Franky Doyle
Frieda Joan "Franky" Doyle is a fictional character in the Australian prison cult soap opera, Prisoner (aka Prisoner: Cell Block H) (1979-1986). She was portrayed by Carol Burns, and she only appeared in the first 20 episodes of the soap opera during 1979. Frieda, also known as Franky, is a lesbian biker who was imprisoned for armed robbery and murder and sentenced to life imprisonment at Wentworth Detention Centre, the fictional prison set in Melbourne. She was also in a forced romantic relationship with Doreen Anderson. In Wentworth Prison Frankie's first name is sometimes given as Frieda, and sometimes as Francesca.
Background
From the first episode, Franky looked like the top dog to many viewers as she was bossy, vicious and had a short temper and had a hold over some of the girls. Many inmates were afraid to cross her because of her violent temper. Franky had the luxury of speaking the first word of dialogue in the show: "She bumped into me". This line was prompted by her stopping fellow inmate Sally Lee from running around the prison. She had a long-term feud with the real prison Top Dog Bea Smith.
Key Storylines
Though she was a main character who did not last long, during her short time she had many story lines in the space of 20 episodes.
- Franky Doyle Riot
- Harassing Karen Travers
- Brother, Gary, death
- Escape and death
Episode 1
After her altercation with Sally Lee, Franky then introduced herself to new inmate Karen Travers. Franky instantly made her desires clear to Karen but this disgusted her. Franky threatened Karen, hinting that if she did not get what she wanted, Karen could expect to be harmed. Viewers to get their first glimpse of solitary confinement, when Franky was put there after trashing the Recreation Room (this was when Franky gave Vera Bennett 'Vinegar Tits'). Bea tried to protect Doreen from Franky, but Franky soon won Doreen over.
Riot
Franky had taken over as Top Dog from Bea Smith by force, as Bea had predicted before her release on parole. Franky began working the steam press in the laundry. She also staged a sit in after lunch and ordered that if anyone had moved, she would kill them. Her time as Top Dog was short lived as Bea returned to the prison in Episode 3. (Vera Bennett had brought Franky to see Bea exit the 'paddy wagon'). With this, Franky staged another sit in. Vera negotiated with prison governor, Erica Davidson, to allow Bea Smith back with the women, knowing this would cause trouble.
Sparking The Riot During the sit-in, Franky stayed put, hoping everyone would follow her, but Bea led another bunch of prisoners, including Doreen, to work rather than sit in with Franky. Franky was infuriated by this, and reacted by throwing food and crockery at Vera.
- Rosie Hudson was going into labour
- Meg Jackson was trapped with Franky and the others, held hostage.