“Treachery, warfare and murder have stained the history of these emeralds with blood. Even their Hindu name means “stones of blood”. They are said to be deeply cursed, and whomsoever holds them, shall not keep them for long.”
This children’s series from New Zealand featured stolen jewels, skateboards, home computers and BMX bikes.
A new life begins in the big city for the country-raised Mitchell family until Sandra (Josie Vendramini), Mike (Fraser Stephen-Smith) and their widowed father become embroiled in the theft of emeralds – the “stones of blood” – when the kids inadvertently end up with the spoils of a $3 million jewel heist at Auckland Museum.
Their father, Brian (Peter McCauley), is blamed and arrested for the theft – which was actually carried out by a cat burglar named Rita (Susan Trainor) and her brother Vern (Alex Van Dam) – but the children are determined to find the truth and save him.
A mysterious biker dressed all in black and using a voice changer – the kids call him “The Spook” – is equally determined to stop them.
Sandra and Mike enlist the help of a hacker – fellow student Lee (Penny Lowe) – and a gang of BMX-riding boys – Gary (Neha Belton), Broadside (Jason King), Jais (Willy Weatherall) and Sonny (Justin Kendall) – and local ragamuffin hanger-on, Split (Caine Mangakahina).
In the final episode, it is revealed that the mysterious Spook is none other than the Mitchell’s neighbour, Mr Enderby (Don Selwyn), who is in cahoots with Councillor Coucy (Paul Gittins).
Ex-motorcycle racer Phil Thorogood provided The Spook’s stunts.
The eight-part series was later shortened to movie length for American video release as Young Detectives on Wheels.
Sandra Mitchell
Josie Vendramini Mike Mitchell
Fraser Stephen-Smith Split
Caine Mangakahia Gary Hohepa
Neha Belton Sonny
Justin Kendall Broadside
Jason King Jais
Willy Weatherall Lee
Penny Lowe Rita
Susan Trainor Vern
Alex Van Dam Brian Mitchell
Peter McCauley Inspector Hawley
Ken Blackburn Auntie Kim
Sarah Peirse Mr Enderby
Don Selwyn DS Flett
Marise Grant Councillor Coucy
Paul Gittins
Episodes
Bloodstones | Robbers | Cops | Bad Company | Tracking | Hacking | Deadlock | Showdown
This children’s series from New Zealand featured stolen jewels, skateboards, home computers and BMX bikes.
A mysterious biker dressed all in black and using a voice changer – the kids call him “The Spook” – is equally determined to stop them.
The eight-part series was later shortened to movie length for American video release as Young Detectives on Wheels.
Rita
