Boney (TV series)

Boney is an Australian television series produced by Fauna Productions during 1971 and 1972, featuring New Zealand actor James Laurenson in the title role of Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte. Two series, each of thirteen episodes, were filmed. They were adapted from the twenty-nine novels by Arthur Upfield featuring his title character, published from 1929 to 1964.

The series is centred on Bonaparte, a highly educated, multiracial police inspector. His father was a white man and his mother was an Australian Aboriginal.

The casting of Laurenson, a white man who performed in dark make-up, was strongly criticised by the Australian Aboriginal community. They believed the part should have gone to an Aboriginal actor.