The script held in the Crawford Collection in the AFI Research Collection contains the following character notes (excluding regular characters):
'PENELOPE PRICE: 13-14 years old. A sensitive young lass concerned for her mother and younger sister. Aware of her father's aggressiveness and the dangers he creates.
'DEBORAH PRICE: 10-11 years old. A child bewildered by what is happening to her family. Unable to understand her father, fearful of him.
'ALFRED PRICE: Mid 30's. A confused, frightened man who has come to use drink and a crutch. He is definitely schizo and violent when under the influence. Sober, he cannot accept or understand himself. As his fears and self doubt build, he falls back on his crutch to begin the cycle again.
'JOAN PRICE: Early 30's. Long-suffering, foolish woman who has tolerated her husband's abuse and violence because of misplaced loyalty to home, children, society, etc.
'DETECTIVE NICK PAPPAS: Late 20's. Of Greek descent. Seconded from Gaming Squad to help out on Homicide.
'MAY THOMPSON: Aunty May is a homely type. No children of her own. Very fond of Penny and Debbie. She is Joan Price's older sister.
'DOUG THOMPSON: Affable. Late 40's. He is aware of the problems in the Price home but is not given to panicking over them.
'MRS. LANSELLE: Large, talkative woman with Midlands accent.
'TAXI DRIVER: Greek nationality, with a heavy accent.
'SGT. STEVENS: About 40. Been with the Boating Squad for many years. Dedicated to his work but cynical of the Powers that Be who prevent him from getting better equipment.
'NURSE: Extra.
'POLICE BOAT CREW: Actuals.'
In the opening scenes, a woman is beaten unconscious by her drunken husband, a scene which we only see and hear in flashes. The man is then struck with a hockey stick by his elder daughter, frightened by the severity of this particular beating (which, based on the stage directions, includes a five-pound kitchen weight). After this incident, the script includes the following note:
'NOTE TO DIRECTOR: IN ORDER TO AVOID A SCREAMING MATCH WITH BROADCAST CONTROL ON VIOLENCE, THESE LAST FEW SHOTS COULD BE A SERIES OF ODD-ANGLE, SPINNING, BLURRING SHOTS SO THAT WE GET THE FEELING OF DRUNKEN, FRENZIED TURMOIL.'
