Bad Blood

This feature tells the true story of the notorious 1941 manhunt for Stanley Graham. The West Coast farmer went bush after a shooting spree that followed police pressure to have him hand over his firearms. Seven men were ultimately killed. Written by Kiwi-born Andrew Brown (from Harold Willis’ book), Bad Blood was made during the tax break era for UK TV, but was released in New Zealand cinemas. Directed by Brit Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral), it won strong reviews. Aussie legend Jack Thompson and compatriot Carol Burns star as the isolated Bonnie and Clyde coasters.

Even the most beautiful New Zealand landscape is integrated as an almost active character. Newell’s exploitation of the night-time sequences adds a supernatural aura to Graham’s threat, which turns hunters into hunted and re-locates paranoia in the community at large; while his evocations of claustrophobia amidst open country prove well worthy of producer Andrew Brown’s intelligent screenplay.

– Paul Taylor, Time Out review

Key Cast & Crew

Jack Thompson

As: Stanley Graham

Mike Newell

Director

Andrew Brown (producer)

Writer, Producer

Alan Jervis

As: Ralph Frederic

Carol Burns

As: Dorothy Graham

Dennis Lill

As: Ted Best