Melbourne Observer. August 30, 2017

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2017

VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

48TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION $2.95

S TATE EDITION Vol 49 No 1678 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

THE BODYGUARD including GST

Media call photo: Kevin Trask

■ Kip Gamblin and Paulini took curtain calls last night (Tues.) at the opening night of The Bodyguard at the Regent Theatre.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 9

Showbiz Latest

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

‘I Could Have Laughed All Night’ Observer ■ The Diamond Valley Singers present Comic Songs: I Could have Laughed All Night! on September 10, 17 and 24 at various locations.

This musical revue includes sing-a-longs and a selection of comical songs including Anything You Can Do, Daniel Jazz, I’m a Gnu, Poisoning Pigeons in the Park, Tone Deaf and Julie Andrews’s Lament.

The Diamond Valley Singers have a motto: ‘Acting Locally and Thinking Globally’ and will donate proceeds from these performance to International Needs Australia, Open House in Ivanhoe and the Elizabeth Nursery School in Malawi.

Performance details: Sunday, September 10 at 2pm at Living Faith Church, 37 Grimshaw St., Greensborough. Sunday, September 17 at 2pm at Warrandyte Mechanics Institute Hall, Cnr Yarra St. and Mitchell Ave., Warrandyte. Sunday. September 24 at 2pm at The Avenue Church, Cnr The Avenue and Blackburn Rds., Blackburn. Tickets: $15/$10 available at the door. www.dvsingers.org or 0435 763 215. ● Emma Cutler and Nadia Migliardi sing in Comic Songs: I Could Have Laughed All Night!

Black comedy ‘Traps’

Around Melbourne

Long Shots: Observer Days News: What’s On In Melb.

Gavin Wood: West Hollywood Melb. Confidential: Latest gossip Whatever Happened: Judy Garland Showbiz Extra: Psychologiocal Thriller Observer Classics: Mark Twain Len Baker: Harness Racing Radio News: Vale Drew Morphett Movies, DVDs: Top 10 Lists Ted Ryan: Observer Racing Country Music Local Theatre Movies, DVDs Mega X-Word

Observer Showbiz

Latest News AroundVictoria

Bachelor of Circus

■ The National Institute of Circus Arts invites aspiring circus artists to submit their application for courses including the Bachelor of Circus Arts, Certificate III and IV in Circus Arts.

NICA’s Bachelor of Circus Arts provides a good career opportunity for those with some background in physical training such as circus, sport, dance, physical theatre, gymnastics, acrobatics, martial arts, diving, trampoline and more.

Information can be found on www.nica.com.au/bachelor-of-circus-arts-pm13.html . To discuss the possibility of NICA running a workshop at organisations or training spaces, please email info@nica.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Collingwood Gallery A painting has its own presence to the viewer and is saying something that connects to the viewer, something that is intangible but it is there, this is what my art means to me.

“It is a means of communicating the abstract unconscious using more of the intuitive side of myself to connect with people. It means that I can express through painting what I feel,” says Vida Ryan.

Vida Ryan's contemporary process and practice is fuelled by her lived experience, personally and socially.

The places she traverses, the beauty she sees in both the natural and urban environment, and the people and places she interacts with, are rendered into poetic compositions that trigger the soul.

Her abstract works are created with freedom, the paint applied directly to the canvas in layers that are guided and manipulated with a combination of paint brushes, everyday materials and objects, "whatever is at hand", Ryan says, she paints from within.

Turn To Page 11

● Charles Purcell in Traps.

■ The black comedy Traps will open on lush and theatrical score.

Thursday, September 15 at the Melbourne Traps unfolds within an unsettling world, Fringe Hub. dominated by a central, unchecked man, dealThis topical show is written and directed ing with generations of oppression.

by Amelia Evans and marks the first producMaterials of animal/human relationships, tion for new production company One Word, control over life and death and domestication founded by Amelia along with Melanie are the building blocks for this absurd narraVelissaris and Lucy Schnall. tive. The laughs are uninterrupted, only to alSet in a surreal veterinary clinic, Traps is a low for moments for pure poignancy. romantic comedy with a black heart about the Amelia Evans’s script weaves humour and pursuit of true love, self-harm and a 400kg heavy subject matter. saltwater croc called Polly.

“I just wanted to write a play about all the In Traps, audiences will bare witness to ways you could trap someone,” said Evans. energetic, hilarious and equally moving perDates: September 15-0 (No shows Monformances by a cast of the best and brightest day) of the Melbourne Indie scene.

Times: 7.45pm (1 hour earlier on Sundays) Rachel Perks (Ground Control) and Venue: Fringe Hub: Arts House - Studio 1, Charles Purcell (Merciless Gods) play against Arts House, 521 Queensberry St, North gender as Joe and Julia respectively, while Melbourne.

Marissa O’Reilly (Inferno) plays feminist Tickets: Full $29.50, Concession, Preview anti-hero Stephanie and Tom Dent (Danger- and Cheap Tuesday $27.50 ous Liaisons) plays the long suffering NarraBookings: melbournefringe.com.au or call tor. Tom Hogan (Cut Snake) will compose a 9660 9666 - Cheryl Threadgold

In This Edition

Citizen’s arrest

■ A Norlane father who made a citizen’s arrest of a registered sex offender has been hailed a hero, reports the Geelong Advertiser. "Ben Randall says a series of text messages, phone calls and Facebook posts led him to identifying wanted registered sex offender Maurice Collie, 25, at a local bus stop. Mr Collie was wanted by Police."

Same-sex upset

■ An advertisement in last week’s Gippsland Times has caused a huge backlash, with widespread online criticism and about 50 newspapers returned to the Times' Sale office. The advertisement's author, Pat O'Brien of Sale, said he took out the advertisement to encourage those who were undecided to vote against same sex marriage.

Winter flu hits

■ Victoria is currently hitting the peak of one of the worst flu seasons, with hospitals and ambulances under increasing pressure from sick patients. In an emergency, you should always call 000. For less urgent cases people are encouraged to visit their local GP, talk to a pharmacist or call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24, says Professor Charles Guest.

Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Partly cloudy. 2°-14° Thurs. Partly cloudy. 6°-17° Fri. Partly cloudy. 11°-18° Sat. Mostly cloudy. 9°-17° Sun. Showers. 7°-14°

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5

THE T OP 5 TOP THINNEST BOOKS OF ALL TIME 5. "True Blue" - Yarra Council.

4. "How to apply for the Dole" - Ahmed Fahour.

3."Sobriety Rules within Parliament House" - Tony Abbott.

2."My life story",by Baa-rnaby Joyce.

1. "10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1!".Kim Jong Un.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

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Ash OnWednesday

Observer Heritage of half-a-century inc orpor a ting the Melbourne A d vvertiser ertiser, incorpor orpora Ad Melbourne T ict orian Rur al Ne ws Trr ader ader,, V Vict ictorian Rural New and Melbourne Seniors News News..

Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every W ednesda y Wednesda ednesday

Contact Us Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, 3095 Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 Phone: +61 3 9439 9927 Fax: +61 3 9431 6247 Web: ww w.MelbourneObserv e rr..com.au .MelbourneObserve or@MelbourneObserv e rr..com.au E: Edit ditor@MelbourneObserv or@MelbourneObserve

Our Team Editor: Ash Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Columnists: Len Baker (harness racing), Matt Bissett-Johnson (cartoonist), David Ellis (wine and travel), Rob Foenander (country music), Kerry Kulkens (astrology), , Mike McColl Jones (life), Gr eg Ne wman (r adio ), T erry Radf or d Greg Newman (radio adio), Terry ord (Court roundsman), Aaron Rourke (mo vies ), T ed Ry an (r acing), Jim (movies vies), Ted (racing), Sherlock (movies, DVDs), Cheryl T hr eadgold (local thea e), K evin T hreadgold theatt rre Ke Trrask (sho wbiz), V eritas, G avin W ood showbiz), Veritas, Ga Wood (Hollywood). Peter Kemp (Arts).

Honorary Reviewers: Mark Briggs, Rita Crispin, Martin Curtis, Sherryn Danaher Danaher,, Barbar a Hughes, L yn Hurs t, K athryn Barbara Lyn Hurst, Ka Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, Gr aeme McC oubrie therine , McGr egor Graeme McCoubrie oubrie,, Ca Catherine McGregor egor,, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Jill Pa g e ylie Rackham, Elizabeth Semmel. e,, K Kylie Distribution: Sam Fiorini, phone 9482 1145

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Newsagents should contact All Day Distribution Pty Ltd, 169 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Vic 3122. Phone: (03) 9482 1145.

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■ Our panel (at left) reminds us that the Observer is approaching its birthday month.

Our first issue was on Sunday, September 14, 1969.

Long Shots was there at the beginning ... from week three to be exact.

An enthusiastic 12year-old responded to a newspaper ad to become a delivery boy for Melbourne’s new Sunday newspaper, started by IPEC transport magnate Gordon Barton.

Barton had struck difficulties in getting Victoria’s newsagencies to handle his publication, so he set up his own army of 2000 boys and girls across Melbourne.

IPEC trucks delivered the newspapers to deliverers each Sunday morning, although delivery times could be erratic in the early days as press arrangements were not quite right.

Delivery boys and girls had the job of selling the newspapers door-to-door in set areas ... can you imagine the outcry if this was tried today in an era of occupational health and safety.

We were paid 2 cents for each sold copy. Some of us earned a little extra by hand-inserting the colour comics section that was pre-printed.

Little Chicago

■ Long Shots’ introduction to the newspaper world was to be allocated an area in East Preston known as ‘Little Chicago’.

Crevalli St had a reputation as being one of the toughest areas in Melbourne.

The local shops had steel roller-doors to protect their plateglass windows.

The lesson for this pre-teen was that the people of the Housing Commission area of East Preston were the best possible customers.

And a Collingwood football win on Saturdays, meant big tips for paper boys on Sundays.

If there was a Magpie win, I would even buy copies of the pink Sporting Globe paper at full retail price, to re-sell to the black-and-white fanatics.

Long Shots quickly built up the round to become the third lar-

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21-April 20) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.26.36.39.22.

Meeting up with new and interesting people could change your ideas. Travel could be very much on your mind at the moment. Something you have been hoping for will eventuate.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 1.6.5.4.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.34.40.33.

If you keep your act clean you will have nothing to fear from authorities that could intervene in your life. Much better feeling a health wise and more energy to attend to your duties.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1.6.7.8.

Lotto Numbers: 1.18.29.37.5.44.

You could be worrying unnecessarily about a loved one.

Career matters should go better than before and your ability to mix will be of great use. Someone special enters your life.

● The Editor pictured almost half-a-century ago Sunday Review, which later became Nation Review.

This meant even earlier starts, sometimes going to the Fishermens Bend press at 822 Lorimer St. What an education for a youngster!

I was lucky enough to also work under the proprietorship of Max Newton, 1971-1977.

The paper was taken over by Peter Isaacson in 1977.

Our family resurrected the title in 2002 as a midweek newspaper.

Today, the Meledit or@MelbourneObserv er editor@MelbourneObserv or@MelbourneObserver er..c om. om.aa u bourne Observer has with Ash Long, Editor a wide readership across Victoria, and “For the cause that lacks assistance, online.

‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance We’re loking forFor the future in the distance, ward to our birthday, And the good that we can do” and the years ahead. gest in Melbourne.

While the battlers would cheerfully pay cash ... the more affluent householders wanted credit.

There were some good business lessons for young Melbourne newsboys and girls.

■ “If I won the award for laziness, I would send somebody to pick it up for me.”

Long Shots

Observer Treasury

Thought For The Week

3am starts

■ Our family took on a wholesale distribution round to provide a part-time weekend income.

This meant deliveries at 3am, handcollating the sections, and distributing to dozens of milk bars in the northern suburbs.

It was a quick way to know all the backstreets of suburbs including Brunswick, Coburg, Pascoe Vale, Glenro y, Broadmeadows, Campbellfield, as well as home town Reservoir and Preston.

Soon after, Gordon Barton started a weekly paper called

Observer Curmudgeon

■ “I changed my password everywhere to 'incorrect'. That way when I forget it, it always reminds me, 'Your password is incorrect’.”

Text For The Week ■ “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

- Proverbs 3:5 Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.34.40.33.

Give yourself a chance to try out some new ideas and this could be instrumental in improving your career matters.

Take relationship matters as they come you will be in better terms with someone.

LEO: (July 23-August 22) Lucky Colour: Lilac Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.26.34.40.33.

Keep a low profile in family matters and you will avoid trouble with someone close.You could be feeling slightly off your usual self but a surprise happening will brighten things up.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.6.5.9.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.26.34.40.45.

Big changes for the better in most aspects and your ability to analyze people will help a lot. Someone close could have a lucky streak that could benefit the whole family.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.24.40.33.36.

You could be worrying someone else's problems during this period. But your own luck could bring some extra income and your determination will get you where you want.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1.2.3.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.9.5.33.

People could be trying to talk you into something you do not approve of, do not let your emotions cloud your thinking and best is to trust your gut feeling about someone.

SAGITTARIUS: (November23- December20) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.6.8.9.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.34.40.33.

You might have neglected your health during the past few months and now need to be extra careful. Some romantic moments could lift your mood to no end and help the recovery.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Dark Blue Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.34.39.8.

You could be feeling too restricted in your present environment and plans to move and change lifestyles is in the pipeline. Keep out of arguments with loved ones.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.6.7.8.

Lotto Numbers: 4.15.26.38.9.33.

Do not completely dismiss someone from your life there could be something worth saving in the relationship.

Your plans for long distance travel could be in doubt at the moment.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: Fawn Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 8.6.2.4.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.5.33.31 Something you have been trying to get off the ground for some time should now be ready to launch. Keep everything clear in your head and important matters should be in writing.

Visit Kerry Kulkens Magic Shop at 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Phone/Fax 9754 4587 www.kerrykulkens.com.au Like us on Facebook

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Melbourne Arts ● From Page 9

Collingwood Gallery A scintillating collection of her works have been assembled for Intuitive Thoughts - an exhibition by Vida Ryan that through their colourful and expressive qualities captivates and visually transports the viewer into a realm of infinite possibility.

The works feature vibrant and varied symphonies of layered colour form free-flowing brushstrokes that collide, overlap and animate; transforming the experience of art into a voyeuristic journey that encourages the imagination to run wild.

As reflections of her own experiences, these works for Ryan, operate as a means of communicating, expressing and connecting to life, art and the people and places around her.

The Exhibition is closing on September 7.

- Peter Kemp

L’dale exhibition ■ An collection of works from he original Melba Gift Book of Australian Art and Literature is to be held from October 18 at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, 35-37 Castella St, Lilydale.

Celebrating the work of some of Australia's most important and well-known artists and authors, and discover how they helped our 'Queen of Song' create Melba's Gift Book of Australian Art and Literature.

The exhibition showcases original works from this popular book, published in 1915 in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund.

Explore the idea of charity, what it meant in wartime and what it means today.

Exhibition runs until February 4.

- Peter Kemp

$1 million raised

■ A total of $1.083 million was raised in the My Room Telethon on The Footy Show, aimed at fighting childhood cancer.

Eddie McGuire, Rebecca Maddern, Sam Newman, Billy Brownless, Shane Crawford and Dave Hughes were joined by big names in the AFL, sports and entertainment worlds for a 3½-hour live television spectacular.

Hoysted noms

■ Racing Victoria has announced the finalists for the 2017 Fred Hoysted Medal, which recognises the most outstanding single training performance on a Victorian racetrack during the 2016-17 racing season.

• David Hayes, Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig, for Redkirk Warrior’s historic firstup victory in the Lexus Newmarket Handicap at Flemington; • David Hayes, Ben Hayesand Tom Dabernig, for training a Group 1 double on Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes Day with Catchy and Sheidel; • Robert Hickmott, for Almandin’s win in the Emirates Melbourne Cupat Flemington; • Ciaron Maher, for Regina Coeli’s second victory in the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool; • Chris Waller, for Winx’s second successive win in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 11 Melbourne

Observer

August Osage County ● Jacob Machin, Dan Bellis, Janet Reid, Kim Anderson, Alexandria Avery, Angela Phillips, Britni Leslie and Peter Garratt in August Osage County. Photo: Pietro Giordano ■ Beaumaris Theatre presents August: Osage County until September 2 at 8pm at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd, Beaumaris. Written by Tracey Letts and directed by Fred Pezzimenti, this black comedy tells of the dysfunctional Weston family, who are forced to come together to come together and confront their personal demons after tragedy strikes.

Performance Dates: Until September 2 at 8pm. Venue: Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd, Beaumaris. Prices: $27/$24. Bookings: www.beaumaristheatre.com.au

‘Lo-fi’ Fringe Festival ■ Lo-fi, sci-fi comedy The Yonder is being presented as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival from September 23-30 at The Lithuanian Club.

Earth is about to implode on itself. Passengers and crew board the very last flight departing to a desert planet, humanity’s final asylum.

Tensions begin to materialise about how deserved everybody’s place on the craft is. This distracts from the real peril squelching up on them - space squid.

Together with Asian Ghost-ery Store and Salty, The Yonder is the concluding play in a series that looks at race, cultural identity and migration with humour and absurdity.

This work is devised by comic Elizabeth Davie, actor Ezel Doruk and theatre maker Shannan Lim, who have trained in clowning with Phil Burgers, Deanna Fleysherand Philippe Gaulier.

Past awards for the team include Winner Melbourne Fringe 2015, 2016 for Innovation in Culturally Diverse Practice and Finalist in Fringe World 2017 for the Theatre Award.

The Yonder charts contemporary issues about borders via science fiction narrative, cephalopods and physical theatre.

At its centre are the characters’ entwined relationships and struggles for survival in dystopia.

● Ezel Doruk, Shannan Lim and Elizabeth Davi in The Yonder.

Children of migrant parents—Irish, Turkish and Singaporean, respectively—Davie, Doruk and Lim play a diverse cast of humans and aliens.

Venue Fringe Hub: Lithuanian Club — The Loft, 44 Errol St, North Melbourne Dates: September 23 - 30 Times: Tuesday—Saturday 6:45 pm, Sunday 5:45pm, Duration 60 minutes Price: $15—$25 Tickets melbournefringe.com.au, 9660 9666

Dior’s 70 years opens ■ Saturday (Aug. 26) saw the opening of The House of Dior Seventy Years of Haute Couture with an inaugural NGV event, a ticketed blacktie ball in which the proceeds went toward supporting the NGV Fashion and Textiles Collection.

Sidney Toledano, Chief Executive, Christian Dior Couture, said: "It is a great pleasure and honour for the House of Dior to be celebrating

Melbourne Observations

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Showbiz News

its anniversary in Melbourne. The exhibition l is the biggest Dior retrospective ever held in Australia.

It covers over 70 years of creation, pressuring the emblematic work of Christian Dior and his successors, including Maria Grazia Chiuri, who arrived last July and is the first woman at the head of the couture house.

This year is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for the NGV and for art, design and fashion lovers.

The House of Dior Seventy Years of Haut Couture is a stylish addition to the NGV's creative calendar.

This exciting collaboration with one of the world's great fashion houses is a testament to the NGV's global standing, the strength of its fashion collection and expertise and its role in our creative state, said Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Industries.

The exhibition runs until November 7.

- Peter Kemp

Claude Ullin dies

■ Former Stonnington Mayor Claude Ullin has died after suffering a long-term chronic illness.

Claude Ullin appeared in the early days of The Tarax Show on Channel 9 in the 1950s, performing with puppets.

As well as local government service over 25 years, he was a Rotary president at Prahran.

Just Briefly Vale Laurie Levy

● Shirlene Clancy and Laurie Levy ■ A service was held on Monday (Aug. 28) to celebrate the life of Melbourne entertainment identity Laurie Levy, husband of Shirlene Clancy.

Opera Australia

■ Presenting Opera Australia’s 2018 Melbourne season at the Arts Centre last Wednesday (Aug. 23), Artistic Director Lyndon Tarracini said he was looking forward to an exciting program with come extraordinary artists and fabulous productions.

"We have some of the finest conductors, singers and directors. It will be an outstanding season, especially our Australian premiere of Kasper Holten's staging of Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg,” Lyndon Tarracini said.

“Melburnians have shown they have a passion for the big, iconic German operas in the past so we're sure they will embrace this one, it's Wagner at his biggest and best," said Terracini.

The 2018 season will be a showcase of what a world renowned opera company such as Opera Australia is capable - a company that is widely respected on the world stage, and attracts the finest international artists, many of whom return to perform time after time.

Opening the Autumn season is Verdi's La Traviata, with conductor Carlo Montanaro and director Elijah Moshinsky.

Following La Traviata is Puccini's Tosca, with conductorAndrea Battistoni and director John Bell.

The third production for the Autumn season is Massenet's Don Quichotte with conductor Guillaume Tourniaire and revival director Hugh Halliday.

The Spring season is opening with Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg with conductor Pietari Inkinen and director Kasper Holten.

The second opera for the Spring season will be Puccini's La Boheme with conductor Pietro Rizzo and director Gale Edwards.

The third Howard's Metamorphosis with conductor Paul Fitzsimon and director Tama Matheson.

- Peter Kemp

Heide Museum Adult Drawing Program: Take part in our Heide's revolutionary drawing classes held inside the exhibition. Led by Heide's artist educators. Cost : Adult $18, Concession $14, Member $8. Tuesday September 12, 10 am - 12pm; Tuesday October 3, 10 am - 12 pm.

Terror +Art: Can Violence be Devine?

Heide hosts leading thinkers from Germany, Australia and beyond at the Melbourne event in a national program investigating hey philosophical questions of our time. Professors Charlotte Klonk (Humboldt Universität zu Berlin), Frtiz Breithaupt (Indiana University, Bloomington), Julian Savalescu (University of Oxford), Desmond Manderson and Fiona Jenkins (Australian National University), will join Heide Director and CEO Natasha Cica in conversation.

Saturday September 18, 11am - 12.30pm.

Garden Talk: Signature Plants of Heide.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque gardens at Heide, from the original farmhouse down to the banks of the Yarra River, with head gardener Dugald Noyes.

Thursday September 14. 11am.

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Observer Magazine

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

Food Lovers Week in LA

■ Hi everyone, from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

Facebook, Apple face off ■ Apple has more than $1 billion budgeted for original programming, Facebook wants its own version of Scandal and Google is ready to spend up to $3 million per episode on a drama. The three digital giants have signalled to Hollywood that they are serious about entering a television landscape that Netflix and Amazon shook up just a few years ago.

Their arrival will make an already hyper-competitive industry even more ferocious. This year, there are expected to be more than 500 scripted TV shows, more than double the number six years ago. Although there have been some signs that the industry's output may plateau cable companies like A&E and WGN have said they are getting out of the scripted television business. The entry of Apple, Facebook and Google into the fray almost guarantees that the volume of shows will continue to grow, even as viewers grapple with a glut of programming and an expanding number of streaming platforms.

Nobu, toast of hungry city

■ Nobuyuki Matsuhisa is known to the world simply as ‘Nobu”: he is the acclaimed and highly influential chef proprietor of Nobu and Matsuhisa restaurants located across five continents.

Nobu is at Crown Casino, Melbourne.

Born and raised in Saitama, Japan, Nobu served a rigorous apprenticeship at a respected sushi bar in Tokyo.

It was not long before his dreams of seeing the world moved him to open a sushi bar in Peru.

A classically trained sushi-chef, Nobu was challenged by the new culture and regional ingredients, which kindled his inventive style, known today as Nobu Style.

After three years in Peru, Nobu moved to Argentina, then home to Japan, then on to Alaska, before finally settling in Los Angeles.

Nobu opened his first restaurant in the United States, Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills, California, in January 1987.

Matsuhisa was an instant success and became a magnet for food lovers and celebrities alike. It was here that his long time friendship and business relationship with actor and director Robert De Niro began.

It was at De Niro's urging that together they opened the very first Nobu in New York City in 1994. Like Matsuhisa, Nobu was an instant hit.

Nobu now is spearheading the Los Angeles ‘Taste Of All Flavours’ starting with a huge foodie-tasting event at Paramount Pictures Studios on Melrose Avenue over the next week.

You get the chance to experience over 110 best restaurants in Los Angeles.

● Pictured at the opening promotional event is Chef Nobu with the Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, Alan Johnson, a major sponsor of the event.

Major lotto winner ■ The winning ticket for the second-largest lottery prize in US. history, $758.7 million, was purchased in Massachusetts ahead of Wednesday night's drawing, Powerball officials said.

Massachusetts Lottery spokesman Christian Teja said the ticket was purchased at the Pride Station and Store in Chicopee.

The winning numbers were 6, 7, 16, 23, and 26, and the Powerball number was 4.

The biggest Powerball prize was claimed in 2016, when three ticket holders won a jackpot of $1.6 billion.

Last week's drawing reportedly marks the largest prize ever to go to a single winner.

Mavis Wanczyk, who worked at the Mercy Medical Centre, will lose 40 per cent Federal tax and 5 per cent State tax and will take home a clear $336 million.

In Australia you get it all.

Stateside Starwatch

■ Jerry Seinfeld took in the eclipse from the Ram's Head Inn on Shelter Island, where he and a friend lounged in Adirondack chairs, drinking coffee after arriving together in a '68 Porsche.

■ Coldplay rocker Chris Martin with a mystery woman at ‘Top Chef’ star Katsuji Tanabe's Barrio restaurant in Chicago.

■ Bill Maher and Ariana Huffington joined Michael Moore onstage as surprise guests at his Belasco Theatre show in New York City.

■ Selena Gomez was moderating a Q&A for Robert Pattinson's latest film, Good Time, at Los Angeles' Arclight Cinema Dome.

Spies were buzzing that Uma Thurman is back with hotelier ■ André Balazs after the on-again/off-again pair was spotted spending time together last weekend on Shelter Island. Thurman was also seen taking a class at Shelter Island Pilates and Barre.

■ A spy at a Target store in Los Angeles says Angelina Jolie took her daughters Shiloh and Vivienne to the cafe inside but the family was disheartened to find the location did not serve hot dogs. "The kids were disappointed, so they all left," said our man in aisle five. "One weird thing is that Angie was totally bundled up in a big sweater, and it was probably 85 or 90 degrees out."

Robert Plant’s new album

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

Special Holiday Offer

■ If you are considering a move to Los Angeles or just coming over for a holiday, then I have got a special deal for you.

We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

I have secured a terrific holiday deal for readers. Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the 'Special Rate of the Day' Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com

Weekend box office ■ Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson won over theatregoers this month in The Hitman's Bodyguard, taking the top spot at the box office with $21.6 million in ticket sales.

The comedy, which was independently produced for about $30 million, follows a dogged bodyguard and the assassin he's protecting, as they stumble from one adventure to another before winding up at The Hague. Despite getting strong reviews, Steven Soderbergh's Logan Lucky, a heist comedy starring Channing Tatum and Adam Driver, brought in a mere $8.1 million in ticket sales, leaving it in third place.

The horror flick Annabelle: Creation took second place with about $15.5 million.

● Judge Judy

www.gavinwood.us

■ Robert Plant has unveiled details for his forthcoming LP, Carry Fire. It's his 11th studio album and first full-length release following 2014's Lullaby and the Ceaseless Roar.

Produced by Plant, the 11-song LP features accompaniment from his Lullaby backers the Sensational Space Shifters, which includes John Baggott, Justin Adams, Dave Smith and Liam ‘Skin’ Tyson.

Albanian cellist Redi Hasa and violist/violinist Seth Lakeman (who recently joined the group) also perform on three tracks. Chrissie Hyndemakes a special appearance in a duet with Plant for Ersel Hickey's Bluebirds Over the Mountain.

Judge Judy buys well ■ The courtroom is real, the people are real and so are Judge Judy's properties.

It was revealed that the TV judge made an eye-watering $59.5 million-a-year; thanks to a legal dispute between US network CBS and Rebel Entertainment, the company that originally packaged Judge Judy in the early days.

It was also revealed she's a shrewd negotiator.

By the looks of Judge Judy Sheindlin's property portfolio she's not shy when it comes to investing her whopping salary.

When you're one of the highest paid jet-owning people on TV, naturally you own an amazing penthouse overlooking the ocean in Naples, Italy, worth $13 million.

Because one holiday home in Italy isn't enough for a TV judge who only works five days per month and earns over $1 million per day, Sheindlin has family-friendly Naples mansion worth $10.8 million.

When Judge Judy is over sipping a chilled pinot from her balcony in Naples, she can call on her multi-million dollar pad in New York City.

The $10.7 million, four-bedroom duplex is located in the Upper East Side's Sutton Place neighbourhood in New York.

Sheindlin's primary home is a $16.7 million, nine-bedroom manor in Greenwich, Connecticut, which she shares with her husband.

Built in 1921, it was designed by renowned 20th century architect Harrie T. Lindeberg. The stunning home sits on 12.5 acres of woodland. When Judge Judy is filming in Los Angeles she has a five-bedroom apartment at the swish Montage Beverly Hills Hotel worth $12 million she can crash at, in case she doesn't feel like jumping in her private jet to head back home to Greenwich.

Observer Magazine

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 13

Melbourne

REMEMBER WHEN?

■ Philip Brady and the Bruce Mansfield celebrated 25 years of hosting the Nightline and Remmeber When programs at Melbourne radio station 3AW. The sudden departure of the Rev. Alex Kenworthy in 1990, amid allegations of sexual impropriety with vulnerable female listeners, saw the ‘Bruce and Phil’ partnership become part of Victoria’s evening listening.

Mansfield and Brady had, in fact, teamed up three months earlier to host the Sunday night six-hour Remember When nostalgia program.

Bruce had been offered the position by 3AW Promotions Manager David Mann, after General Manager Tony Bell expressed his desire to have a ‘new’ voice in the timeslot.

Bruce approached Philip to see if he could borrow some of his vast collection of nostalgic recordings. Philip cannily replied that he would happily provide the records - as long he accompanied them.

State Trustees became Philip Brady’s sponsor. It was originally thought Bruce and Phil might be temporary caretakers of the Nightline program for two weeks.

Apart from one year when Bruce worked at another station, 3AK, after a ‘Contra For Comment’ controversy, the pair have been together at the microphone for two decades.

‘Bruce and Phil’ have been part of the 3AW ‘brand’ at the Latrobe St studios, then at Bank St in South Melbourne, and now at the state-of-theart facilities at Fairfax Media House at Docklands.

Philip Brady sought to be on radio from an early age. His peers included Peter Smith (later at ABC and GTV9), and at Xavier College included TV host Mike Walsh, comedy writer Mike McColl Jones, and media critic Jim Murphy.

● Philip Brady and Bruce Mansfield make a presentation to CFA volunteers flanked by sponsor Boaz Herszfeld on a listener bus trip to Creswick and Ballarat. weekly column in Listener-In TV Philip’s father, Wilfrid, a psychiamagazine, and produced Bert Newtrist with the Mental Hygiene Authorton’s top-rating radio program at 3AW. ity, was also a composer of ballads There were a variety of other jobs and a writer for the ABC. for Philip: GTV-9 weatherman, radio Philip’s mother would take him to at 3AK, and then an invitation from Norman Banks’s Saturday night party Barry Ferber to be the morning preprograms at 3KZ. He also helped senter at Easy Listening 97 at Tweed Norman Swain and Florence Cheers Heads.

(Mrs Smoky Dawson) behind the scenes.

Philip and Bruce had linked in 1979 At 14, Philip won a 3AW junior when Mansfield had been hosting the announcer’s competition run by Jim Midday Movie on Channel 0.

‘Woody’ Wood. Similarly, Bruce Bruce had started work, after leavMansfield, almost 18, won a 3UZ coming school (“I was asked to leave”) at petition, winning £100. ● Philip Brady joined GTV9 on a young age, to work as a 14-year-old Philip was rejected for jobs at 3KZ, the Easter weekend, 1958 at Myer’s.

3UZ and 3AW, but did win a job at After winning the 3UZ competition GTV in 1958, after attending Lee Philip’s first stint at Channel 9 around 1960-61, Bruce won a junior Murray’s voice production and radio lasted 13 years, and included promi- position: “It wasn’t long after that I school. nence on Graham Kennedy’s In finally landed a job at 3KZ as a panel Melbourne Tonight. Philip hosted his operator.” own IMT programs, the Melbourne Bruce took an overseas trip with episodes of Concentration, and his father Stan, and spent an extended worked at the Nine radio station, 3AK. time with relatives in South AustraPhilip Brady worked at 3AW in lia. The Mansfield clan were, and re1971, hosting a weekend music pro- main, prominent members of the gram, and then went on to host a num- Christadelphian Church there. ber of Reg Grundy TV shows such as The Money Makers, Casikno 10, Password and Get The Message.

Later, freelance work included a

● Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady at 3AW, Latrobe St, 1990s

● Bruce Mansfield wins the junior announcer quest at 3UZ

● John Blackman and Bruce Mansfield at 3AW in the 1980s Back in Melbourne, Bruce joined 3XY, and undertook casual weekend announcing work at GTV-9.

This led to full-time work at the television station, which also involved some appearances in the final days of the Graham Kennedy programs, and the first shows put together by Daryl Somers.

TV executive Max Stuart offered Bruce a TV newsreading job at the new station, ATV-0. For a while, Bruce fronted Eyewitness News with AnnetteAllison.

Made redundant at 0-10, Bruce used to phone in to John Blackman’s breakfast radio show on 3AW, impersonating Norman Banks, with a character called ‘Uncle Roy’.

The partnership with ‘Blackers’ lasted some years until former 3AW station manager Brian White lured John to a new project at 3AK. Bruce Mansfield continued in the AW breakfast timeslot with Darren James, later moving to AK. That partnership came to an end in 1989, and Bruce lamented that the telephone did not ring with new engagements.

Bruce kept his hand in radio with nostalgia programs at the 3CR and 96.5 Inner FM community stations.

The return to mainstream airwaves took place in 1990 with the Remember When and Nightline programs on 3AW.

● Philip and Bruce broadcasting from Eureka Skydeck

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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Craigieburn Central. 340 Craigieburn Rd CRANBOURNE. Cranbourne Newsagency. 105 High St. CROYDON. Burnt Bridge Newsagency. 434 Maroondah Hwy. CROYDON. Croydon Newsagency. 166 Main St. CROYDON NORTH. Croydon North Newsagency. 5 Exeter Rd. CROYDON SOUTH. Eastfield Newsagency. 7 The Mall.

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DENILIQUIN. Deniliquin Newsagency and Bookstore. 14 Napier St. DIAMOND CREEK. Diamond Creek Newsagency. 62A Hurstbridge Rd. DINGLEY. Dingley Newsagency. Shop 2, Dingley Village.

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Shop 215, Forest Hill Chase.

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KEILOR. Keilor Newsagency. 700 Old Calder Hwy. KEW. Cotham Newsagency. 97 Cotham Rd. KEW. Kew Newsagency. 175 High St. KEW NORTH. North Kew Newsagency. 93 Willsmere St. KINGSVILLE. Kingsville Newsagency.

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1352 Malvern Rd. MALVERN EAST. Central Park Newsagency. 393 Wattletree Rd. MALVERN EAST NEWSAGENCY. Waverley Road Newsagency. 336 Waverley Rd. McKINNON. McKinnon Newsagency. 163 McKinnon Rd MELBOURNE. Domain Newsagency.

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NORTHCOTE. Northcote Newsagency.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 15

Observer Magazine

Photos from the past: Toolangi

● Toolangi Hotel. Photo: Rose Stereograph Series

● The canoe near Toolangi House. Photo: Rose Stereograph Series

● View from near Toolangi House. Photo: Rose Stereograph Series

● Myrtle Gully, Toolangi. Photo: Rose Stereograph Series

● Sylvia Gully, Toolangi. Photo: Rose Stereograph Series

● Drawing Room, Toolangi House. Photo: John Henry Harvey.

● A bush road, Toolangi. Photo: Rose Stereograph Series

● Panorama from the Blue Range, Toolangi. Photo: Rose Stereograph Series

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Magazine

■ Judy Garland won many awards for her great body of work during her short lifetime, including a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

She has also been named as one of the Greatest Female Stars of All Time. I could not agree more.

Frances Ethel Gumm was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 1922. Frances began singing with her sisters at an early age in their parent's picture/vaudeville theatre.

Her father died when she was 12 years old and this had an effect on her mental health.

In 1929 the Gumm Sisters made their film debut in a short subject titled The Big Revue.

By 1935 the singing group were touring and changed their name to The Garland Sisters and Frances adopted the stage name of Judy Garland.

Her big break came when she appeared in the film Broadway Melody of 1938 and sang the song You Made Me Love You to a photograph of Clark Gable.

At the age of 16 Judy Garland was cast as Dorothy Gale in the classic film The Wizard of Oz and sang the song Over The Rainbow that was to become her signature tune for the rest of her life.

I spoke to Jerry Maren in a radio interview

Whatever Happened To ...

Judy Garland

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

about working as a Munchkin in the 1939 film.

Jerry recalled that Judy was wonderful to the Munchkins and would always go out of her way to talk to them during the filming.

Jerry was the one who handed Judy the lollypop when they welcomed her to Munchkinland.

She was cast opposite Mickey Rooney in nine films and they were a wonderful on screen team.

Over the years Mickey Rooney has always spoken fondly of Judy Garland.

I saw him in concert and he said he would love to go back to the fabulous days at MGM

with dear Judy. Her films at MGM Studios included Little Nelly Kelly, Presenting Lily Mars, Meet Me in St Louis, The Harvey Girls, For Me and My Gal, Easter Parade and Summer Stock.

Judy became addicted to drugs which apparently were given to her to maintain her busy work schedule.

Her health began to fail and she was dismissed from the MGM Studios in 1950. She made a triumphant return to the screen in A Star Is Born and was nominated for an Academy Award in 1954.

Judy performed in concert at Carnegie Hall to rave reviews. In 1962 her television series began and many of the great performers were guests on the show.

The Australian concert tour in 1964 turned into a disaster when Judy kept the audience at Festival Hall in Melbourne waiting for over an hour and she was booed off the stage. This incident created international headlines.

My friend, the late Tony Osborne, was musical director for Judy's final tour in Copenhagen during 1969.

Tony told me that Judy was at her best at 4am. He was called to her room on several occasions at that time when Judy just wanted to talk to someone and he said she was lucid and the conversations were unforgettable.

Johnny Ray was also on that tour and was best man at her wedding to Mickey Deans. A great thrill for me was to meet and interview Judy's daughter Lorna Luft, who is also a great talent. That was the closest I ever got to Judy Garland.

In an interview Judy once said: "As for my feelings toward Over The Rainbow, it's become part of my life.

“It is so symbolic of all my dreams and wishes that I'm sure that's why people sometimes ge tears in their eyes when they hear it."

Judy was married five times and had three children, Liza, Lorna and Joey. Judy Garland died in London at the age of 47 on June 22 1969.

The world lost a great singing star on tha day. Earlier this year, her family had her body moved from Ferncliff Cemetery in New York to Hollywood Forever Cemetery in California.

Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on radio The Time Tunnel - on Remember When Sundays at 9.10pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet.

To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.

Psychological thriller Navy Pier at N. Melb.

■ John Corwin’s psychological thriller, Navy Pier, can be seen until September 2 at the Courthouse Hotel, North Melbourne.

Presented by North of Eight, Navy Pier asks fundamental questions about self-representation, and the exchange of information, Navy Pier challenges how we, as individuals, can lose our sense of self.

Martin and Kurt are old college friends and aspiring writers.

They share inspiration, ideals and ambition until Kurt, the superior talent, gets a break with the publication of his story in The New Yorker.

Soon Kurt is heading for the big smoke and success, taking Martin’s girlfriend with him.

Navy Pier is directed by North of Eight Co-Artistic Director, Phoebe Taylor, produced by Dean Worthington and stars Pat Mooney, Mark Salvestro, Tasha Sanders and Jessica Stanley.

Performance Season: Until September 2 Venue: Courthouse Hotel, 86 – 90 Errol St., North Melbourne Bookings: www.northofeight.com.au - Review by Lyn Hurst

Vagina Monologues

■ Deafferent Theatre presents Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues from September 23 – 30 at Arts House, North Melbourne.

Performed in Auslan with spoken English and English captions, womanhood and humanity can be observed in this latest Deafferent production.

This novel take on the well known text includes a cast of deaf and nondeaf actors delivering the comedy, crass and confrontation in Australian Sign Language (Auslan).

Joined with English captions and spoken English, this production ensures that no audience member is deprived of a connection with the women on stage.

Deafferent Theatre is the brainchild of Jessica Moody, a deaf director and theatre maker and Ilana Charnelle Gelbart, an actor and Auslan interpreter.

Their debut season of Daniel Keene’s Black is the Colour in Melbourne Fringe Festival 2016 was a runaway success, selling out the

OK. With John O’Keefe Gibbo farewell plans

■ In an interview with the Seven Network, retiring Hawks defender Josh Gibson declared his plans after football.

“I'm planning on getting a job as a rodeo rider.”said Josh.

It sure tops theusual spiel of retirees of “spending more time with the family'' or “do some work in the media”.

Best of luck Josh , a three times premiership player with a credit bank of 225 games , first with North Melbourne, then onto the Hawks.

Jimbo back on the box

● Siobhan Connors (Liv) in Navy Pier. rotic and exotic, slightly bogan, mostly vogue-in, Lucinda dances and rollicks and tickles the parts of us we all recognise collectively.

Each vignette comes with a light and sound spectacle in a canvas of song, dance, story, poetry, interaction, costume and clowning.

The show is an autobiographical comment on the hilarious and humiliating journey of being human.

Lucinda has performed at The Town - Culture Jam, Burning Man, Aireys Inlet Festival, Tasmania's Sustainable Festival and Newkindjust to name a few.

With Cheryl Lucinda is a producer/ performer, Threadgold in-cahoots with creative innovators and non for profit organisation Kamp season and challenging audiences to Kraken, an MC, party host, holistic experience theatre in an exciting new councillor and bodyworker. way.

She is extremely excited to be Performance Dates: September 23 bringing The Lucinda Light Show to – 30 at 6.30pm, Sun 5.30pm (60 min- Melbourne Fringe. utes) Showcased in an underground Venue: Fringe Hub, Arts House, white labyrinth pop up space that is a Studio 1, 521 Queensberry St, North gallery by day - Howey Downstairs Melbourne lends itself to a most interesting afterBookings: melbournefringe.com. dark experience. au or call 9660 9666 Arrive earlier, have a drink, check Tickets: Full: $26 Concession: $24 out the art on the walls and find the / Group/ Fringe members: $24 secret room.

- Cheryl Threadgold Performance Dates: September 27 – 30 at 10pm Venue: Howey Downstairs, 59 Capitol Arcade (Basement Level), 113 Swanston St, Melbourne (Enter via Howey Place) ■ The Lucinda Light Show is being Tickets: $25/$20 presented from September 27 -30 at Bookings: melbournefringe.com.

Howey Downstairs, Swanston St, au Phone 9660 9600.

Melbourne.

■ Closest train station is Flinders sSt This comedy cabaret is a collec- then short walk. tion of cabaret vignettes. She’s neu- Cheryl Threadgold

Theatre

Lucinda Light Show

■ It seems seasons since James Brayshaw was seen on Channel 9 . He is soon to returm on a different channel, in a different role.

James will join the commentry team on Channel 7 calling the E.J.Whitten game scheduled in the lead-up to AFLFinals.

It would be interesting to be a fly on the wall if Brayshaw is asked his opinion about so-called new look Footy Show with Eddie McGuire.

Farnham back on stage

■ How's this for a line up ? John Farnham. Daryl Braithwaite, The Black Sorrows, 1927, and Baby Animals.

They are all appearing in the one concert, March 2018 in a Red Hot Special.

Dates and venues; ■ Wodonga - Gateway Lakes , March 3 ■ Mornington - Racecourse , March 10 ■ Bendigo - Jockey Club, March 17 Tickets at Ticketmaster .

Jerry and Sam

■ The late Jerry Lewis and Victoria’s very own Sam Newman have something in common. Both Ludites when it comes to using computers and almost all social media , other than mobile phones.

Legal action against Nine

■ An Afganistan war veteran, Chrissy Ashcroft, gained fame after appearing on The Voice . She has since launched defermation agaist the Nine Network and a secretive website that claims to have exposed military imposters.

Nine and the website have been accused of misrepresenting her war service record. Stay tuned.

- John O’Keefe

Showbiz Odd Spot ■ I was walking through The Block Arcade in Collins St, Melbourne and caught up with an old friend. There he was in the window of Haigh's Chocolates. Many years ago, I used to see The Little Man Who Taps on the Window in L.P. Alexander's Tailor shop at 214 Swanston St. He was made famous in a radio jingle by Ron Blaskett and Gerry Gee. - Kevin Trask

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 17

Observer Classic Books

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn He just stood up there, a-sailing around as easy and comfortable as if he warn’t ever drunk in his life — and then he begun to pull off his clothes and sling them. He shed them so thick they kind of clogged up the air, and altogether he shed seventeen suits. And, then, there he was, slim and handsome, and dressed the gaudiest and prettiest you ever saw, and he lit into that horse with his whip and made him fairly hum — and finally skipped off, and made his bow and danced off to the dressing-room, and everybody just ahowling with pleasure and astonishment.

Then the ringmaster he see how he had been fooled, and he WAS the sickest ringmaster you ever see, I reckon. Why, it was one of his own men! He had got up that joke all out of his own head, and never let on to nobody. Well, I felt sheepish enough to be took in so, but I wouldn’t a been in that ringmaster’s place, not for a thousand dollars. I don’t know; there may be bullier circuses than what that one was, but I never struck them yet. Anyways, it was plenty good enough for ME; and wherever I run across it, it can have all of MY custom every time.

Well, that night we had OUR show; but there warn’t only about twelve people there — just enough to pay expenses. And they laughed all the time, and that made the duke mad; and everybody left, anyway, before the show was over, but one boy which was asleep. So the duke said these Arkansaw lunkheads couldn’t come up to Shakespeare; what they wanted was low comedy — and maybe something ruther worse than low comedy, he reckoned. He said he could size their style. So next morning he got some big sheets of wrapping paper and some black paint, and drawed off some handbills, and stuck them up all over the village. The bills said: AT THE COURT HOUSE! FOR 3 NIGHTS ONLY! The World-Renowned Tragedians DAVID GARRICK THE YOUNGER! AND EDMUND KEAN THE ELDER! Of the London and Continental Theatres, In their Thrilling Tragedy of THE KING’S CAMELEOPARD, OR THE ROYAL NONESUCH!!! Admission 50 cents.

Then at the bottom was the biggest line of all, which said: LADIES AND CHILDREN NOT ADMITTED. “There,” says he, “if that line don’t fetch them, I don’t know Arkansaw!”

Chapter XXIII. WELL, all day him and the king was hard at it, rigging up a stage and a curtain and a row of candles for footlights; and that night the house was jam full of men in no time. When the place couldn’t hold no more, the duke he quit tending door and went around the back way and come on to the stage and stood up before the curtain and made a little speech, and praised up this tragedy, and said it was the most thrillingest one that ever was; and so he went on a-bragging about the tragedy, and about Edmund Kean the Elder, which was to play the main principal part in it; and at last when he’d got everybody’s expectations up high enough, he rolled up the curtain, and the next minute the king come a-prancing out on all fours, naked; and he was painted all over, ring-streaked-and-striped, all sorts of colors, as splendid as a rainbow. And — but never mind the rest of his outfit; it was just wild, but it was awful funny. The people most killed themselves laughing; and when the king got done capering and capered off behind the scenes, they roared and clapped and stormed and haw-hawed till he come back and done it over again, and after that they made him do it another time. Well, it would make a cow laugh to see the shines that old idiot cut.

Then the duke he lets the curtain down, and bows to the people, and says the great tragedy will be performed only two nights more, on accounts of pressing London engagements, where the seats is all sold already for it in Drury Lane; and then he makes them another bow, and says if he has succeeded in pleasing them and instructing them, he will be deeply obleeged if they will mention it to their friends and get them to come and see it.

Twenty people sings out: “What, is it over? Is that ALL?” The duke says yes. Then there was a fine time.

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“Why don’t it, Huck?”

“Well, it don’t, because it’s in the breed. I reckon they’re all alike,” “But, Huck, dese kings o’ ourn is reglar rapscallions; dat’s jist what dey is; dey’s reglar rapscallions.”

“Well, that’s what I’m a-saying; all kings is mostly rapscallions, as fur as I can make out.”

“Is dat so?”

“You read about them once — you’ll see. Look at Henry the Eight; this ’n ’s a Sunday-school Superintendent to HIM. And look at Charles Second, and Louis Fourteen, and Louis Fifteen, and James Second, and Edward Second, and Richard Third, and forty more; besides all them Saxon heptarchies that used to rip around so in old times and raise Cain. My, you ought to seen old Henry the Eight when he was in bloom. He WAS a blossom. He used to marry a new wife every day, and chop off her head next morning.

And he would do it just as indifferent as if he was ordering up eggs. ’Fetch up Nell Gwynn,’ he says. They fetch her up. Next morning, ’Chop off her head!’ And they chop it off. ’Fetch up Jane Shore,’ he says; and up she comes, Next morning, ’Chop off her head’— and they chop it off. ’Ring up Fair Rosamun.’ Fair Rosamun answers the bell. Next morning, ’Chop off her head.’ And he made every one of them tell him a tale every night; and he kept that up till he had hogged a thousand and one tales that way, and then he put them all in a book, and called it Domesday Book — which was a good name and stated the case. You don’t know kings, Jim, but I know them; and this old rip of ourn is one of the cleanest I’ve struck in history. Well, Henry he takes a notion he wants to get up some trouble with this country. How does he go at it — give notice? — give the country a show? No. All of a sudden he heaves all the tea in Boston Harbor overboard, and whacks out a declaration of independence, and dares them to come on. That was HIS style — he never give anybody a chance. He had suspicions of his father, the Duke of Wellington. Well, what did he do? Ask him to show up? No — drownded him in a butt of mamsey, like a cat. S’pose people left money laying around where he was — what did he do?

He collared it. S’pose he contracted to do a thing, and you paid him, and didn’t set down there and see that he done it — what did he do? He always done the other thing. S’pose he opened his mouth — what then? If he didn’t shut it up powerful Mark Twain quick he’d lose a lie every time. That’s the kind Everybody sings out, “Sold!” and rose up mad, give a fellow a quarter and told him to tend door of a bug Henry was; and if we’d a had him along and was a-going for that stage and them trage- for him a minute, and then he started around for ’stead of our kings he’d a fooled that town a dians. But a big, fine looking man jumps up on a the stage door, I after him; but the minute we heap worse than ourn done. I don’t say that ourn bench and shouts: turned the corner and was in the dark he says: is lambs, because they ain’t, when you come “Hold on! Just a word, gentlemen.” They “Walk fast now till you get away from the houses, right down to the cold facts; but they ain’t nothstopped to listen. “We are sold — mighty badly and then shin for the raft like the dickens was ing to THAT old ram, anyway. All I say is, kings sold. But we don’t want to be the laughing stock after you!” is kings, and you got to make allowances. Take of this whole town, I reckon, and never hear the I done it, and he done the same. We struck the them all around, they’re a mighty ornery lot. It’s last of this thing as long as we live. NO. What raft at the same time, and in less than two sec- the way they’re raised.” we want is to go out of here quiet, and talk this onds we was gliding down stream, all dark and “But dis one do SMELL so like de nation, Huck.” show up, and sell the REST of the town! Then still, and edging towards the middle of the river, “Well, they all do, Jim. We can’t help the way a we’ll all be in the same boat. Ain’t that sen- nobody saying a word. I reckoned the poor king king smells; history don’t tell no way.” sible?” (“You bet it is! — the jedge is right!” was in for a gaudy time of it with the audience, “Now de duke, he’s a tolerble likely man in everybody sings out.) “All right, then — not a but nothing of the sort; pretty soon he crawls out some ways.” word about any sell. Go along home, and ad- from under the wigwam, and says: “Yes, a duke’s different. But not very different. vise everybody to come and see the tragedy.” “Well, how’d the old thing pan out this time, This one’s a middling hard lot for a duke. When Next day you couldn’t hear nothing around that duke?” He hadn’t been up-town at all. he’s drunk there ain’t no near-sighted man could town but how splendid that show was. House We never showed a light till we was about ten tell him from a king.” was jammed again that night, and we sold this mile below the village. Then we lit up and had a “Well, anyways, I doan’ hanker for no mo’ un crowd the same way. When me and the king supper, and the king and the duke fairly laughed um, Huck. Dese is all I kin stan’.” and the duke got home to the raft we all had a their bones loose over the way they’d served “It’s the way I feel, too, Jim. But we’ve got them supper; and by and by, about midnight, they them people. The duke says: on our hands, and we got to remember what made Jim and me back her out and float her “Greenhorns, flatheads! I knew the first house they are, and make allowances. Sometimes I down the middle of the river, and fetch her in would keep mum and let the rest of the town get wish we could hear of a country that’s out of and hide her about two mile below town. roped in; and I knew they’d lay for us the third kings.”

The third night the house was crammed again night, and consider it was THEIR turn now. Well, What was the use to tell Jim these warn’t real — and they warn’t new-comers this time, but it IS their turn, and I’d give something to know kings and dukes? It wouldn’t a done no good; people that was at the show the other two nights. how much they’d take for it. I WOULD just like and, besides, it was just as I said: you couldn’t I stood by the duke at the door, and I see that to know how they’re putting in their opportunity. tell them from the real kind. every man that went in had his pockets bulging, They can turn it into a picnic if they want to — I went to sleep, and Jim didn’t call me when it or something muffled up under his coat — and they brought plenty provisions.” was my turn. He often done that. When I waked I see it warn’t no perfumery, neither, not by a Them rapscallions took in four hundred and sixty- up just at daybreak he was sitting there with his long sight. I smelt sickly eggs by the barrel, and five dollars in that three nights. I never see money head down betwixt his knees, moaning and rotten cabbages, and such things; and if I know hauled in by the wagon-load like that before. By mourning to himself. I didn’t take notice nor let the signs of a dead cat being around, and I bet I and by, when they was asleep and snoring, Jim on. I knowed what it was about. He was thinking do, there was sixty-four of them went in. I says: about his wife and his children, away up yonder, shoved in there for a minute, but it was too vari- “Don’t it s’prise you de way dem kings carries and he was low and homesick; because he ous for me; I couldn’t stand it. Well, when the on, Huck?” hadn’t ever been away from home before in his place couldn’t hold no more people the duke he “No,” I says, “it don’t.”

Continued on Page 18

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

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Observer Classic Books From Page 17 life; and I do believe he cared just as much for his people as white folks does for their’n. It don’t seem natural, but I reckon it’s so. He was often moaning and mourning that way nights, when he judged I was asleep, and saying, “Po’ little ’Lizabeth! po’ little Johnny! it’s mighty hard; I spec’ I ain’t ever gwyne to see you no mo’, no mo’!” He was a mighty good nigger, Jim was.

But this time I somehow got to talking to him about his wife and young ones; and by and by he says: “What makes me feel so bad dis time ’uz bekase I hear sumpn over yonder on de bank like a whack, er a slam, while ago, en it mine me er de time I treat my little ’Lizabeth so ornery. She warn’t on’y ’bout fo’ year ole, en she tuck de sk’yarlet fever, en had a powful rough spell; but she got well, en one day she was a-stannin’ aroun’, en I says to her, I says: “’Shet de do’.’

“She never done it; jis’ stood dah, kiner smilin’ up at me. It make me mad; en I says agin, mighty loud, I says: “’Doan’ you hear me? Shet de do’!’

“She jis stood de same way, kiner smilin’ up. I was a-bilin’! I says: “’I lay I MAKE you mine!’

“En wid dat I fetch’ her a slap side de head dat sont her a-sprawlin’. Den I went into de yuther room, en ’uz gone ’bout ten minutes; en when I come back dah was dat do’ a-stannin’ open YIT, en dat chile stannin’ mos’ right in it, a-lookin’ down and mournin’, en de tears runnin’ down.

My, but I WUZ mad! I was a-gwyne for de chile, but jis’ den — it was a do’ dat open innerds — jis’ den, ’long come de wind en slam it to, behine de chile, ker-BLAM! — en my lan’, de chile never move’! My breff mos’ hop outer me; en I feel so — so — I doan’ know HOW I feel. I crope out, all a-tremblin’, en crope aroun’ en open de do’ easy en slow, en poke my head in behine de chile, sof’ en still, en all uv a sudden I says POW! jis’ as loud as I could yell. SHE NEVER BUDGE! Oh, Huck, I bust out a-cryin’ en grab her up in my arms, en say, ’Oh, de po’ little thing! De Lord God Amighty fogive po’ ole Jim, kaze he never gwyne to fogive hisself as long’s he live!’ Oh, she was plumb deef en dumb, Huck, plumb deef en dumb — en I’d ben atreat’n her so!”

Chapter XXIV. NEXT day, towards night, we laid up under a little willow towhead out in the middle, where there was a village on each side of the river, and the duke and the king begun to lay out a plan for working them towns. Jim he spoke to the duke, and said he hoped it wouldn’t take but a few hours, because it got mighty heavy and tiresome to him when he had to lay all day in the wigwam tied with the rope. You see, when we left him all alone we had to tie him, because if anybody happened on to him all by himself and not tied it wouldn’t look much like he was a runaway nigger, you know. So the duke said it WAS kind of hard to have to lay roped all day, and he’d cipher out some way to get around it.

He was uncommon bright, the duke was, and he soon struck it. He dressed Jim up in King Lear’s outfit — it was a long curtain-calico gown, and a white horse-hair wig and whiskers; and then he took his theater paint and painted Jim’s face and hands and ears and neck all over a dead, dull, solid blue, like a man that’s been drownded nine days. Blamed if he warn’t the horriblest looking outrage I ever see. Then the duke took and wrote out a sign on a shingle so: Sick Arab — but harmless when not out of his head.

And he nailed that shingle to a lath, and stood the lath up four or five foot in front of the wigwam. Jim was satisfied. He said it was a sight better than lying tied a couple of years every day, and trembling all over every time there was a sound. The duke told him to make himself free and easy, and if anybody ever come meddling around, he must hop out of the wigwam, and carry on a little, and fetch a howl or two like a wild beast, and he reckoned they would light out and leave him alone. Which was sound enough judgment; but you take the average man, and he wouldn’t wait for him to howl.

Why, he didn’t only look like he was dead, he looked considerable more than that.

These rapscallions wanted to try the Nonesuch again, because there was so much money in it, but they judged it wouldn’t be safe, because maybe the news might a worked along down by this time. They couldn’t hit no project that suited exactly; so at last the duke said he reckoned

he’d lay off and work his brains an hour or two and see if he couldn’t put up something on the Arkansaw village; and the king he allowed he would drop over to t’other village without any plan, but just trust in Providence to lead him the profitable way — meaning the devil, I reckon.

We had all bought store clothes where we stopped last; and now the king put his’n on, and he told me to put mine on. I done it, of course.

The king’s duds was all black, and he did look real swell and starchy. I never knowed how clothes could change a body before. Why, before, he looked like the orneriest old rip that ever was; but now, when he’d take off his new white beaver and make a bow and do a smile, he looked that grand and good and pious that you’d say he had walked right out of the ark, and maybe was old Leviticus himself. Jim cleaned up the canoe, and I got my paddle ready. There was a big steamboat laying at the shore away up under the point, about three mile above the town — been there a couple of hours, taking on freight. Says the king: “Seein’ how I’m dressed, I reckon maybe I better arrive down from St. Louis or Cincinnati, or some other big place. Go for the steamboat, Huckleberry; we’ll come down to the village on her.”

I didn’t have to be ordered twice to go and take a steamboat ride. I fetched the shore a half a mile above the village, and then went scooting along the bluff bank in the easy water. Pretty soon we come to a nice innocent-looking young country jake setting on a log swabbing the sweat off of his face, for it was powerful warm weather; and he had a couple of big carpet-bags by him.

“Run her nose in shore,” says the king. I done it.

“Wher’ you bound for, young man?”

“For the steamboat; going to Orleans.”

“Git aboard,” says the king. “Hold on a minute, my servant ’ll he’p you with them bags. Jump out and he’p the gentleman, Adolphus”— meaning me, I see.

I done so, and then we all three started on again.

The young chap was mighty thankful; said it was tough work toting his baggage such weather.

He asked the king where he was going, and the king told him he’d come down the river and landed at the other village this morning, and now he was going up a few mile to see an old friend on a farm up there. The young fellow says: “When I first see you I says to myself, ’It’s Mr. Wilks, sure, and he come mighty near getting here in time.’ But then I says again, ’No, I reckon it ain’t him, or else he wouldn’t be paddling up the river.’You AIN’T him, are you?”

“No, my name’s Blodgett — Elexander Blodgett — REVEREND Elexander Blodgett, I s’pose I must say, as I’m one o’ the Lord’s poor servants. But still I’m jist as able to be sorry for Mr. Wilks for not arriving in time, all the same, if he’s missed anything by it — which I hope he hasn’t.”

“Well, he don’t miss any property by it, because he’ll get that all right; but he’s missed seeing his brother Peter die — which he mayn’t mind, nobody can tell as to that — but his brother would a give anything in this world to see HIM before he died; never talked about nothing else all these three weeks; hadn’t seen him since they was boys together — and hadn’t ever seen his brother William at all — that’s the deef and dumb one — William ain’t more than thirty or thirty-five.

Peter and George were the only ones that come out here; George was the married brother; him and his wife both died last year. Harvey and William’s the only ones that’s left now; and, as I was saying, they haven’t got here in time.”

“Did anybody send ’em word?”

“Oh, yes; a month or two ago, when Peter was first took; because Peter said then that he sorter felt like he warn’t going to get well this time.

You see, he was pretty old, and George’s g’yirls was too young to be much company for him, except Mary Jane, the red-headed one; and so he was kinder lonesome after George and his wife died, and didn’t seem to care much to live.

He most desperately wanted to see Harvey — and William, too, for that matter — because he was one of them kind that can’t bear to make a will. He left a letter behind for Harvey, and said he’d told in it where his money was hid, and how he wanted the rest of the property divided up so George’s g’yirls would be all right — for George didn’t leave nothing. And that letter was all they could get him to put a pen to.”

“Why do you reckon Harvey don’t come? Wher’ does he live?”

“Oh, he lives in England — Sheffield —

preaches there — hasn’t ever been in this country. He hasn’t had any too much time — and besides he mightn’t a got the letter at all, you know.”

“Too bad, too bad he couldn’t a lived to see his brothers, poor soul. You going to Orleans, you say?”

“Yes, but that ain’t only a part of it. I’m going in a ship, next Wednesday, for Ryo Janeero, where my uncle lives.”

“It’s a pretty long journey. But it’ll be lovely; wisht I was a-going. Is Mary Jane the oldest?

How old is the others?”

“Mary Jane’s nineteen, Susan’s fifteen, and Joanna’s about fourteen — that’s the one that gives herself to good works and has a hare-lip.”

“Poor things! to be left alone in the cold world so.”

“Well, they could be worse off. Old Peter had friends, and they ain’t going to let them come to no harm. There’s Hobson, the Babtis’ preacher; and Deacon Lot Hovey, and Ben Rucker, and Abner Shackleford, and Levi Bell, the lawyer; and Dr. Robinson, and their wives, and the widow Bartley, and — well, there’s a lot of them; but these are the ones that Peter was thickest with, and used to write about sometimes, when he wrote home; so Harvey ’ll know where to look for friends when he gets here.”

Well, the old man went on asking questions till he just fairly emptied that young fellow. Blamed if he didn’t inquire about everybody and everything in that blessed town, and all about the Wilkses; and about Peter’s business — which was a tanner; and about George’s — which was a carpenter; and about Harvey’s — which was a dissentering minister; and so on, and so on. Then he says: “What did you want to walk all the way up to the steamboat for?”

“Because she’s a big Orleans boat, and I was afeard she mightn’t stop there. When they’re deep they won’t stop for a hail. A Cincinnati boat will, but this is a St. Louis one.”

“Was Peter Wilks well off?”

“Oh, yes, pretty well off. He had houses and land, and it’s reckoned he left three or four thousand in cash hid up som’ers.”

“When did you say he died?”

“I didn’t say, but it was last night.”

“Funeral to-morrow, likely?”

“Yes, ’bout the middle of the day.”

“Well, it’s all terrible sad; but we’ve all got to go, one time or another. So what we want to do is to be prepared; then we’re all right.”

“Yes, sir, it’s the best way. Ma used to always say that.”

When we struck the boat she was about done loading, and pretty soon she got off. The king never said nothing about going aboard, so I lost my ride, after all. When the boat was gone the king made me paddle up another mile to a lonesome place, and then he got ashore and says: “Now hustle back, right off, and fetch the duke up here, and the new carpet-bags. And if he’s gone over to t’other side, go over there and git him. And tell him to git himself up regardless.

Shove along, now.”

I see what HE was up to; but I never said nothing, of course. When I got back with the duke we hid the canoe, and then they set down on a log, and the king told him everything, just like the young fellow had said it — every last word of it. And all the time he was a-doing it he tried to talk like an Englishman; and he done it pretty well, too, for a slouch. I can’t imitate him, and so I ain’t a-going to try to; but he really done it pretty good. Then he says: “How are you on the deef and dumb, Bilgewater?”

The duke said, leave him alone for that; said he had played a deef and dumb person on the histronic boards. So then they waited for a steamboat.

About the middle of the afternoon a couple of little boats come along, but they didn’t come from high enough up the river; but at last there was a big one, and they hailed her. She sent out her yawl, and we went aboard, and she was from Cincinnati; and when they found we only wanted to go four or five mile they was booming mad, and gave us a cussing, and said they wouldn’t land us. But the king was ca’m. He says: “If gentlemen kin afford to pay a dollar a mile apiece to be took on and put off in a yawl, a steamboat kin afford to carry ’em, can’t it?”

So they softened down and said it was all right; and when we got to the village they yawled us ashore. About two dozen men flocked down

when they see the yawl a-coming, and when the king says: “Kin any of you gentlemen tell me wher’ Mr. Peter Wilks lives?” they give a glance at one another, and nodded their heads, as much as to say, “What d’ I tell you?” Then one of them says, kind of soft and gentle: “I’m sorry sir, but the best we can do is to tell you where he DID live yesterday evening.”

Sudden as winking the ornery old cretur went an to smash, and fell up against the man, and put his chin on his shoulder, and cried down his back, and says: “Alas, alas, our poor brother — gone, and we never got to see him; oh, it’s too, too hard!”

Then he turns around, blubbering, and makes a lot of idiotic signs to the duke on his hands, and blamed if he didn’t drop a carpet-bag and bust out a-crying. If they warn’t the beatenest lot, them two frauds, that ever I struck.

Well, the men gathered around and sympathized with them, and said all sorts of kind things to them, and carried their carpet-bags up the hill for them, and let them lean on them and cry, and told the king all about his brother’s last moments, and the king he told it all over again on his hands to the duke, and both of them took on about that dead tanner like they’d lost the twelve disciples.

Well, if ever I struck anything like it, I’m a nigger.

It was enough to make a body ashamed of the human race.

Chapter XXV. THE news was all over town in two minutes, and you could see the people tearing down on the run from every which way, some of them putting on their coats as they come. Pretty soon we was in the middle of a crowd, and the noise of the tramping was like a soldier march. The windows and dooryards was full; and every minute somebody would say, over a fence: “Is it THEM?” And somebody trotting along with the gang would answer back and say: “You bet it is.”

When we got to the house the street in front of it was packed, and the three girls was standing in the door. Mary Jane WAS red-headed, but that don’t make no difference, she was most awful beautiful, and her face and her eyes was all lit up like glory, she was so glad her uncles was come. The king he spread his arms, and Marsy Jane she jumped for them, and the hare-lip jumped for the duke, and there they HAD it!

Everybody most, leastways women, cried for joy to see them meet again at last and have such good times.

Then the king he hunched the duke private — I see him do it — and then he looked around and see the coffin, over in the corner on two chairs; so then him and the duke, with a hand across each other’s shoulder, and t’other hand to their eyes, walked slow and solemn over there, everybody dropping back to give them room, and all the talk and noise stopping, people saying “Sh!” and all the men taking their hats off and drooping their heads, so you could a heard a pin fall. And when they got there they bent over and looked in the coffin, and took one sight, and then they bust out a-crying so you could a heard them to Orleans, most; and then they put their arms around each other’s necks, and hung their chins over each other’s shoulders; and then for three minutes, or maybe four, I never see two men leak the way they done. And, mind you, everybody was doing the same; and the place was that damp I never see anything like it. Then one of them got on one side of the coffin, and t’other on t’other side, and they kneeled down and rested their foreheads on the coffin, and let on to pray all to themselves. Well, when it come to that it worked the crowd like you never see anything like it, and everybody broke down and went to sobbing right out loud — the poor girls, too; and every woman, nearly, went up to the girls, without saying a word, and kissed them, solemn, on the forehead, and then put their hand on their head, and looked up towards the sky, with the tears running down, and then busted out and went off sobbing and swabbing, and give the next woman a show. I never see anything so disgusting.

Well, by and by the king he gets up and comes forward a little, and works himself up and slobbers out a speech, all full of tears and flapdoodle about its being a sore trial for him and his poor brother to lose the diseased, and to miss seeing diseased alive after the long journey of four thousand mile, but it’s a trial that’s sweetened and sanctified to us by this dear sympathy and these holy tears, and so he thanks them out of his heart and out of his brother’s heart, because out of their mouths they can’t, words being too weak and cold, and all that kind of rot and slush, till it was just sickening; and then he blubbers out a pious goody-goody Amen, and turns himself loose and goes to crying fit to bust.

To Be Continued Next Issue

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Places To Go

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Education

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Page 26 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 27

Places To Go

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Page 28 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

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Places To Go

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 31

Places To Go

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Places To Go THE RIVER HOUSE

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Places To Go

Page 34 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

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Observer Crossword Solution No 24 DRE AME RS S UP E E L A OA F R ME A T I E S T P RE A O N Z S I RE M B A DGE R R NA I R L U HE E DS S AMA T E UR R RE D A H B A NA NA E A NDRE A S C ROB A I R U E A S C R EWB A L L B A R E A R N A C I D QU I V E RE D A TON U L S C R R E X C I T E D P L A Y L A L ONCE T T H I G S E RP E N T T L E E R I E O P HRA S E E D I NE E N D I A L M C GRE T E L W OP A L Y X ME DA L R I K COMP P R I CE L N I CE R V S S Y I E L DS N M I N I V A SW I M S N HONS HU N RE I G R E E AG L E N H Y B R I DS MOC K L N SOY A A U I MP E S CE P T RE N A K S E M I NS CR I B E EMB E E E N L I DO L S I DE S T E P S ME T N V R O E E A V I A TOR B N I N O D P E DA N T O A L GE R I A R S A N V R CRA S H V CE A S E S W OV E R A N X MA CH R ME D I A TOR OU T P E P R C A DS SWE E T E N S R U D E

RMA N S H I NBONE HE NCHME N A MA S A I E R T E A R A I CH E S P ROC L A I M WR E A K I NG O RA I S E K T E R I N W D H OB I R DE I T I E S N A L L S E T N C L A NG N O HAGUE U N S E A T URG I NG D P RE CE DE A N T E NNA D L E A D TO K L E S E A ME L B A M OB L I GE S T E AMS UP E M S I E S GE R T A UD I O OB S CURE S T NUDG I NG T URN E N A E E D R E EMP I RE SQU I RRE L Y MOR S E O N S U F L L E DUP T A S T I E S T E P I T OME S R I G H R HORN E B R H MOGU L B RA VO CA DGE RS A B U N E T A N MOD EM R A D R I ODE L A T HE R P RA NCE E DE R YU L E E T A K E F E A DHE RE S RE A D M RO T A R Y M I O U O D HA REM B O L A I N A B RUP T L Y T I T A L Y G D S P L I L I GH T B O E P I S T L E A UN T S OS CA RS ODS H I RA N E L I MA H E N Y E A S T L E A S H N RE AGA N E T C R T I C C EGGE D F C S HE DGE A L A RM A S S E R T S I I S R P D MOW S C E A D I NG K E ROS E NE I NA NE L Y E G I B E D N M D N L L I DS R E GEM I N I EGY P T I A N MUDD L E R CA NS U E N G RO L O A V A S T A S P A RAGUS T H I E V E S D T N B M S T H N E P A DRE D DA B B L E S E NGORGE U RA B B I S L L DRA W A DA P T S A CHA I NE D I M I NOR S E AGRE E N S S E E E ME A NDE R E D I GE S T D L A D L E R D M I CE N V E A CE S I N J UR I E S OP I N I ONS I S K I R T L E S UE E K T NE S S A S S E S S E D P E E R L E S S

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Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

Veteran returns to winnners’ list Breeders Crown

■ Breeders Crown racing at Tabcorp Park Melton highlighted the weekend, with eight Group One events and two Group Two's.

The winners being : Wobelee (Alison Alford (trainer) - Chris Alford (driver) 2Y0 Trotting Colts & Geldings, Our Renezmae (Jack Harrington - Dexter Dunn 2Y0 Trotting Fillies, War Spirit (Andy & Kate Gath) 3Y0 Trotting Colts & Geldings, Petacular (Michael Stanley T/D (3Y0 Pacing Fillies, Dont Hold Back (Mario Attard T/D 4Y0 Pacing Entires & Geldings), Nostra Villa (Emma Stewart - Chris Alford) 2Y0 Pacing Fillies, Our Little General (Emma Stewart - Chris Alford) 3Y0 Pacing Colts & Geldings, King Of Swing (Ray Green - David Butcher) 2Y0 Pacing Colts & Geldings, Dance Craze (Anton Golino - Nathan Jack) 3Y0 Trotting Fillies, Heavens Trend (Emma Stewart - Gavin Lang) 4Y0 Mares

Horses to follow

■ Levina, Bridie Okane, Lanista, Sammy Fitz, The Big Show, Fireashot, All Jokers Todaright, Carl Mattgregor, Karalta Dazzler, Lucky Lombo.

This Week

■ Wednesday - Geelong, Thursday Maryborough/Shepparton, Friday - Kilmore, Saturday - Melton, Sunday - Stawell, Monday - Yarra Valley, Tuesday - Mildura.

Off and running

■ Two Wells father and son - Justin and Jayden Brewin snared the Workers Bistro 3Y0 Pace for 1790 metres with Priddy Sporty, a daughter of Sportswriter and Lady Louson.

Starting from the extreme draw, Priddy Sporty was off and running shortly after the start to circle the field and park outside the leader Trooper Mossman. Despite the tough trip, Priddy Sporty was too strong for her rivals, scoring by a neck over the pacemaker in 201.9, with Our Grand Torino 3.5 metres back in third place after racing wide from the bell.

Three-wide

■ Friday night racing was at Tabcorp Park Melton featuring the $60,000 (Group 2) Alabar Bloodsock Breeders Crown Graduate Free For All over 2240 metres which went the way of very much in-form 5Y0 Million Dollar CamEyes Of Courage mare Ameretto. Trained and driven by Great Western's Kerryn Manning a Hall Of Fame inductee, Ameretto after coming out running from outside the front line, was restrained to settle mid-field as Our Maxim led from gate three.

Moving three wide with a circuit to travel following the hot favourite San Carlo ahead of her, Ameretto sprinted brilliantly to lead on straightening, scoring by 1.9 metres from Tee Cee Bee Macray (three wide with a double trail) and San Carlo who wasn't disgraced finishing a head away in third place. The mile rate a brilliant 1-53.3.

Ragged rivals ■ Muckleford South breeder/owner/trainer/ driver Brad Angove snared the $30,000 (Group 2) Woodlands Stud Breeders Crown Trotting Championship for 4Y0 entires and geldings over 2240 metres with Sundon-Truscott Photo stallion Sundons Courage. Driven with aggression from gate five to cross polemarker War Dan Destroyer, Angove ran his rivals ragged with Sundons Courage, reaching the wire 10.1 metres in advance of War Dan Explorer and the favourite Conon Bridge in a rate of 1-58.3.

■ Veteran Sedgwick based trainer Graeme Dalton was back in the winners stall after a long absence, when 8Y0 It Is I-Sedgwick Lass gelding With Gusto scored in the Blue Hills Rise Claiming Pace over 2080 metres at Cranbourne on Tuesday August 22.

Handled by Chris Alford, With Gusto was sent forward at the start from gate five, but was unable to head off the leader Ubringthedrinks (gate three), before dropping to his back to receive the run of the race. Taken away from the inside approaching the final bend, With Gusto confidently driven finished best to record a half neck victory over Im Intense (three wide last lap) which led on turning, with Anvil Gav using the sprint lane from three back the markers to finish third 11 metres away. The mile rate 1-59.8.

Stable double

■ Long Forest (Bacchus Marsh) pair Andy and Kate Gath snared a double at the Cranbourne meeting - Mach Three-Braeview Express gelding Machiatto taking the Hygain 3Y0 Pace over 2080 metres and 4Y0 Bettors Delight-Best In Class gelding Selling The Dream the 1609 metre Seelite Windows & Doors Pace for C3 & C4 class.

Machiatto led throughout, winning by a half neck from Fireashot along the sprint lane from three back and Redand Blue Fella which trailed the winner, also using the spacious sprint lane in a rate of 2-00.1, while Selling The Dream ran home stylishly from mid-field off a three wide trail on the back of Baccarat in the last lap to account for him and Dependlebury which raced wide in the early stages before settling outside the weakening leader Smile Lyle. The mile rate 1-56.6.

Trapped wide ■ At Horsham the day before, 9Y0 Conch Deville-My Wish gelding Ainthatrightmacca, a trotter competing against the pacers scored in the DNR Logistics Pace for C0 class over 2200 metres. Raced by Michael Gadsden and Denbeigh Wade, trained by Michael and driven

by Denbeigh, Ainthatrightmacca was trapped wide from gate six, having no option but to go back to the rear of the field as Luv Me Or Hate Me shadowed the heavily supported leader Champagne Taste. Weaving a passage in-between runners approaching the home turn, Ainthatrightmacca when taken into the clear on turning, finished at a great rate to record a runaway 4.7 metre margin over Souh Australian visitor Wells Crest (one/two) and Just Be Modern (one/one), returning a mile rate of 2-02.2.

Impressive run ■ Armstrong trainer/driver Leroy O'Brien's smart 5Y0 Majestic Son-Starlet Lavec gelding Suave Taj was most impressive in taking the Pegasus Spur @ Woodlands Stud Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2200 metres at Horsham.

Coming from 30 metres, Suave Taj was soon racing outside the pacemaker Social Fireball and travelling easily. Surging clear prior to the home turn as Social Fireball went off stride, Suave Taj scored untouched by 13.5 metres in advance of ever reliable mare FieryAnnie which trailed the winner from the bell in a rate of 204.2. Somebuddylikeyou was 14.7 metres back in third place off a mid-field trip.

Career ends ■ Six year old Safari-Classic Courtia mare Ourgirlbillilee ended her racing career on a high note after winning the DNR Logistics Pace for C1 & C2 class (mares) over 1609 metres at Geelong on Wednesday, albeit in dramatic circumstances. Trained at Bacchus Marsh by Phil Chircop for owner Terry Turnbull, Our Girlbillilee was given a lovely trip from gate two on the second line by Zac Phillips, settling three back in the running line, with David Murphy's Athlone leading from gate five. Making the final bend four wide, Ourgirlbillilee ran

Harness Racing

Wine and Travel 1368 varieties

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker home strongly, just failing to pick up Athlone, going down by a half head margin after the front runner shifted ground in the straight.

Returning to the all clear area, Zac lodged a protest against the winner which was upheld following a lengthy hearing. Island Five Star was 4.9 metres away after trailing the pacemaker and using the sprint lane to no avail. Ourbillilee is to now head for the breeding barn.

Outstayed rivals ■ Another Bacchus Marsh winner at Geelong was 5Y0 Courage Under Fire-Braeview Babe gelding Braeview Brave for Jaime Madruga in the HRTC Bendigo Concession Drivers Pace for C1 class over 2100 metres.

Driven by Ian Attard, Braeview Brave (gate six) possied at the tail of the field three back in the moving line as Blisfully Unaware led from gate three.

Moving forward three wide solo in the last lap, Braeview Brave was exactly that, outstaying his rivals to register a head margin in 2-04.4 over Gnotuk along the sprint lane off the back of the leader, with Validated 1.6 metres away third after racing in the open.

Profitable night ■ Border hoppers from South Australia enjoyed a profitable night at Mildura on Thursday, winning four races on the program.

Globe Derby based Lance Holberton combined with Ryan Hryhorec to land the John Harlock 3Y0 Pace over 2190 metres with Arm A Princess, a daughter of Art Major and Arm A Corka which returned a mile rate of 2-02.8. Settling three back in the moving line from gate two on the second line, Arm A Princess enjoyed a cosy passage as the roughie Valstrepo led from gate two. Gaining a three wide trail in the final circuit on the back of Perfectlyimperfect ahead of her, Arm A Princess despite being pushed right off the track on the home turn, finished with great determination to defeat Our Amazing Grace (four wide home turn) by 1.2 metres, with Perfectlyimperfect 2 metres away in third place.

Judge greeted ■ Hryhorec was to bring up a double when 4Y0 Blissful Hall-Cindermaid mare Blissful Mary also trained by him, greeted the judge in the President Dan Cawood Pace for R0 class over 1790 metres, leading throughout from the pole to prevail by a half neck from Elizamarie and Ymbro Bump in a rate of 2-04.4.

Led all the way ■ Danni Hill was successful aboard Rocknroll Hanover-Neverland Express 4Y0 gelding Rocktellz in the Workers Sports Bar Pace for C0 class over 2190 metres in a rate of 2-00.8, leading all of the way from the pole to account for Goulburn which trailed by an easy 10.4 metres, with Pearlescent third after racing in the open 3.7 metres back. Danni received all of the spoils as apart from driving the winner, she bred, races and trains the horse.

■ We’re told that there are something like 1,368 different grape varieties used in the world-wide making today of wines under pure varietal labels, and in myriad multi-grape blends.

And while increasing numbers of adventurous Aussie vignerons are growing more and more of these varietals, and equally adventurousAussie winemakers are enjoying making more and more wines from them, it’s to be hoped that equally adventurous wine buffs will put their hands in their pockets and have a try of these pure varietals and blends that, let’s face it, most of us have never heard of.

One such is a wonderful white called Pinot Bianco that’s now being made by Calabria Family Wines at Griffith in the NSW Riverina.

This is a varietal that has its origins in Italy, and Chief Winemaker Bill Calabria whose ancestral home was Southern Italy, made it with fruit off vines he imported from his homeland in 2005 to grow there in the Riverina – whose climate is very much akin to Italy’s.

Bill is one of no more than a dozen Australian growers of the variety in mainly Victoria, Tasmania and the Riverina, his Calabria Private Bin Pinot Bianco having a soft and creamy palate loaded with flavours of ripe peach, grapefruit and hints of fresh garden herbs. You’ll find it ideal with pasta (naturally) served with salmon or other seafood sauces, roast chicken with garden herbs and lemon sauce, or soft and Swiss style cheeses.

And Bill’s asking price for this quite unique wine is just $14.95.

ONE TO NOTE Clare Valley winemakers Tim Adams and Brett Schutz blended fruit from four Clare vineyards to craft their rewardingly flavoursome 2014 Tim Adams Shiraz.

“The 2014 vintage in the Clare Valley felt positive from the word go, with flavour profiles, natural acidity, colour and tannin in the reds looking fantastic at an early stage,” Brett said.

“This wine has a strong regional and varietal definition, and further complexity and richness has been built through 24 months of American oak maturation. And it finishes with integrated oak and firm, structural tannins brought about by the warm, dry ripening period leading in to the 2014 vintage,” he said.

A great drop to enjoy now, it is also worthy of tucking away to enjoy even more anytime over the next ten years. Pay a nicely-priced $25, and share it with barbecued beef ribs, roast duck or a chilli beef stew.

Struth

■ China is about to crank up the top speed of its bullet trains between Beijing and Shanghai to 400 kilometres per hour, with that and an average speed for the 1,318km journey of 350kph, making them the fastest trains in the world.

The high speed line was opened ten years ago with trains having a maximum speed of 350kph, but in 2011 two of the trains collided on a viaduct while travelling at a relatively slow 99kph each, killing 43 passengers and injuring scores of others.

The accident was blamed on a signalling system fault, not the trains or their crews, but the Chinese government nevertheless ordered that trains no longer travel at more than 300kph.

This, however, has now been rescinded and seven pairs of new-model bullet trains named Fuxings – it means rejuvenation in Chinese – will make fourteen return trips a day between Beijing and Shanghai from September 21, with top speeds of 400kph. The trains are fitted with monitoring systems that will automatically slow them in the event of train or track emergencies.

The Beijing-Shanghai route is one of the busiest of these lines, carrying an extraordinary 600-million passengers a year.

- David Ellis

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 37

Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

e urn lbo Me

Observer Showbiz

ver N ser IO Ob T C SE 3

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Radio: Vale Drew Morphett ........................................ Page 38 Theatre: Drama and discomfort .................................... Page 39 Country Music: Jessie aims high ..................................... Page 38 Jim and Aaron: The Dinner - Rourke’s Review ................. Page 40 Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ........... Page 38 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSS SWORD

UGLY DUCKLING AT FRINGE Little Shop of Horrors

● Bianca Payne and Joel Armour in Little Shop of Horrors.

■ SLAMS Musical Theatre Company presents Little Shop of Horrors from September 15-23 at The Knox Community Arts Centre, Bayswater.

This sci-fi musical tells the whimsical tale of a maneating plant from outer space, and will be directed by Will Sayers, with musical direction by Ryland Sack and choreography by Stephanie Clare-Cover.

The team from SLAMS Musical Theatre say they will be presenting a fresh take on this classic tale, which can be seen over five performances.

Performance Details: September 15 – 23 Venue: Knox Community Arts Centre, Bayswater.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/PSUM or www.slams.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold

● Karla Hillam in Ugly Duckling ■ As part of The Butterfly Club’s curated Melbourne Fringe Festival season, the theatrical cabaret Ugly Duckling is being presented from September 18-24 .

The show is performed by Karla Hillam (The Divine Miss Bette, Los Nachos Trios, Offspring, Wentworth and The Warriors), and directed by the multi-award winning international cabaret artiste Spanky. (Candice McQueen: Nasty, Matthew Mitcham: Twists and Turns, Matthew Mitcham: Under the covers) It is musically directed by Andrew Kroenert (Carmen Live or Dead, 27 Club, Jesus Christ Superstar, Dream Lover) with sound and lighting by Daniel Barca (Tessa Waters, Ivan Aristeguieta, Fringe Wives Club, Backwards Anorak and Aunty Donna).

"I have always felt like an ugly duckling myself and have always loved the fable," says Karla.

"My initial idea came from a memory I have from a ballet concert when I was four or five, we were performing the song ● Bjorn Stewart, Katie Beckett and Colin Rubber Duckie and we were paired off as a duckling and a little Kinchela in One of the Good Ones. girl.

■ Cope ST Collective presents One of the Good Ones , a “I was allotted the duck costume and I remember feeling new Aboriginal sci-fi comedy being presented as part of disappointed that the Little Girl costume was ‘much prettier’. the Melbourne Fringe Festival from September 13 – 24 at "I was reflecting on why as a child I was so aware of what the Mechanics Institute Theatre, Brunswick. ‘pretty’ was.

A janitor, a cybernetic clone and a stowaway must save “It got me thinking about how we perceive beauty and women their space warrior idol, Barry from the clutches of evil. in modern day society, and why so many people still feel like One of the Good Ones tackles sovereignty, lateral viothey have to mask their ‘real’ selves." lence and colonisation on a galactic scale. Cope ST ColDates: September 18-24. Time: 8.30pm. Cost: $25-32 lective is an all indigenous independent group which inVenue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne cludes Black Comedy star Bjorn Stewart, Balnaves FounTickets: thebutterflyclub.com/show/ugly-duckling or call dation winner and actor Katie Beckett, television writer/ 9663 8107 producer Kodie Bedford as well as theatre-making auteurs - Cheryl Threadgold Colin Kinchela and Mathew Cooper.

Together the collective has created a sci-fi comedy that looks at decolonising space. The group were drawn to sci■ Kate Goulopoulos will join The Project as Chief of Staff, ence fiction because of how liberating it was to reshape the departing her role as Producer at Sunday Night. image of indigenous Australians in a positive light and still ■ The Project has started broadcasting an hour-long probe reflective on current social issues. gram at 6.30pm Sundays.

Bjorn Stewart says:“In science fiction you bypass ■ After 16 months as a Rear Window Columnist at The institutionalised racism. In comedy, you bypass Australian Financial Review, Bryce Corbett has left to join institutionalised racism. Using both genres we’re making 60 Minutes as a Producer. sure to take a massive detour around racism all together.”

■ Fergus Halliday has been appointed the new Editor at Performance Dates: September 13 – 17 and September PC World Australia.

20 – 24 at 7pm (Sunday 6pm). Venue: Mechanics Institute ■ Katie Hale has started as a Producer for Nine News Theatre, 270 Sydney Rd., Brunswick. Tickets:$25 full/ $19 Melbourne.

Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au or call 9660 9666.

One Of The Good Ones

Media Flashes

● Anna Thomson in Madame Nightshade’s Poison Garden. Photo: Theresa Harrison More details inside the Observer Showbiz section

Page 38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz

Country Music, Radio, Theatre, Almanac Country Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads.com.au

The Dusty Millers ■ Tracey, Lisa and Loretta Miller will bring their intimately connected voices together for a special show at the Caravan Club, Oakleigh, on Saturday (Sept. 2).

You can expect the family connection to shine through. Their impressive interpretations of some classic songs are evident in their recent album release The Dusty Millers. Three-part harmonies are a standout feature in Cool Water and Jolene amongst others.

The ladies also write their own material with a background in numerous genres to call upon. More info at www.facebook.com/ TheDustyMillersGood Friday Appeal.

Jessie aims high ■ Singer-songwriter Jessie Patmore is quickly building a legion of fans after appearing on Casey Radio for a live gig.

Jessie's performance of some classic songs, Hallelujah, Jolene and Time After Time had a number of listeners wanting to buy her CD. Jessie's social media page is at www.facebook.com/Jessie-Patmore

Derek and Frankie ■ Melbourne singers Frankie Stevens and Derek Redfern will perform together on Saturday, September 30.

The two will bring alive the classic songs of the 50s onwards at the New Atrium, Safety Beach. Bookings for the dinner and show at The Atrium, 5981 8123.

- Rob Foenander

r Observbei z Show

Radio pals mourn Drew ■ Sports commentator Drew Morphett had died at age 69.

Morphett started his career at the ABC in his hometown of Sydney in 1966.

He went on to work for the ABC for more than 30 years and also had long stints at Channel 7.

Morphett became well known, particularly to Melbourne audiences, as a football commentator for radio and TV. Broadcaster Shane McInness paid this tribute: “I grew up idolising Drew Morphett and was fortunate enough to call him a friend.

“The stories he told kept us entertained for hours. Pre game as we looked at players, whenever he didn't know someone, his favourite saying was "wouldn't know him if he popped up in my porridge."

“He was a wonderful broadcaster and an even better bloke.

“He loved his sport and was like a kid right to the end. Just last week he was seated next to Cameron Smith from Melbourne Storm on the plane, and he whispered to me, "can you just subtly take a photo of me next to Cam?" You're never too old to get a pic with your idols.

“Our commentary team has lost a stalwart, and but, more than that, we've lost our friend.

“Farewell, mate.”

Jay leaves MMM ■ Long-time Executive Producer of Triple M Melbourne's The Hot Breakfast, Jay Mueller, has announced he will be finishing in the role at the end of the year.

This follows eight years at the station. Triple M has yet to appoint a new Executive Producer.

Film Buffs ■ After more than 30 years at 3RRR-FM, Paul Harris’s Film Buffs is now a podcast which can be accessed via the internet.

Last Saturday’s first edition, more than one hour, included a tribute to the late Jerry Lewis. www.filmbuffs.com.au

3CR supports ‘yes’

■ Community station 3CR is offering facilities for people to promote their views on the same sex marriage question ... but only if your opinion is ‘Yes’.

The station says: “3CR is actively advocating for equality in the lead up to the national postal survey on same sex marriage.

“We provide a media space to enable progressive communities to voice ideas and build their power to create social change.

“As such we will not give airtime to the No campaign on the basis that it prejudiced,

On This Day Friday Wednesday Thursday Sept. 1 August 30 August 31 ■ Actor Fred MacMurray was born in 1908. The My Three Sons chacter died aged 83 in 1991.

Actress Joan Blondell was born in New York in 1909.

She died aged 70 in 1979.

Actor Timothy Bottoms was born in 1951 (66).

■ South Melbourne football legend Bob Pratt was born on this day.

US musician and comic actor Buddy Hackett was born in 1924.

He died aged 78 in 2003.

American actor James Coburn was born in 1928.

Died aged 74.

■ Happy birthday Madison Long, aged 6.

Canadian actress Yvonne de Carlo was born in 1922. She died 84 in 2007.

Boxer Rocky Marciano was born in 1923. He died aged 45 in 1969.

Country singer Conway Twitty was born in 1933. He died aged 59

$1.25m raised ■ The 2017 Victorian Variety Bash culminated in a final night party at Fraser Island on Satuirday (Aug. 26) where Variety – the Children’s Charity announced a grand total of $1.25 million raised to help children in need across Victoria.

The Victorian Variety Bash embarked on an epic giving journey from Melbourne to Fraser Island this year, which saw the children’s charity give out over $160,000 in grants to schools and organisations in just 24 hours.

“We were thrilled to see the impact of the funds we gave out across Gippsland during the first two days of the 2017 Variety Vic Bash,” CEO Janette Connolly said.

“And now, with the incredible fundraising result of $1.25 million, we will be able to keep assisting hundreds - if not thousands - of children right across Victoria with equipment that will change not only their lives, but the lives of their families as well.”

● Drew Morphett mophobic and harmful to LGBTIQ+ people and our families.

“We acknowledge that our community may hold different views on marriage as an institution, yet we stand in agreement that the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey is a political stunt, designed to circumvent the legitimate role of parliament, appeasing prejudiced and homophobic views in the process.

“3CR will continue to advocate for equality in all areas - to do anything else would contravene our code of practice to not broadcast material that is likely to stereotype, incite, vilify, or perpetuate hatred against, or attempt to demean any person or group, on the basis of ethnicity, nationality, race, language, gender, sexuality, religion, age, physical or mental ability, occupation, cultural belief or political affiliation. “

Latest ratings ■ Melbourne commercial station 3AW was clear winner in the ratings survey released yesterday (Tues.) ... but there was much interest amongst FM station listeners where a number of stations are jockeying for top spot on the band.

Listeners, measured of people aged 10 and over, listening 5.30am-Midnight, Monday-Sunday favoured: 3AW, 14.8 per cent; ABC Melbourne, 9.9; Smooth, 9.5; Gold, 9.1; Fox, 8.8; Nova, 8.0; MMM, 6.8; KIIS, 6.1; JJJ, 4.7; SEN, 3.7; Radio National, 2.9; ABC FM, 1.7; ABC News, 1.2; Lifestyle 1278, 0.4. 3AW Breakfast won 20.5 per cent market share.

Presentations took place right across regional Victoria, in places such as Warragul and Noojee, so Bash entrants could see their dollars directly impacting the lives of children, schools and organisations where they needed it most.

The kinds of presentations were varied – from iPads and books, to a sensory room upgrade and even an assistance dog.

More than 250 loud and proud entrants took part in the event this year, dressed in full costume from start to finish – something that the school children they visit along the route really look forward to seeing.

The Bash visited places such as Canberra, Newcastle, Narooma and Toowoomba along the way, delighting locals with their fun and frivolous attitudes and colourful car themes.

The Variety Bash is Australia’s largest and longest-running motoring event. Over the past 27 years, the Variety Bash has raised over $23 million for children in need and travelled over 105,000 kilometres across our great continent.

Variety – the Children’s Charity provides tangible equipment, such as wheelchairs, mobility devices and education aids to children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.

Melbourne

Observer

Saturday Sept. 2 ■ Winemaker Wolf Blass is 83.

Entertainer Ernie Sigley was born in Footscray in 1938 (79).

Australian singersongwriter Ted Mulry was born in 1949.

He died aged 51 in 2001.

Tennis player Jimmy Connors was born in 1952. He is 65.

Sunday Sept. 3 ■ American actor Alan Ladd was born in 1913.

He died aged 50 in 1964.

Horse trainer T J Smith was born in 1918.

British actress Pauline Collins was born in 1940 (77).

Actor Charlie Sheen (Carlos Estevez) was born in 1965 (52).

Monday Sept. 4 ■ Australian TV and radio presenter Keith Smith was born in 1917.

He died aged 92 in 2011. He was as The Pied Piper.

Australian Olympic swimmer Dawn Fraser was born in 1937 (80).

The late Darryl Cotton was born in 1949. He died at the age of 62.

Deni Hines is 47.

Tuesday Sept. 5 ■ Comic actor Bob Newhart was born in 1929.

Australian actress Joan Sydney was born in London in 1938.

Australian actor George Lazenby was born in Queanbeyan in 1939 (78).

US actress Racquel Welch was born in Chicago in 1940 (77).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication.

Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 39

Observer Showbiz

TV, Radio, Theatre

Shakespeare Republic ■ Multi award-winning Australian web series Shakespeare Republic, produced by Melbourne production company, Incognita Enterprises, believes that Shakespeare is for everyone.

With the current success of Season Two of the series on the international film festival circuit, it seems they are not alone.

It stars Michala Banas (Upper Middle Bogan), Nadine Garner (The Doctor Blake Mysteries), Alan Fletcher (Neighbours), Dean Haglund (The X-Files) and Christopher Kirby (Predestination), among others.

Season Two of Shakespeare Republic has been announced as the winner of the Best Digital Series Award at the 60th CINE Golden Eagle Awards in the USA, as well as taking home the Best Male Lead Award for Christopher Kirby at Austin WebFest, Best Hair and Make-up Award at Tuscany WebFest and the Best Cinematography Award for Shaun Herbertson at Sicily Web Fest.

On top of the wins at Austin, Tuscany and Sicily, the CINE Award is a notable achievement for a low-budget Australian production.

Originally founded in 1957 to promote American films to the international market, CINE evolved to become an international award for film and television content-makers, ‘awarding the very best and most original productions each year from around the world’.

As Creator, Producer and Director of Shakespeare Republic, Sally McLean now joins the CINE Alumni ranks. y talented creators both here and overseas.”

“The response from audiences to the work has been amazing,” says McLean.

“Interestingly, our largest fan bases are in the USA, UK and Germany and we are about to take this work into schools both here and overseas, so we are very excited about what the future holds for our projects and for Australian web series in general.”

To find out more about Shakespeare Republic, head to the official website: http:// shakespearerepublic.com/ - Cheryl Threadgold

Drama and discomfort

● Lilian Steiner in Nightdance by Melanie Lane. Photo: Bryony Jackson.

■ The premiere of Melanie Lane’s latest sexual innuendo. The dance then picks up pace project, Nightdance, is an intriguing, and some- with a crazed relentlessness evocative of a rave. times disturbing study of body, movement and For the most part Ben ‘Bosco’ Shaw’s lightlight. ing design is dynamic and moody framing the Inspired by the “experience of the nightclub” dancers in light and shade.

Nightdance is a fusion of trance, pop, exotic However the crescendo of strobe lights, modance and a touch of burlesque. mentary blackouts and bursts of light becomes Lane is an Australia- and Berlin-based cho- frenzied and difficult on the eye. It adds drama reographer and performer, and director/chore- and discomfort. ographer of Nightdance.

Other oddities include a mumbling whiteThe work focuses mainly on a trio of danc- suited crooner (Ryan Ritchie) and a dazzling ers, Lane, Lilian Steiner and Gregory drag queen (Hancock), who makes one excepLorenzutti, who display incredible agility, grace, tionally spectacular stage entrance. stamina and strength as they writhe and twist A robo-cop-like clubber (Sidney Saayman) their bodies into all manner of contorted shapes.

A slow-motion sequence is particularly com- complete with laser light fingers that flash around pelling where the three dancers weave in and the stage comes and goes too quickly.

Nightdance, performed at North out of sync in fluid movements.

Nevertheless the change of pace is a long Melbourne’s Arts House, was an entrancing time coming and takes the form of a rather bi- experience unlike any other dance performance, but with a little better balancing between sezarre interlude.

A faceless figure (Benjamin Hancock) cov- quences, it could be even more intense and enered in glittering gold from extended cone head gaging.

- Cheryl Threadgold to toe appears and proceeds to gesture with

Madame Nightshade’s Poison Garden ■ La Mama Theatre presents Madame Nightshade’s Poison Garden from September 21 to October 1 at La Mama Theatre, Carlton.

This dark comedy is created and performed by Anna Thomson and directed by Sarah Ward, and returns to La Mama after its sold out Explorations season in 2016.

In the dystopic world of Madame Nightshade’s Poison Garden, Beatrice (a devilish shape-shifter) lurks in the shadow of her alter ego Madame Nightshade (a princess-like assassin).

A failed fantasy of refined beauty and good taste, Madame Nightshade performs a series of absurd rituals in her gothic fairytale garden, while Beatrice upends her compost bin to expose the rotting truth.

Queer performance art meets contemporary clown, playing with gender and classbased assumptions, and unearthing the ridiculous in our own backyard.

Anna Thomson is a physical and visual performance maker with training in contemporary clown, bouffon and physical theatre.

Anna says: “I delight in creating physical comedy that uses grotesque, absurd and larger than life characters to confront societal norms and gender politics.

“In crafting a highly visceral and visual experience, I want the audience to feel something, to oscillate between joy and revulsion, delight and disgust, laughter and discomfort.”

Performance details: September 21 – October 1, Wed 6.30pm, Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm, Sun 4pm Venue: La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday St, Carlton Tickets: $25 Adult, $15 Concession Duration: 60 minutes, no interval Bookings: 9347 6142 or www.lamama. com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Local theatre companies across Victoria SHOWS ■ Tangled Web Productions: The Mercy Seat (by Neil LeBute) September 1 - 9 at Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham St., Albert Park (Cnr Pickles and Graham Sts.). Director: Natasha Boyd. Tickets: Full $25, consc. $22. Duration: 100 minutes, noIinterval.

Bookings: http://www.gasworks.org.au/ event/the-mercy-seat/ ■ Diamond Valley Singers: Comic Songs 'I Could Have Laughed All Night!' September 10 at 2.00pm at Living Faith Church, 37 Grimshaw St., Greensborough; September 17 at 2.00pm at Warrandyte Mechanics Institute Hall, Cnr. Yarra St. and Mitchell Ave., Warrandyte; September 24 at 2pm at The Avenue Church, Cnr The Avenue and Blackburn Rds., Blackburn. Tickets: $15/$10 at the door. (Proceeds from these performances go to International Needs Australia, Open House in Ivanhoe and the Elizabeth Nursery School in Malawi.

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Club (by David Williamson) September 8 - 23 at 36 Turnham Ave.., Rosanna. Director: Gavin Williams. Bookings: 9457 4117 www.htc.org.au ■ SLAMS Musical Theatre: Little Shop of Horrors September 15 - 23 at Knox Community Arts Centre, Mountain Highway, Bayswater. Director: Will Sayer; Musical Director: Ryland Sack; Choreographer: Steph Clare-Cover. Bookings: 9720 3205.

SHOWS ■ The Basin Theatre Group: A Happy and Holy Occasion (by John O'Donoghue), Until September 2 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Loretta Bishop. Bookings: 1300 784 668 (7.00pm - 9.00pm only) ■ Beaumaris Theatre: August Osage County Until September 2 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd.., Beaumaris. Director: Fred Pezzimenti. Bookings: www.beaumaristheatre. com.au ■ Cardinia Performing Arts Company (CPAC): Bonnie and Clyde (a new musical) Until September 1 at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Drive, Pakenham. Director: Ryan Lindsay Turner: Musical Director: Ben Heels; Choreographer: Robert Mulholland. Bookings: http://www.cardiniaperformingarts.com/bookings ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: High Society Until September 2 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 39 - 41 Castella St., Lilydale.

Director: Alan Burrows. Bookings: 9735 1777.

■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Garden of Granddaughters (by Stephen Sewell) Until September 2 at the Bayside Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Andrew Ferguson. Bookings: 1300 752 126.

■ The Mount Players: The Full Monty Until September 10 at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Leo Vandervalk.

Bookings: 5426 1892.

SHOWS

AUDITIONS

■ OCPAC (Old Carey PerformingArts Club): Sweet Charity September 1 - 23 at MGH, Carey Boys Grammar School, Bakers Rd., Kew. Tickets: $35/$30. Bookings: https://chook.as/ocpac/ sweet-charity www.ocpac.com.au ■ Track Youth Theatre: Superheroes September 1 at 7.30pm, September 2 at 2.00pm and 7.30pm at the Renaissance Theatre, 826 High St., East Kew. Tickets: $20/$12.50. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/QJDK ■ Eltham Little Theatre: It's a Wonderful Life September 1 - 16 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Bookings: www.trybooking or 0411 713 095.

■ Melbourne French Theatre: Every Trick in the Book (by Georges Feydeau) September 7 16 at the Pop-up Theatre, 203-205 Canning St., Carlton. Director: Alec Gilbert. Booking details: www.melbournefrenchtheatre.org.au ■ Phoenix Theatre Company: Rock of Ages September 8- 16 at Doncaster Playhouse. Bookings: www.phoenixtheatrecompany.org ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Seafarer (by Conor McPherson) September 7 - 23 at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Bruce Akers.

Bookings: 9885 9678 www.wlt.org.au ■ Adelphi Players Theatre Company: Love Letters (by A. R. Gurney) September 9 - 17 at the Booran Road Hall, 264 Booran Rd., Ormond.

Director: Michael Mace. Tickets: $15/$12.

Bookings: 9690 1593.

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The 39 Steps (by Patrick Barlow) September 3 at 2pm and September 4 at 7pm at 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Barbara Hughes. Audition bookings: 0458 134 469.

■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Return (by Reg Cribb) September 4, 5 at 7.30pm at 7.30pm at Brighton Theatre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Audition bookings: 0416 141 838 or orbbaf@ozemail.com.au ■ Essendon Theatre Company: Unnecessary Farce (by Paul Slade Smith) September 19 at 7.30pm and September 24 at 2pm at the Bradshaw St. Community Hall, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Director: George Benca. Audition bookings: georgebenca@gmail.com 0419 591 517.

Honorary team of reviewers

■ Cheryl Threadgold heads our team of honorary reviewers including Mark Briggs, Rita Crispin, Martin Curtis, Sherryn Danaher, Greg Every, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, Graeme McCoubrie, Catherine, McGregor, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page, Kylie Rackham, Elizabeth Semmel.

Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs with Jim Sherlock, Aaron Rourke What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs FILM: THEIR FINEST: Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance.

Cast: Gemma Arterton, Billy Nighy, Sam Claflin, Richard E. Grant, Jack Huston.

Details: 2016.

Rating: M. Lemgth: 117 Minutes.

Stars: ***½ Verdict: During the London Blitz of World War II, a young woman is recruited by the British Ministry of Information to write scripts for propaganda films and subsequently investigates the story of two young women who supposedly piloted a boat in the Dunkirk Evacuation. However, even though it proved a complete misapprehension, the story becomes the basis for a fictional film with some possible mass appeal, and along with her new colleagues, they struggle against interference in their artistic decisions in the hope to contribute something meaningful in this time of war and in their own lives. Delightfully engaging WWII period piece shines due to a stellar ensemble cast all in top form, most notably the scene stealing Bill Nighy as the matinee idol past his prime, and Gemma Arterton as the film's beating heart and champion for women during the war effort as the young woman who is recruited by the British Ministry of Information. Smart, intelligent, sad, respectful, funny, poignant and tragic, the pacing, direction, cinematography, period detail, costume and production design all excel to make this "movie-with-in a movie" comedy-drama is a hugely entertaining experience driven by a big beating heart.

FILM: ALIEN COVENANT: Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller.

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup.

James Franco, Guy Pearce, Noomi Rapace.

Year: 2017.

Rating: MA15+ Length: 123 Minutes.

Stars: ** Verdict: The crew of the colony ship Covenant carrying 2000 human passengers and 1140 embryos is bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy for humanity to settle, but following an accident and before reaching their destination, they discover an unknown planet and ultimately what they think is an uncharted paradise ... but in a fateful decision to land there, they soon uncover a threat beyond their imagination.

Director Ridley Scott returns to the Alien creature-feature saga for the third time with this horror-thriller follow up to the polarizing 'Prometheus' (2012), the second instalment in the 'Alien' prequel series leading up to the events of his original 1979 classic 'Alien.'

Set 10 years after 'Prometheus' and 18 years prior to 'Alien,' this is a nicely looking addition to the franchise, however, this is an all too sombre effort with little originality or freshness to get overly excited about as it mostly delivers an ambiguous 'best of' or 'rehash' of what has come before it. Introduced in 2012s 'Prometheus,' Michael Fassbender gives a passable performance as the android David, inspired by David Bowie's performance as the alien in Nicolas Roeg's 1976 sci-fi odyssey 'The Man Who Fell To Earth,' and the remaining cast, including Katherine Waterston as the damsel-indistress and Billy Crudup as the newly appointed Captain, deliver barely effective, and like the action, all too repetitious performances.

A lot of questions remain unanswered, but in the meantime there's plenty of seen it all too many times before 'back-to-basics' slicing and dicing to shrill and shriek about ... until the next one, if not two, adventures finally connect all the dots.

FILM: A DOG'S PURPOSE: Genre: Adventure/Comedy/Drama.

Cast: Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton.

Year: 2017.

Rating: M. Length: 100 Minutes.

Stars: *** Verdict: Heart-warming and soul searching tale of a dog who looks to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes with varied owners, good and bad. From director Lasse Hallstrom, whose previous work includes the superior Hachi: A Dogs Tale (2009), tells the reincarnated journey's of Bailey / Buddy / Tino and Ellie with constant cliché, but with delicate, effective and enjoyable results, no matter how corny or implausible it may feel at times.

Hard to fault the movie's honest intentions, and even though joined by moments of tear inducing melancholia, what could have easily been a completely grim emotional experience, is in turn a light, heartfelt, funny and poignant above average entertaining 'meaning of life' pooch tale.

- James Sherlock

Rourke’s Reviews ■ The Dinner (M). 121 minutes.

Opens in selected cinemas on September 7.

Challenging in its structure, with an individualistic execution that may prove difficult for some to endure, The Dinner is a film that will divide and dismay.

But for those who love to sink their teeth into a movie that doesn't want to play to formula, then this should be rewarding viewing.

Steve Coogan plays Paul Lohman, a highly strung former history teacher who is agitated about requiring to have dinner with his older brother Stan (Richard Gere).

Initially telling his wife Claire (Laura Linney) that he doesn't want to attend, Paul does eventually give in, and the two make their way to the fancy, highly-exclusive restaurant that his brother, a popular politician who is awaiting election results, was able to get them into.

After making the maitre d' (Michael Chernus) suffer as much as possible, the couple are joined

by Stan and his younger wife Katelyn (Rebecca Hall), as well as assistant Nina (Adepero Oduye), who distractingly keeps Stan upto-date on the electoral numbers.

The quartet have gathered together to discuss a disturbing incident involving Paul's son Michael (Charlie Plummer) and Stan's son Rick (Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick), which if exposed, would ruin not only the teenagers' lives, but also Stan's political career.

As the night goes on, civilities begin to disappear, and through numerous flashbacks involving the adults and their children, we see just how fractured and poisoned these families are.

After making a strong impression with his brilliant 2009 war drama The Messenger, starring Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster (and openly inspired by Michael Cimino's The Deer Hunter), director Oren Moverman has found it hard to win movie-goers over since.

This isn't due to a lack of passion or quality, but more to the fact that Moverman wants to walk to his own beat, confidently experimenting with style and narrative influenced by numerous eras and film-makers.

His 2011 police thriller Rampart (also starring Harrelson) was widely savaged, and his poignant homeless drama Time Out Of Mind (2014) received absolutely no publicity, subsequently disappearing without a trace.

His screenplay (based on the acclaimed novel by Herman Koch) relies heavily on character interplay and the dark revelations that arise from it, and thankfully he has a cast who perfectly deliver the sharp, often searing dialogue.

Coogan, best known as a comedian in shows such as I'm Alan Partridge and Saxondale, has taken on more dramatic roles in recent years, and this is by far his best performance to date.

Linney (Mystic River, You Can Count On Me, Sully) is her usual reliable self, and Hall (who should have been nominated for an Oscar this year for her work in the hugely under-rated Christine) excels as Stan's second wife who is still living in the shadow of his first. Gere, who has been quite prolific of late, again shows what a terrific actor he is, and his willingness to em-

body various, mainly flawed characters has been a joy to watch. Superbly shot by Bobby Bukowski (who has photographed all of Moverman's films, as well as Dogfight and The Minus Man), whose darkly framed images recall the work of the late, great Gordon Willis (The Godfather trilogy, All The President's Men), The Dinner will most likely be compared to Roman Polanski's briskly funny Carnage, but this weightier effort demands complete audience involvement (with an ending that will infuriate many), something they are rarely required to do nowadays.

RATING - **** The Lovers (MA). 97 minutes.

Opens in selected cinemas on September 7.

Wonderfully low-key, beautifully acted drama that focuses on a seemingly dead marriage that suddenly sparks back to life in a most unexpected manner. The veteran couple are Mary (Debra Winger) and Michael (Tracy Letts), who go through the motions at home, both agonisingly aware that their marriage is completely devoid of passion and love. So much so that they are each involved in extra-marital affairs; Michael with ballet teacher Lucy (Melora Walters), and Mary with aspiring writer Robert (Aiden Gillen). Knowing the end is nigh, the two decide to announce their break-up when their college student son Joel (Tyler Ross) arrives home for a few days with his girlfriend Erin (Jessica Sula), who has yet to meet his parents. Believing this to be the best option before parting ways and walking off into the sunset with their secret partners, Michael and Mary's plans are turned upside down when they suddenly rediscover that long-lost flame, making them wonder if splitting up is really the right thing to do.

The Lovers should be thoroughly enjoyed by adult audiences, able to see two mature people contemplating what the other means to them, the time they have spent together, and the inevitability of what may happen when a couple have been in each other's company for so long.

Imagine the next step after Forget Paris (which also co-starred Winger), which itself was the next step after the initial, glowing romance had worn off. With so many romantic films now either crudely outrageous or depressingly formulaic and shallow, it is great to see a film that treats the subject in a believable, matter-of-fact fashion.

Both Winger and Letts are outstanding. Winger, who disappeared from the limelight for many years after a falling out with Hollywood, is exceptional, and it is so refreshing to see an actress who has let herself age gracefully (especially after seeing Goldie Hawn's plastic features in Snatched). Letts, better known as a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer (Bug, Killer Joe, August : Osage County, Superior Donuts), is a perfect match, and continues the excellent work he displayed in Indignation and Christine.

Writer/director Azazel Jacobs (Terri, Momma's Man) deserves special praise for never allowing the material to become saccharine or melodramatic, always wanting these people to remain believable and recognisable. Catch The Lovers while you can, before it disappears from cinemas, you won't be disappointed. RATING - ****

Top 10 Lists AUGUST 27 to SEPTEMBER 2.

THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. ANNABELLE: CREATION. 2. THE DARK TOWER. 3. DUNKIRK. 4. LOGAN LUCKY. 5. HAMPSTEAD. 6. VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS. 7. WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES. 8. THE BIG SICK. 9. ATOMIC BLONDE. 10. BABY DRIVER. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: AUGUST 24: ALL FOR ONE, AMERICAN MADE, EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING, KILLING GROUND, LOVESTUCK, MAUDIE, TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY 3D, THE KING'S CHOICE, THE LOST CITY OF Z, VIVEGAM. AUGUST 31: ALI'S WEDDING, ALL SAINTS, GIFTED, GIRL'S TRIP, MIDNIGHT RUNNERS, SMALL TOWN KILLERS, THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD, VOYAGE OF TIME: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: Volume 2 [Sci-Fi/Action/Adventure/Chris Pratt].

2. JOHN WICK 2 [Action/Crime/Thriller/ Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane].

3. ALIEN COVENANT [Action/Thriller/Sci-Fi/ Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston].

4. GET OUT [Mystery/Thriller/Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford].

5. KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD [Charlie Hunnam, Eric Bana, Jude Law].

6. SNATCHED [Comedy/Amy Schumer, Goldie Hawn].

7. FATE OF THE FURIOUS [Action/Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Russell].

8. A DOG'S PURPOSE [Family/Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton].

9. THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE [Drama/History/ Jessica Chastain, Daniel Bruhl].

Also: GHOST IN THE SHELL, MCLAREN, DENIAL, BERLIN SYNDROME, GOING IN STYLE, T2: TRAINSPOTTING, LIFE, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, RESIDENT EVIL: VENDETTA, ALONE IN BERLIN. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: BAYWATCH [Action/Comedy/Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario].

THEIR FINEST [Comedy/Drama/Bill Nighy, Gemma Arterton, Richard E. Grant].

COLOSSAL [Action/Comedy/Drama/Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis].

FREE FIRE [Action/Crime/Comedy/Sharlto Copley, Brie Larson, Armie Hammer].

24: LEGACY [Drama/Thriller/Cory Hawkins, Miranda Otto].

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: BAYWATCH [Action/Comedy/Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario].

THEIR FINEST [Comedy/Drama/Bill Nighy, Gemma Arterton, Richard E. Grant].

COLOSSAL [Action/Comedy/Drama/Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis].

FREE FIRE [Action/Crime/Comedy/Sharlto Copley, Brie Larson, Armie Hammer].

24: LEGACY [Drama/Thriller/Cory Hawkins, Miranda Otto].

NEW & RE-RELEASE AND CLASSIC MOVIES ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: None Listed for This Week.

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: 24: LEGACY. BULL: Season 1.

NARCOS: Season 2.

NCIS: Season 14.

NCIS LOS ANGELES: Season 8.

POLDARK: Season 3.

TRUE STORY with Hamish and Andy.

- James Sherlock

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 41

Victoria Pictorial

Historic Photo Collection: Around Melbourne

● Man in Parcel Delivery Van with Local Children, Fitzroy, 1919

● 'Kadimah' Jewish Community Annual Picnic, Warrandyte, 1937-1938

● View of Church Street, Middle Brighton, circa 1956

● Family & Dog, with Model T Ford Car, Brunswick, circa 1913

● Zoo Keeper Feeding Hippopotamus, Melbourne Zoo, Parkville, circa 1920

● Man Standing outside WW Allen's Grocers, Hawksburn, 1920

● Man & Woman in Workshop with Ford Cleveland Car, Essendon, 1922-1923

● Extended Adult Family with Cats & Hens, Backyard, Brunswick, circa 1913

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 24 Across

1. Visionaries 6. Man of Steel hero 11. Tibia 15. Gangster's lieutenants 20. Clumsy lout 21. Tall Kenyan tribe 22. The Boston ... Party 23. Most substantial 24. Sermonises 25. State publicly 27. Causing (havoc) 28. Father (children) 29. Elevate 31. Ireland (poetic) 32. Pester 36. Kenya's capital 37. Gods 38. Prepared (3,3) 41. Takes note of 44. Cymbals sound 45. Dutch centre of govt, The ...

48. Non-professional 49. Mideast shipping passage (3,3) 52. Pushing for 56. Go in front of 57. Dessert, ... split 58. Aerial 61. Culminate in (4,2) 62. California's San ... Fault 63. Vestments 64. Dame Nellie ...

65. Performs service for 66. Joins forces (5,2) 67. Odd bod 71. Canal boat 73. Of sound system 75. Cloudiest 80. Battery fluid 82. Elbowing 83. The T of PTO 85. Vibrated 86. Made reparation 88. Colonial realm 90. Acorn-gathering mammal 91. Dot/dash code 93. Agitated 94. Misbehaved (6,2) 95. Yummiest 96. Prime example 97. A single occasion 99. Unicorn spike 100. Snake 104. Upper leg 105. Tycoon 106. Well done!

107. Freeloaders 111. Spooky 113. UAE sheikhdom, ... Dhabi 114. Estimated touchdown time (1,1,1) 115. Computer/phone link 117. Part of sentence 118. Ate out 121. Brazil's ... Janeiro (3,2) 122. Wood-shaping machine 125. Gambol 126. Clock face 127. Give up (territory) 129. Xmas period 131. Receive 132. Hansel's partner 135. Coober Pedy gem 136. Sticks (to) 139. Peruse 140. International charity club 144. Bravery badge 145. Sultan's wives 146. Cost 147. Grumble 148. Curtly

Across 149. Tuscany is there 150. Kinder 152. Not heavy 154. Surrenders 157. Small version 158. Letter 162. Spinster relative, maiden ...

163. Academy Awards 166. Bathe 167. Assents with head 169. Ayatollah's land 171. Capital of Peru 172. Main Japanese island 173. Rule 175. Raising agent 176. Lead 179. US president, Ronald ...

180. Bird of prey 182. And so forth 183. Facial twitch 184. Encouraged, ... on 186. Half-breeds 189. Scoffs 190. Shrub fence 191. Panic 192. Insists 196. Tofu bean 197. Scythes 198. Monarch's rod 199. Holding up 201. Paraffin oil 202. Stupidly 203. Taunted 204. Carve in stone 205. Inserts 208. Twins zodiac sign 210. Cairo native 211. Teenage heart-throb 212. Disorganised person 213. Tin containers 215. Dodges 219. Paris underground 221. Stop! (nautical) 223. Spear vegetable 227. Robbers 228. Pilot 230. Eighth, ..., tenth 231. Army chaplain 232. Plays at, ... in 233. Nit-picker 234. Fill with blood 238. Synagogue scholars 239. N African country 240. Actress, ... Bullock 243. Changes 246. Fettered 247. Plough (into) 250. Trivial 251. Concur 253. Desists 256. Supervise 257. Wind (of river) 258. Absorb 262. Speed measurement 263. Spoon 266. Rodents 268. Intermediary 269. Goes faster than 270. Wounds 271. Judgments 272. Commercials 273. Kilt 274. Prosecute 275. Adds sugar to 276. Discourtesy 277. Gauged 278. Matchless

Down 1. Disband (troops) 2. Antelope 3. Corn 4. Singer, Diana ...

5. Lampooning comedy 7. Supposition 8. Stripy-tailed US animals 9. Film & Don McLean hit, ... Pie 10. Space agency 11. Depletes 12. Mercenary (5,3) 13. Smooching 14. Formal address 15. Chopping 16. Merit 17. Swimming stroke 18. Servants 19. Dusk to dawn 24. Sheep enclosures 26. Net fabric 30. Very annoyed 33. Yearly book of events 34. US folk singer, Woody ...

35. Stalk food 38. Of heart/lung exercises 39. More fortunate 40. Constant 42. Periods of time 43. Mythical vampire 46. Born Free writer, Joy ...

47. As far as (2,2) 49. Cheese on toast, Welsh ...

50. Blackball 51. London district (4,3) 53. Rush about angrily 54. Lazed 55. Allure 59. Drip shape 60. Most unpleasant 67. Follow-up movies 68. Train coach 69. Tussle 70. Personal reminiscence 72. Deep love 74. Travelling worker 76. Order 77. Made whole 78. Fleshy ear tissue (3,4) 79. Bank clerks 81. Reprimanded severely 84. Nursing sanatorium (4-4) 87. Tinted sun visor 89. Naphthalene pellet 91. Muttered 92. Close watch (5,3) 98. Neglect 101. Early anaesthetic 102. Sow 103. Acupuncture spike 108. Current unit 109. Skin transplant 110. Speedster 112. Rearousal 116. Adapting to stage play 119. Speak off the cuff 120. Outshining 123. Flying craft 124. Newspaper titles 128. Harmed 130. Power-grabber 132. Nomad

Down 133. Banishment 134. Correct (text) 137. Indian group of dialects 138. Bake (meat) 141. Skips 142. Ethiopia's Addis ...

143. Spinning toys (2-3) 151. Distributed 153. Stashes 155. Elephant poacher's cache 156. Cutting beam 159. Mentally gearing (up) 160. Pottery fragments 161. Discarded rubbish carelessly 164. Wear by rubbing 165. Reply 168. Biased (3-5) 170. Famed gangster (2,6) 173. Stayed 174. Lacking ability 177. Lecturers 178. Confined (6,2) 181. Congregate 185. Lessening in intensity (6,2) 186. Siberian dogs 187. Sanctified 188. Trainee doctors 193. Profiteering ticket seller 194. Swaying on heels 195. Common expressions 200. Surrounding 201. Capsize (4,4) 206. Instants 207. Suffocate 208. Clasped 209. Chats 211. Map pressure lines 214. Levee bank sack 216. Include 217. Income cheats, tax ...

218. Equatorial region, The ...

220. Wood joint projection 222. Tot up (3,2) 224. Humiliated 225. Strolling 226. Fruitless 229. Back section 232. Numbered cubes 235. Indescribable 236. Possessed 237. Articles of clothing 241. Turned aside 242. Scorn 244. Normally (2,1,4) 245. Toy bears 248. Trophies 249. Triumphant laugh (2,2) 251. Upper limbs 252. Regain 253. Pitches tent 254. Grand Slam tennis champ, ..

Agassi 255. Take (revenge) 259. Internal 260. Summon up 261. Cricket matches 262. Cry in pain 264. Inquires 265. Former Italian money unit 267. Fencing sword

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 43

Solution on Page 35

MEGA

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Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

Winx: not horsin’ around

■ I must pay credit to fellow colleague, Ray Thomas, the top racing writer in the coat-hanger city.

He produced some amazing stats about current racing champion Winx, who made it 18 wins on end in a nail biter in the Warwick Stakes in Sydney after missing the start by about four lengths over the sprint journey of 1400 metres.

It was Winx's first start since winning her second Cox Plate at Moonee Valley last October, plus the unfamiliar track of a good surface, she prefers the wet.

She ran her last 200 metres in 10.8 seconds, a time she has never recorded before, similar to the other champion mare, Black Caviar, who did it twice in her 25 straight victories.

Ray Thomas has produced the following stats on the champion mare Winx.

■ Her fuel consumption consists primarily of hay and oats, consuming 35,000 calories per day. An adult human is advised to eat about 2500 calories a day.

■ Breathing: Lungs breathe in and out 140 times a minute, distributing 150 litres of air per second, which averages about 10,000 litres per race. This what human beings breathe in a day.

■ Heart capacity: Horses average 240 heartbeats minute, moving 60 pints of blood during a race.

■ A racehorse's heart weights about 4 kilos, while a human's heart is about 300 grams. Phar Lap's heart was nearly 7 kilos.

■ Champion American galloper Secretariat's Heart weighed in at 10 kilos.

■ Stride length: Winx’s stride length has been measured at close to 6.8 metres.

■ The average stride length for racehorse is about 6.1 metres.

■ Black Caviar’s stride reached 8.42 metres.

■ The great Bernborough, who raced in the late forties and early fifties, is believed to have had the longest stride at nearly an incredible 8.6 metres.

■ Stride frequency: Most racehorses have a stride frequency of between 130 and 140 per minute.

■ Winx has been measured at nearly 170 strides per minute. This is a speed and frequency she can maintain over an extended distance while most horses lose both frequency and stride length.

What about those stats? They staggered me, especially the length of their strides.

You learn something new every day, and this has opened my eyes about these great racehorses.

$6bn turnover

■ Racing Victoria is happy with the fact that wagering on horse racing in Victoria has surpasses the $6 billion mark, but warns that they have to be on the ball to keep up with the opposition.

The results for the 12-month period from August 1, 2016, to July 31 this year, show that the customer engagement grew and that participation in Victorian racing continued to improve greater rewards for owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys.

Analysis of the key racing and wagering data also indicated that it was a year of two distinct halves with an abnormally wet first half season and drier than expected in the second half, ultimately providing a balanced set of metrics for the season.

Racing Victoria is committed to share key racing, wagering and participation statistics to provide greater clarity around the performance of Victorian racing.

Chief Executive, Glen Thompson, said: "I want thank the clubs, trainers, owners, jockeys, together with the media and wagering partners, for their collaboration in supporting strategies that have worked to strengthen Victorian racing and drive greater engagement, attendance and wagering results for our sport".

"The numbers show that Victorian racing is financially healthy and that customer engagement is strong with wagering surpassing $6 billion for the first time, nation-high attendances

● Winx in full flight. Racing Photos maintained and nearly 70,000 owners partici- the total surpassing $6 billion for the first time to ultimately reach $6.24 billion; pating in Victorian racing.

"We were particularly pleased with the re- ■ Turnover during the rebranded Festival of sults for our peak periods of the Spring Racing Racing, which encapsulated nine Group One Carnival and then rebranded the ‘Festival of races and 13 country cups in February-March, Racing’ which both enjoyed growth in atten- grew by 22 per cent with attendances up 1.8 per dance and turnover, while showcasing elite rac- cent; ing to wider community within Victoria and ■ The consolidation of Thursday night meetings was a peak timeslot with 25.8 per cent abroad ".

Key results for the 2016-17 Victorian racing growth in average turnover per meeting and a rise in average field size from 9.1 starters to 9.5 season were as follows: ■ Wagering turnover grew by 8.4 per cent with starters per race; ■ The continued emergence of the four standalone Saturday meetings in country Victoria with attendances up 18.1 per cent and turnover up 9.4 per cent across the quartet of meetings; ■ State-wide attendances consistent at a nation-high 1.34 million with country racing delivering 1.5 per cent growth to offset a second half decline in metropolitan attendances due to the Flemington grandstand development; ■ The Warrnambool May Racing Carnival attracted an attendance of more than 30,000 racegoers over the three days making it one of the highest attended Australian events outside of the Spring Racing Carnival; ■ The number of owners participating in Victorian racing topped 68,000, with a 16.5 per cent increase in the amount of VOBIS bonuses claimed; ■ The average prizemoney and bonuses claimed at each TAB meeting was $369,902 with the average earnings per horse growing by 3.1 per cent; ■ 543 trainers and 280 jockeys, won races during the season with the number winning Saturday metropolitan races increasing by 5.5 per cent and 17.9 per cent respectively; ■ 8668 individual horses-down 0.5 per cent on 2015-16-competed across 4187 TAB races with the average number of starts per horse remaining at 4.83; ■ A 200 per cent increase in the number of heavy tracks in the first half saw the average field size reduce to 9.9. starters per race, during the period before averaging 10.1 starters, per race in the drier second half of the season; ■ Victoria welcomed the 200th international horse during the 2016 Spring Racing Carnival with 24 prepared from the Werribee Quarantine Centre during the season.

Ted Ryan

● Black Caviar stretches out, winning the Lightning Stakes. Racing Photos

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Wine and Travel I should not review these wines

■ I keep reminding myself that these are a pair of white wines I shouldn't be reviewing.

Sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio … call it pinot gris, call it whatever you like, are normally two of my least favourite grape varieties.

I usually regard the varieties as weeds.

As blots on the viticultural landscape. As wines taking up bottle shop and wine list space that should rightly be the preserve of royalty such as chardonnay, riesling and semillon.

Yet I find myself inexorably drawn to these two wines from Angullong, whose vineyards are perched on the edge of Mount Cabobolas, on the outskirts of Orange, in the Central West of NSW. They're wines that are fresh, aromatic and true to variety.

They're wines ideally suited to our lifestyle as the weather begins to warm up.

So I will review them, and I will recommend them in the strongest of terms.

Damn the torpedos, as Tom Petty, one of the finest rock performers would sing, damn the torpedos.

Visit www.angullong.com.au.

WINE REVIEWS Angullong 2017 Pinot Grigio ($20): A vibrant, crisp dry white in the true Italian grigio style but with ample palate flavour for its price tag.

I like its melon-like flavours and heartily recommend it both as an aperitif and an accompaniment to light chicken dish.

Angullong 2017 Sauvignon Blanc ($20): I reckon that Australia's best sauvignons come from elevated climes such as Orange and the Adelaide Hills, and that they clearly outpace most of those from New Zealand's Marlborough region.

This dry white has plenty of palate depth and is a great match for fresh seafood.

WINE OF THE WEEK Tim Adams 2015 The Aberfeldy Shiraz ($65): The Aberfeldy has long been one of my favourite reds.

Much of the input comes from low-yielding, 100-year-old Clare Valley vines and it shows in the intensity of flavour that Tim regularly achieves.

Its dark berry flavours and soft fullness make it a natural with most hearty meat dishes.

- John Rozentals

review these wines ■ BIZARRE as it sounds, an airport in America has two gravestones set side-byside into its main runway directly above where a husband and wife were laid to rest nearly 150 years ago.

Back in the 1800s extensive farmlands around the-now Savannah Hilton Head International Airport in the State of Georgia, were owned by the Dotson family that had its own cemetery for the burial of family members, and for their slaves and the families of those slaves as well.

Over 100 people were known to have been laid to rest there before the US Army acquired the farm to build an airfield with the approach of WWII, and moved the family cemetery to a new site. The graves, however, of patriarch and matriarch Richard and Catherine Dotson, who died in the 1870s and 1890s respectively, were left where they were, in homage to their pioneering heritage.

And in the 1970s when the military airport was turned over to civilian use, it was found that a planned major new runway would run right over the two graves – which under Federal law could not be moved without family permission.

The family, however, refused that permission on the grounds that Richard and Catherine would have wanted to stay where they had lived and worked so hard on theironce farmland, so the government ordered the new runway go right across them, with their gravestones re-laid flat into the runway above their graves.

The gravestones are sufficiently near to the side of the runway for passengers to be surprised to see them as they taxi by.

- David Eliis

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 45

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Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

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What’s New

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 47

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Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Thornton

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Solid Investment • 3 Bedroom Eildon home to suit investor or first home buyer • Open plan living with split system • Rear deck with rural outlook • Timber home currently leased for $205.00 per week $225,000

Prime Commercial Investment:• Long secure lease • Excellent return on investment • Approx 408sqm land with rear access • Tidy brick building, low maintenance $245,000

Landmark Harcourts Alexandra 56 Grant Street, Alexandra I 5772 3444

Yea

Cute Updated Cottage This one bedroom cottage is perfect for the first homebuyer, retired farmer or astute investor.

Sited on approx. 613m2 and located within easy walking distance of all facilities the cottage has been re-stumped, painted inside/outside and has a new kitchen.

There is a living room with sliding doors to a light filled open plan kitchen-diner, separate bathroom and bedroom. The rear garden has room for a possible extension and a large colourbond shed takes care of your storage.

Landmark Harcourts Yea 56 High Street, Yea I 5797 2799

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 49

Spring Homemaker

Phone: 1300 TREEFX (873339)

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

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Quantity Surveyors Property depreciation services Just Depreciation is always going the extra mile to help all our clients whenever we can. We have decided to answer some of our frequently asked questions to help give you some advice and get a better understanding of our services to save you time and money.

If, for any reason, there are still questions you would like to ask us about our property depreciation services then don’t hesitate to call our friendly team who would be only too happy to help.

My property is old is it worthwhile getting a report prepared?

Yes, all properties regardless of age have some form of depreciation. The fixtures and fittings in the property must be valued at the date that you first make the property available for rental. Just Depreciation recommend reports for all residential properties no matter how old the building may be.

I have owned the property for a number of years and not claimed any depreciation, have I missed out?

No, we will start your report from the first date of rental and your accountant can apply to the Taxation Office to get previous returns adjusted. It’s never too late to claim any property depreciation.

How long does the report last for?

Our reports have 10 years of detailed information and enough detail for your accountant to expand on the individual items after this date so you won't have to arrange for a another report unless you carry out major renovations or improvements.

Do you guarantee your report will be worthwhile?

Yes of course, and we guarantee that if you do not receive a deduction that is twice the amount of our fee in the first year, then the report will be free. We believe this is the fairest and best possible outcome either way for our clients.

What is the process? Do I have to make appointments?

No, we make the appointments on your behalf via your rental manager and liaise with tenants for a suitable time for the property inspection so you need not worry about a thing.

What happens at the inspection?

We measure the property, take photos, take note of all depreciable items and any capital building write off deductions that may apply and then return to the office to calculate and process the report.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - Page 51

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