Clive Beilby

The Pool Clive Beilby

The Pool describes the misfortunes of the dysfunctional Bundy family and the part the neighborhood plays in the future of the two younger members. The importance of good schooling and how it enables youngsters to see beyond the present and work towards their own future is paramount. A retired diplomat, a keen senior constable and caring neighbors, all contribute to enabling Allison and James to believe in themselves and not be restricted by the depressed situation at home. Allison's fortunes change dramatically when she becomes more than friendly with their immediate neighbor, Sean Ellison, and the scene brightens as the friendship develops. James is drawn along by circumstance and is able to see his dreams may not be so far fetched as he'd thought. James is supported by his girl friend Elena whose daddy sees in James the ideal son to match his tomboyish daughter. The two youngsters share their dreams and represent Prince and Princess to an appreciative community. James' friend and role model, Senior Constable Paul Stevens, represents the first line of defense for the youngsters and his part becomes more important as the investigation into the misdeeds of the Bundy elders is brought forward. Suspicion surrounds Allison's childhood as she recovers memories from her life as a toddler and the real father figure who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Working behind the scenes on the criminal activities of the two Bundy brothers is Roger Daintree, a young bulldog detective sergeant who, with his partner, pursues the case with tenacity. The various avenues of crime the Bundy brothers are involved in lead to Roger's investigations becoming deeper than he'd realized and the matter of the kid's real father and what happened to him becomes an important issue. Roger's investigations take him to Europe as the Bundy brothers become small frogs in a big pond. Allison's friendship with Sean provides her with a trip to France where she meets a new family of friends who readily adopt their mademoiselle from far off Australia. As the case draws nearer to a climax Roger sends James, with Elena and her parents, to Kangaroo Island for two weeks. Not only for safe keeping but as an exercise in meeting more Jericho Foundation people who will assist in making sure the youngsters dreams do come true. Thanks to Roger, Morgan Sinclair returns to his family, to the daughter who remembers his cuddles, and the son he never got to meet. James' circle of caring adults is widened even further, Elena is carried along with the flow, and parents realize they are going to have to share their youngsters. France is too far away and Allison knows she has to return in the near future. The realization that home is where the heart is and not necessarily in one place is brought home. Roger gains a whole new circle of friends as well and is on an ongoing invitation to visit. The French Government sees a public relations danger in information one of the Bundy family is in possession of and is driven to employ a professional to ensure it is never released. Prince James and his retinue have their own adventures on Kangaroo Island and are gone when the curtain rises for the final scene.