Baby Killer’s Story Told In Series (Press, 8 September 1984)

A television drama series focusing on the notorious case of Minnie Dean, known as the baby farm killer, is set to be filmed in Ashburton. The series will feature stories from the life of Alfred Hanlon, K.C., who famously defended Dean during her trial. Although Hanlon lost the case, which resulted in Dean being hanged, it significantly boosted his reputation as a criminal lawyer. The show will air on Television New Zealand next winter. For the production, the Pleasant Point Railway and Historical Society is providing a vintage 1906 birdcage carriage to be used as a prop at Ashburton’s Plains railway station. This station has been retrofitted to resemble Lumsden station from the mid-1880s, coinciding with the timeline of Dean's crimes. Television producer Lex Van Os indicated that a key scene will dramatise the moment a railway guard became suspicious of Dean after witnessing her board a train with a baby and disembark without it, prompting him to alert the police. British actor David Gwillim is cast as Alfred Hanlon, while Australian actress Robyn Nevin will portray Minnie Dean. Filming commenced five weeks prior, and Ashburton marks the first location in the South Island for the series. In other news, commentary on the Ranfurly Shield match between Canterbury and Wairarapa-Bush is set to be broadcast by radio stations 3YC and 2ZD at 3 p.m. The current series "Fame" will conclude on Television One, making way for a new show titled "Hollywood or Bust," hosted by Bruce Forsyth. Additionally, "Gliding On" will end, giving room to a new season of "McPhail and Gadsby." Michael Jackson has publicly denied rumors regarding his sexual orientation in response to media speculation about his personal life. The 26-year-old singer stated that he plans to marry and start a family in the future. His manager, Frank Dileo, has indicated that publications spreading false stories about Jackson could face legal action. Jackson also clarified that he has never used hormones to maintain his voice or undergone cosmetic eye surgery. In a lighter story, actor Gary Merrill, aged 69, has garnered attention for his choice to wear a skirt for comfort during hot weather. Merrill, who was previously married to Bette Davis, explained that the decision was motivated by his experiences on the golf course. He emphasized that men wearing skirts is not uncommon in many cultures, citing examples from Scotland, India, and Egypt. Lastly, a two-hour programme titled "Children in Crisis" will air on Sunday on Television Two, aiming to raise funds for children in Africa. Viewers can pledge their support by calling designated numbers in various regions, including Ashburton, where the previously published contact number was incorrect. Additionally, British TV licence fees, currently at $120 for colour sets and $40 for black and white, are set to increase following negotiations between the BBC and the British Government.

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