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Les Norton is the protagonist in a series of fiction books written by Australian author Robert G. Barrett.


Character

A likeable and laconic Aussie battler, Norton first appears in ''You Wouldn't Be Dead For Quids'' (1984) and is described as stockily built and red-haired who doesn't mind a fight, a punt or a
root In vascular plants, the roots are the organs of a plant that are modified to provide anchorage for the plant and take in water and nutrients into the plant body, which allows plants to grow taller and faster. They are most often below the sur ...
. He was born in Dirranbandi, and lived there until he was involved in a pub fight, when the local police officer told him to leave before investigators from Brisbane could arrive when he was identified as a person of interest in a subsequent murder investigation. He moved to
Sydney Sydney ( ) is the capital city of the state of New South Wales, and the most populous city in both Australia and Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Sydney Harbour and extends about towards the Blue Mountains ...
, and ended up living in Bondi, working as a bouncer in an illegal casino in Kings Cross. In later books it turns from an illegal casino to a bridge club, as the club's owner Price Galese has further trouble bribing Police and Government officials to ignore the casino's presence. Les' career provides many opportunities for training, fighting, sex, dancing, photography, reflection and the odd mystery solving. Les played
rugby league Rugby league football, commonly known as just rugby league and sometimes football, footy, rugby or league, is a full-contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular field measuring 68 metres (75 yards) wide and 112 ...
for Easts during his early days in Sydney. He drives a 1968 Ford Falcon in the early stories. In later stories he drives a late model Holden Commodore Berlina that belonged to a man who was murdered in the car. Les tolerates the smell which persists despite having the car regularly detailed. In the later stories he has a house in Bondi which he shares with an advertising executive named Warren.


List of Les Norton Books (in chronological order)

* You Wouldn't Be Dead for Quids * The Real Thing * The Boys From Binjiwunyawunya * The Godson * Between the Devlin And The Deep Blue Seas * White Shoes, White Lines and Blackie * And De Fun Don't Done * Mele Kalikimaka Mr Walker * The Day of The Gecko * Rider on the Storm and Other Bits and Barrett * Guns 'N' Rose * Mud Crab Boogie * Goodoo Goodoo * The Wind and the Monkey * Leaving Bondi * Mystery Bay Blues * Rosa-Marie's Baby * Crime Scene Cessnock * Les Norton and the Case of the Talking Pie Crust * High Noon in Nimbin


Legacy

In 2000, the
Avoca Beach Avoca Beach is a coastal suburb of the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, about north of Sydney. Avoca Beach is primarily a residential suburb, Avoca Beach is also a popular tourist destination. Avoca Beach is known for its su ...
Surf Life Saving Club launched one of its
surfboat A surfboat (or surf boat) is an oar-driven boat designed to enter the ocean from the beach in heavy surf or severe waves. It is often used in lifesaving or rescue missions where the most expedient access to victims is directly from the beach. ...
s as the ''Les Norton''. In 2004, AAP reported that a film adaptation of Barrett's first book ''You Wouldn't Be Dead For Quids'' was to be made. Rugby league player
Matthew Johns Matthew James Johns (born 27 July 1971) is an Australian rugby league media personality, commentator and former professional player. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative , Johns played his club footba ...
was slated to star in it, however, an actor for the lead role of Norton's character had not been found.


TV series

As of December 2018, a 10-part '' Les Norton'' television series adapted from the series of novels was being produced for
ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...
, starring Alexander Bertrand as Les Norton with
David Wenham David Wenham (born 21 September 1965) is an Australian actor who has appeared in film, television and theatre. He is known for his roles as Faramir in ''The Lord of the Rings'' film trilogy, Friar Carl in ''Van Helsing'', Dilios in ''300'' and ...
and
Rebel Wilson Rebel Melanie Elizabeth Wilson (born Melanie Elizabeth Bownds; 2 March 1980) is an Australian actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer. After graduating from the Australian Theatre for Young People in 2003, Wilson began appearing as To ...
.


References

{{reflist Norton, Les