TV Show spotlight
Cash and Company
Cash and Company was an Australian television period adventure series, set during the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s. The original series consisted of 13 one hour episodes, filmed in colour and on location in rural Victoria. Production began in July 1974 and the series premiered in Sydney on the Seven Network on 26 May 1975, in Melbourne on 29 May, and in Brisbane a few weeks previously. It was also was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, and was sold to Sweden, Holland, Yugoslavia, Ireland, Norway, Rhodesia and Nigeria. The series was also shown at Sunday lunchtime in the United Kingdom by the London Weekend Television Network, in advance of its airing in Australia. It was produced by Homestead Films, a TV production company set up by Patrick Edgeworth and Russell Hagg, who had worked together at Crawford Productions on Matlock Police. Edgeworth's brother is the musician Ron Edgeworth, who was married to Judith Durham of The Seekers. The episodes dealt with the adventures of bushrangers Sam Cash and his partner Joe Brady and a helpful widow, Jessica Johnson. Cash and Brady were fugitives, constantly absconding from the authorities, led by the corrupt police trooper Lieutenant Keogh. Other regular and recurring characters included Jessica’s father in law and her servant, Annie.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in the gritty world of 1970s London, 'Cash and Company' follows the exploits of a gang of petty criminals led by the cunning Albert Cash. The series delves into their often comically disastrous attempts at robbery and their struggles to stay one step ahead of the law and rival gangs. Each episode presents a new scheme, highlighting the characters' flawed ambitions and the harsh realities of their chosen lifestyle.
Critical Reception
As a BBC television series from the mid-1970s, 'Cash and Company' received moderate attention during its initial run, appreciated for its gritty realism and dark humor. While not a critical darling of its time, it has since gained a cult following among fans of British crime dramas for its authentic portrayal of working-class life and memorable characters.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its authentic portrayal of London's underbelly.
Arthur Lowe's performance as Albert Cash is a standout.
The series blends crime elements with dark, often cynical, humor.
Google audience: Audience reception is primarily nostalgic, with viewers recalling it as a well-made, character-driven drama of its era. Many appreciate the gritty realism and the performances, particularly Arthur Lowe.
Fun Fact
The series was created as a follow-up to the successful 1974 drama 'The Rough and Ready Gang,' featuring some of the same actors in similar thematic roles.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources