment Re-Releasing Police Rescue as a Complete Boxset (Seasons 1-5 + Pilot Movie)

As Of 13 Nov 2023 - Police Rescue: The Movie (1994) is still not available on DVD.

As Of 13 Nov 2023 - Police Rescue: In Action is still not available on DVD.

In July 2019, the Seven Network released the complete first season and second season of Police Rescue via video on demand on 7plus.[3]

VHS Releases

Title Format Ep # Tapes Region (Australia) Special Features Distributors
Mates and Hostages VHS Series 1,

Episode 1&10

01 1993 None Village Roadshow
Mad Dog and By The Book VHS Series 1,

Episode 5&13

01 - None Village Roadshow
Judgement Day and Reasons to Live VHS Series 2,

Episodes 5&9

01 - None Village Roadshow
Police Rescue: The Movie VHS Film 01 1994 None CIC-TAFT Home Video

DVD Releases

Title Format Ep # Discs/Tapes Region 4 (Australia) Special Features Distributors
Police Rescue: Season One DVD 13 4 26 November 2006 90-minute pilot episode Warner Vision
Police Rescue: Season Two DVD 13 4 9 April 2007 None Warner Vision
Police Rescue: Season Three DVD 13 4 9 April 2007 None Warner Vision
Police Rescue: Season Four (Part 1) DVD 11 3 9 July 2007 None Warner Vision
Police Rescue: Season Four (Part 2) DVD 11 3 9 July 2007 None Warner Vision
Police Rescue: The Complete Collection DVD 61 18 22 November 2017 90-minute pilot episode Via Vision Entertainment

Online Streaming

Police Rescue is currently streaming on multiple streaming around the world.

7plus Australia - Streaming Police Rescue Seasons 01-05.

10Play Australia - Streaming Police Rescue Season 01-05.

Amazon Prime - Streaming Police Rescue Seasons 01-05.

Title Format Episodes # Broadcast Streaming Status
Feature Length Pilot Streaming Pilot N/A Not Available
Police Rescue (Season 01) Streaming Episodes 13 7plus (Australia)

10Play (Australia)

Amazon Prime (Worldwide)

Currently Streaming
Police Rescue (Season 02) Streaming Episodes 13 7plus (Australia)

10Play (Australia)

Amazon Prime (Worldwide)

Currently Streaming
Police Rescue (Season 03) Streaming Episodes 13 7plus (Australia)

10Play (Australia)

Amazon Prime (Worldwide)

Currently Streaming
Police Rescue (Season 04) Streaming Episodes 22 7plus (Australia)

10Play (Australia)

Amazon Prime (Worldwide)

Currently Streaming
Police Rescue: The Movie Streaming Film Youtube (Worldwide) Currently Available
Police Rescue: In Action Streaming Special N/A

Police Rescue Collectibles

Title Format Content # Australia Release Bonus Content
Police Rescue 1 Book Based On Series 1, Episodes 1,4 &5 1992 None
Police Rescue 2 Book 1993 TBA
Police Rescue: Omnibus- Edition Book 1993 Cast Photo
Police Rescue: Souvenir Special Book Behind the Scenes 1993 Cast Posters and Cast Photos.
Police Rescue: The Movie Book Based on the Feature Film 1994 TBA
Police Rescue: Trading Card Trading Card Featuring Gary Sweet N/A None

References

  1. "Police Rescue – By the Book". AustralianScreen.com.au.
  2. Ed. Scott Murray, "Australia on the Small Screen 1970–1995", Oxford Uni Press, 1996 p130.
  3. "Police Rescue". 7plus. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
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