Australia

• The Con-Man and the Koala

Leo Fisk. international con-man extraordinaire, is interviewed by TV newsmen, and is spotted by the Chairman of a shady international syndicate - who wants Leo and the money he has swindled from their Hong Kong branch. The Chairman sends his heavy, Huggins after Leo. Cornered by Huggins, Leo escapes in the nick of time and finds himself at Sydney's Taronga Zoo where, by the Koala enclosure, he meets Jennifer and her young daughter, Linda. Learning that Linda has a pet Koala, he poses as a zoologist - expert in Koalas and accompanies them home to inspect their pet. Barnaby, the Koala, observing the newcomer from his favourite tree in the garden, is not impressed, nor is he taken in by the fall that necessitates Leo's staying on at the house. He observes events cynically from his tree, until he is finally involved in the big adventure to find treasure. Accompanied by Barnaby they reach a mysterious hidden valley where the natives worship the koala. At a big feast that night Leo discovers a potential source of wealth - a special confection which, when eaten, induces an instant state of happy euphoria. Quickly , Leo organises the homeward trip - including Ko, who knows the secret recipe. Once home, they set up production, as Leo races against the clock to get the money for the Syndicate before the Syndicate gets him. Suddenly Leo and Jennifer discover that their confection has a most unfortunate side effect.