Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 89
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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer
Country Music: Rob Foenander’s column ......... Page 90 Rita Crispin: Bloomsday In Melbourne ................. Page 91 The Spoiler: Neighbours and Home And Away ............ Page 91 Jim and Aaron: Top 10 lists, movies, DVDs ................... Page 92 Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ............. Page 93 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD
SIT IN ON MASTERCLASS ‘Ballet Revolución’ at the Arts Centre
● Ballet Revolución ■ After its world premiere tour throughout Australia in 2011, the international Cuban Ballet Revolución returns to Melbourne, with performances at the Arts Centre from Wednesday-Sunday, July 17-21.. Some of the world’s most talented classical and contemporary dancers perform to the infectious rhythms of LatinAmerica and the No 1 hits from Usher, Shakira, Beyonce, Enrique Iglesias, J-Lo, Prince and Chris Brown. The result is described as an explosive, intensive, sensual and impressively athletic performance, full of raw energy with a distinctly Cuban flavour. “So many great things have happened for the show since we had our world premiere in Australia two years ago” said Australian producer and creator of Ballet Revolucion, Mark Brady. “We have toured many countries around the world and had the amazing honour of being invited to perform in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II for the Royal Variety Concert on November 19 last year. “Internationally the show continues to wow audiences no matter where we perform, so bringing the shown back to Australia is very exciting.” Ballet Revolución‘s young Cuban dancers let their athletic bodies do the talking anywhere in the world: audiences cannot get enough of their exuberant energy and contagious joy of life with which they turn any idea into an explosive and intense performance. Publicist Michelle Guthrie says: “With breathtaking twists, daring jumps and sensual moves from ballet to street dance, Ballet Revolución has already impressed audiences in sold-out shows from Sydney and Singapore to Berlin, Vienna and London. “Ballet Revolución mixes the dynamics of contemporary dance, brilliant ballet, powerful street dance and hip hop giving the work “Ballet with Attitude”. “Combining 20 of the finest dancers you will ever have the pleasure of seeing from the island of dance, Cuba and eight of the hottest young Cuban musicians live on stage, results in a fuelled Cuban cocktail of unbridled passion, pure energy and athletic skill.” The dancers were trained at one of the world’s most prestigious dance institutions in their home country, the Escuela Nacional de Arte, with its renowned faculty of modern dance, and at the famous Escuela Nacional de Ballet for classical dance. Dance training is strongly promoted in Cuba, as dance means more than art on the Caribbean island, it means life. The dancers thus unite in their movements a unique Cuban expression with the highest dancing virtuosity. Boundless passion, attractive sensuality, stunning athleticism and exuberant joy of life- Ballet Revolución combines it all in a fireball of emotions that no one can escape. Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne Dates: Wed- Sun, July 17-21. Tickets: Premium: $95.90, A Reserve: Adult $89.90, Conc $79.90, Groups (6+) $79.90, Youth U26 $49.90. B Reserve: Adult $79.90, Conc $69.90, Groups (6+) $69.90, Youth U26 $49.90 Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 182 183
By JULIE HOUGHTON
● Emma Matthews. Photo: Bridget Elliott ■ If you love the idea of going behind the operatic scenes to see how opera singers really work at their singing, then you have your chance on Saturday (June 8) from 12 Noon until 3 pm. Melbourne opera organisation More Than Opera has enticed Australia's famous soprano Emma Matthews to deliver a public master class for emerging and experienced professional singers. Emma will work with seven singers, helping them to hone their craft. If you have never seen an opera masterclass before, this is a great opportunity to see how singers really work, and to have someone of Emma Matthews's calibre giving her expertise and advice is a rare coup for young Melbourne singers. It's all happening at The Opera Centre in Melbourne, corner Fawkner and Fanning Sts (between City Rd and Ballet Centre Car Park), Southbank. Founded in 2000, More Than Opera Limited is a not-forprofit arts company that aims to use the power of opera as a force for inspiration and community well being. MTO also delivers a major scholarship program via the German-Australian Opera Grant which has, to date, launched the international careers of six outstanding singers. MTO Artistic Director, Dr David Kram, has several future MTO events in planning that will certainly add spice to the operatic scene in Melbourne. Audience entry to the Emma Matthews master class is $20 adults and $10 concession. All details are at www.morethanopera.com
Solomon and Marion opens ■ Two hander plays that rely on just a pair of actors to create theatrical magic are often some of the best experiences in the theatre for an audience. Lara Foot's play Solomon and Marion is such a twohander - relying on actors Gillian Jones and Pacharo Mzembe to take the audience to their world of post-apartheid South Africa. After losing a son through a random act of violence, Marion (Jones) confines herself to the only home she has ever known, in a remote South African village separated from her family. When a young man, Solomon (Mzembe) knocks on her door one day to deliver a message he has secretly carried for years, Marion is forced to consider whether Solomon is a dreaded intruder or her saviour. The scene is set for an exploration of two contrasting sides of contemporary South Africa. Gillian Jones is a fine actor who always draws my eye, and she has just finished filming George Miller's Fury Road and was seen by MTC audiences in The Glass Menagerie. Television audiences will recognize her from Packed To the Rafters, Love My Way and The Slap. Pacharo Mzembe has also graced the small screen, in Underbelly: Razor and was in the MTC production Rockabye and Belvoir's Gwen In Purgatory. Directed by Pamela Rabe, Solomon And Marion was hailed by critics in South Africa, with What's On in Cape Town saying Solomon and Marion will keep you thinking and laughing long after the curtains close." And that's a pretty good recommendation to get you to venture out on a Melbourne winter night to see what it's all about. Solomon and Marion is at the Fairfax Studio at the Arts Centre from Friday (June 7) to July 20. All details at www.mtc.com - Julie Houghton
Jazz Festival continues
■ The free program of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival events ends on a high note on Sunday (June 9) with a concert from the new schools initiative Unleash the Best. The ultimate rock, pop, big band, jazz and blues, world music and electronic beats online and live band competition, will award $50,000 in prizes and culminates in a live concert at Iwaki Auditorium featuring the top 10 bands.
Fiddler On The Roof at Ringwood
■ Mountain District Musical Society (MDMS) presents Fiddler On The Roof from June 14 - 22 at the Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler On The Roof has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. The universal theme of 'tradition' cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality, age groups and religion, leaving millions of audience members the world over with a deep personal acceptance. Fiddler On The Roof is about pride and dignity, sorrow and oppression and takes place in a small fictional village called Anatevka, but in reality, is taking place everywhere. Featuring Adrian Carr as Tevye, Victoria Zainal as Golde and a great cast, Fiddler On The Roof is directed by
● The Papas rehearse for Fiddler On The Roof, opening in Ringwood on June 14. From left is, Gordon Lyon, Will Deumer, Adrian Carr and David Syme. Photo: Kathryn White Paul Watson, with musical direction by Tickets: $38 (full), Group (10+) $32, Ryan Jacobs and choreography by Kaela $25 (Child U15). Brushett. Bookings: www.trybooking.com or Performance dates are June 14, 15, 20, tickets@mdms.org.au or call 0402 221 21, 22 at 8pm and June 16, 22 at 2pm. 681.
Page 90 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Observer Showbiz
Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria
GRUBBY, DEE DEE ON 3AW A’NOONS
Country Crossroads info@country crossroads.com.au Big Breakfast Show. Southern FM 88.3. Tues. 6am-9am.
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Rob Foenander
FINALISTS FOR APRA
■ Finalists in the 2013 APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Association) Music Awards have been announced. Catherine Britt, Troy Cassar-Daley, Beccy Cole, McAlister Kemp and The McClymonts are in the running for the country category. Winners will be announced in Melbourne on Monday June 17
10th ALBUM FOR KAREN
■ Blue Mountains (NSW) singer/songwriter Karen Lynne has released her 10th recorded album project - Shine Your Light. Karen’s music style has spanned country, bluegrass and Australian folk music across the years, however the new album also shows a new side to her, that of her faith. The album was recorded in Nashville at the studios of iconic country singer Tom T Hall and his songwriting and life partner Dixie Hall. More info: www.karenlynne.com
AMBER, JASON AT HALLAM
■ ‘Grubby and Dee Dee” (Peter Stubbs and Diane Dunleavy) will be standing in for 3AW afternoon host Denis Walter when he leaves midyear leave at the end of this month. The pair whose decades-long partnership has included the breakfast shows at Fox and Gold, completed a summer season of the Weekend Break at the start of the football season. They replace Steve Vizard, who had been signed late last year for a number of fill-in roles at the talk station. ‘Dee Dee’ has also been standing in for Peter Ford’s entertainment segment on the breakfast program when he was on leave, and also talking television on the Neil Mitchell morning show.
Records broken at MBS
■ Records have been broken at 3MBS ... and we ain’t talking vinyl. The fine music station conducted its annual 10-day radiothon at its Abbotsford studio, and a record number of subscribers pledged to financially support the station.
ENTERTAINING PAIR STAND-IN FOR DENIS WALTER
Yothu Yindi singer dies
● ‘Grubby and Dee Dee’ on air at 3AW Sponsorship Manager Tom Lachlan and Eric Chess. And Ford slept at the station for the Mike might have some big duration of the fundraiser, and news next Monday (June 10). filed a 6000-word blog.
Brady’s bunch
■ It is going to be a big month for 3AW’s Mike Brady. He is staging a special night on Friday, June 21, at Shoppingtown Hotel, featuring Nikki Nicholls, John Grant, Tony Naylor, Roger Mc-
■ 2012 X - Factor runner-up Jason Owen and award-winning Amber Lawrence have joined together for their Islands In The Stream tour. The show will feature them performing with their touring band, covering their own hits and songs as well as special duets throughout the show, including of course the classic Islands in the stream. The show comes to the Hallam Hotel on Friday, August 9. Buy tickets at Ticketmaster or contact the Hallam.
Loves a chat
■ 3AW Promotions and Marketing Manager David Mann is a friendly chap, and there is nothing he enjoys more than getting on the radio and having a chat with the presenters. David’s 60-second spot with Denis Walter on Monday afternoon this week went a little longer than expected. One of Denis’s producers, Mark Genge, posted this message on Twitter: “I ate a large tomato and cheese sandwich during David Mann's live cross.”
CATHERINE GETS SUPPORT
■ Aussie country music well known Catherine Britt has scored the support act for American singer songwriter Don McLean on his upcoming Australian tour. Catherine will perform at nine of the concerts including Hamer Hall, Melbourne, on Saturday, August 17. - Rob Foenander
r Observbei z Show
Wednesday, June 5
■ US actor Bill Hayes (Days Of Our Lives) is 87 (1926). Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton was born in 1944 (69). Actress Joanna Lockwod was born on this day. Musician Kenny G is 57 (1956). Aussie actress Toni Pearon is 41
● Volunteers man the phones at 3MBS-FM
● David Mann
● Mandawuy Yunupingu ■ Former Yothu Yindi lead singer Mandawuy Yunupingu died at the weekend at his home in the Northern Territory. The former Australian of the Year, who was 56, died at his home in Yirrkala in Eastern Arnhem Land. He was named Australian of the Year in 1992 for his role in building bridges between indigenous and non-indigenous communities. He was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2012. He had been fighting kidney disease for several years. Mandawuy Yunupingu was the first indigenous Australian from Arnhem Land to gain a university degree. Melbourne
Observer
On This Day Thursday, June 6
■ English cricketer Frank Tyson was born in 1930 (83). Businessman Rene Rivkin was born in China in 1944. He died aged 60 in 2005. Actor Andrew McFarlane was born in Albany, WA, in 1951. Footy reporter Caroline Wilson is 53 (1960) today.
Friday, June 7
■ Actress Jessica Tandy was born in London in 1909. She died aged 85 in 1994. US singer and actor Dean Martin was born in 1917. He died aged 78 in 1995. Singer Tom Jones was born in Wales in 1940 (78). Actor Liam Neeson was born in 1952 (61).
Saturday, June 8 ■ American comedienne Joan Rivers was born in New York in 1933 (80). Singer Nancy Sinatra was born in 1940 (72). She recorded Something Stupid with her father Frank in 1967. Archbishop George Pell was born in Ballarat in 1941 (72).
Sunday, June 9
■ US songwriter Cole Porter was born in 1891. He died aged 72 in 1964. Motoring writer Peter Wherrett was born in 1946. He died aged 72 in 2009. Actor Michael J Fox is 52 (1961). US actor Johnny Dep was born in Kentucky in 1963 (50).
Monday, June 10 ■ Judy Garland was born as Frances Gumm in 1922. She died aged 46 in 1969. New Zealand-born TV-radio comedian Tony Martin was born in 1964 (49). Radio man Kyle Sandilands is 42. Fashion designer Paula Stafford was born in 1920 (93).
Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates. Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au
Tuesday, June 11
■ French scientist Jacques Cousteau was born in France in 1910. He died aged 87 in 1997. Irish actor Richard Todd was born in Dublin in 1919. He died aged 90 in 2009. Actor Gene Wilder (Jerome Silberman) was born in 1935 (79). Comedian Stephen Kearney is 41 (1973).
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 91
Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler Bloomsday in Melbourne
ShowBiz!
For Those Who Have Lost The Plot
Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven ■ Monday, June 10. Callum helps Rani do the play and forgives her on one condition; Lauren and Matt buy Harold's store; Terese sacks Caroline who then sues Paul. ■ Tuesday, June 11. Paul goes into damage control to counter Caroline's allegation of sexual harrassment; Imogen is jealous of Josh's attention from their parents; Amber gets some attention from Josh. ■ Wednesday, June 12. Imogen dumps Mason when she realises he is still in love with Kate; Kyle convinces Kate to keep their secret from Georgia; Lauren's date night celebration at Harold's goes awry. ■ Thursday, June 13. Caroline tries to blackmail Paul but digs a bigger hole for herself; Kyle tries to make it work with Georgia; Lucas pushes Mason to man-up for Kate. ■ Friday, June 14. Lauren feels like she has failed again when an oversight in the kitchen proves costly; Joshua dumps Brad and takes on a new coach; Brad is determined to give Imogen more attention.
Home and Away ■ Monday, June 10. Brax refuses to adhere to Adam's demands but may regret the consequences. After several rejections, Holly is now accusing Zac of trying to kiss her. Tamara has not coped with captivity at all. ■ Tuesday, June 11. Tamara is admitted to hospital, with her memory of Summer Bay in tatters. Kyle, despite April's warnings, provides comfort for Tamara until he is arrested. Bianca begins investigating Holly's accusation. Brax refuses to give up on Ricky. ■ Wednesday, June 12. Maddy attempts to rekindle her friendship with Sasha &andSpencer but is angered when she notices Spencer watching Sasha wistfully. John and Harvey challenge each other for the gym job. ■ Thursday, June 13. Double Episode. Everyone can see Sasha and Spencer have feelings for each other. Jett is angry over another broken promise of John's and runs away. John is the world's worst patient, and spends his hospital stay torturing Dex. Brax continues to hunt Adam. Bianca and Zac find proof of his innocence, but not before the local paper prints Holly's story.
Star Bursts
★
The premiere screening of the Beyond Hard Knocks documentary, which launches the Melbourne International Singers Festival, will be held on Friday (June 7) at The Deakin Edge, Federation Square. The event will be attended by Mark Butler, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing and Minister for Social Inclusion. The screening will be followed by a short Q&A with Dr Jonathon Welch and members of the Choir of Hope and Inspiration.
★
Pessimists who predict a rocky future of newspapers should note that US billionaire Warrenn Buffett continuesw his buyup of titles. His BH Media Group is buying The Roanoke Times in Virginia.
★
Major film locations are a big motiva tor for people choosing their travel destinations. The National Tourism and Events Excellence Conference is taking place in Victoria this July, and discussions will be held on the latest themes and trends in travel, and there will be a focus on innovative ways to attract travellers to Australia.
Button
● Actor Kevin Dee as James Joyce in a reflective moment in The Seven Ages of Joyce. Photo by Maireid Sullivan, Lyrebird Media. ■ The celebration of Bloomsday, begun ional drama of the world's most engagin Dublin in 1954, has become an in- ing and complex characters, Leopold and Molly Bloom and Stephen ternational phenomenon. To celebrate its 20th year in Dedalus. Joyce, being a lover of music and Melbourne, a five day Festival will be presented from June 12 to 16, the long- no mean singer himself, provides an exest Bloomsday festival ever held in cuse in the play for vaudevillian and romantic songs and music of the period, Melbourne. The city is unique anywhere in the provided by tenor Richard Hobson world, including Dublin, in annually and soprano Juliette Hughes accompresenting a play based on a new theme panied by multi-instrumentalist Greg or adaptation of James Joyce's epic Rochlin. Performances: June 13 (preview), novel Ulysses, which tells the story of a day, June 16, 1904, in the life of June 14 at 7.30pm: June 15 and 16 at Leopold Bloom, his wife Molly and 6pm and June 16 at 1pm at Joyce's alter ego, Stephen Dedalus. fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders The originator of Melbourne's Lane. Tickets: $40 full price, $35 concesBloomsday celebrations, Dr Frances sions, $33 for groups of 6+. Bookings: Devlin-Glass, Honorary Associate Professor at Deakin University, 9662 9966 or online at www. recognised the similarities between the fortyfivedownstairs.com.au In the Bloomsday Seminar on two bay cities of Dublin and June at 3.30 pm, titled The ObstetriMelbourne as opportunities for explo- cian 16 and the Psychiatrist examine ration of the novel. Joyce's Ulysses, Drs Charles King Starting in 1994, the festival took the and Jo Beatson, offer unique perspecform of student street theatre creating tives on Joyce, birth, death and grievthe drama in some curious, weird and ing. beautiful niches of historical Venue: The Gallery at fortyMelbourne including the city's first fivedownstairs. Tickets: $20/15: Bookmorgue in Williamstown, and the ings: 9662 9966 or www.fortyfive steps of Parliament House. downstairs.com.au However, the play became a victim In a first ever venture, a Global Readof its own success, city by-laws, insur- ing of Ulysses organised by The James ance concerns and increasing numbers Joyce Centre in Dublin will comof loyal supporters which made the trav- mence in Auckland at 6 am elling theatre impractical. (Melbourne time) on June 16. FollowA theatre venue became necessary to ing the sun westwards, at 8 am a team spread the word about how very funny of Melbourne readers will take over. and rewarding Ulysses is, despite its Readers in 25 cities in 16 countries enduring reputation for impenetrability. will continue the reading, finishing in This year, the centrepiece of the Fes- Dublin after midnight on June 16. The tival, the play, uses as a frame entire reading will be streamed live on Jacques' summary of life in his mono- YouTube. logue 'All the world's a stage' from Another event, free expert Readings Shakespeare's As You Like It, and pre- by the Bloomsday Players will also be sents The Seven Ages of Joyce. presented in the Gallery at fortyWritten and scripted by a team drawn fivedownstairs on June 12 and 13 at from the Bloomsday community, it is as 1pm. No bookings necessary. close as Bloomsday has come to a ComTo complement the celebrations, on plete Works of James Joyce with com- June 15, at 8 pm, the Bloomsday Dinedy, music and dance, but pulls no ner with entertainment - more outrapunches about his radicalism and his geous Joyce on birth and death - will thoughts on the body, sexuality and eroti- be held at P J O'Brien's' Irish Pub on Southbank . Bookings: 9898 (ask cism. With a cast of nine actors portraying for Bob) Tickets: $50, drinks at bar 60 characters, it is directed by Founder prices. For more information on and Artistic Director of Hoy Polloy, Bloomsday in Melbourne: Wayne Pearn. It sparkles with the wit www.bloomsdayonmelbourne.org.au - Rita Crispin of Joyce himself and the intensely emot-
● Carole Patullo and Jane Bayly ■ Following the success of Button, devised and performed by Carole Patullo and Jane Bayly and first presented at La Mama’s 2011 Exploration Season, the show is back again at La Mama Courthouse Theatre this moth. An existential exploration, Button is a thought-provoking and funny look at growing older and the relationships we have in our lifetime. This compelling production is captivating from the very opening. The first thing to notice is the intriguing set (including a clever backdrop) that is brilliantly incorporated into the show so that it breathes as an extra performer. Melanie Beddie’s direction makes great use of the intimate space, underlining the closeness and interconnectedness of relationships and the sometimes quick, sometimes gradual changes apparent in life and ageing. Patullo and Bayly, as Woman A and Woman B, are funny and endearing, taking you from laugh to sigh and back again through their interactions and reminiscences. Their strong performances are testament to their experience and the two never miss a beat. The show is underscored with beautiful, evocative live music by musician/composer Peter Farnan. Sometimes haunting, the original songs Farnan accompanies are not only clever and catchy, they become a most powerful expression of the production’s themes. The seductive and seamless lighting design, by Katie Sfetkidis, playful choreography by Luke George, and elegant design by Melanie Liertz, as well as Daniele Poidomani’s striking chairs complete the intricate layers of this entrancing piece. Button has been published by Currency Press (2013) and is part of the 2013 VCE Drama Playlist. Performance Season: Until June 16 Times: Wed, Sun 6:30pm, Thurs, Fri, Sat 7:30pm; Matinees: Wed 1pm Thurs, 11am Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton Bookings: www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6142 - Review by Deborah Marinaro
Melbourne TV flashback
● Rona Goldsmith ■ In last week’s edition of the Melbourne Observer we reported on the sad news of the death of Rona, sister of Olivia Newton-John. Rona’s passing is mourned by her children Fiona, Tottie, Brett and Emerson. By coincidence this week, we found this image of Rona from the pilot episode of Homicide, produced by Crawford Productions in Melbourne in 1964. The credits list ‘Rona Goldsmith’ as playing the part of ‘Sandra’, girlfriend of Det. Rex Fraser, played by Lex Mitchell. ■ Would you like to watch episodes of Homicide from half-a-century ago? We have posted links to more than 20 episodes from those early TV days at this newspaper’s website: www.melbourneobserver.com.au/tv.htm
Page 92 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013
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Movies, DVDs With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke
What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs
● From Left to Right: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz in Quentin Tarantino's epic Academy award winning western saga Django Unchained. FILM: SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK: Genre: Drama/Romance/Comedy. Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jackie Weaver. Year: 2012. Rating: M. Running Time: 122 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: Following release from a mental institution, a former teacher moves back in with his parents and is determined to reconcile with his ex-wife, but things become more complex and challenging when a mysterious girl with problems of her own enters his life. Stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence give compelling and tender performances as two troubled souls in search of meaning, dealing with serious issues with great care, humor and poignancy. The standout performances, Intelligent, smart and superbly balanced screenplay and the respectful and methodical direction make this emotionally charged and enormously satisfying experience. Nominated for eight Academy awards including Best Picture, Best Actor (Bradley Cooper), Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence winning), Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Supporting Actress (Jackie Weaver), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director (David O. Russell). FILM: DJANGO UNCHAINED: Genre: Western/Drama/Action. Cast: Jamie Foxx, Christolph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio. Year: 2012. Rating: MA15+. Running Time: 165 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ****1/2 Verdict: With the help of a German bounty hunter, a freed slave two years before the Civil War sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner. Two films this year centre on slavery, Steven Spielberg's Lincoln through the political arena, and through the eyes of Quentin Tarantino with guns blazing in Django Unchained, a no-holds-barred blast of thrills, humour and action, and tribute to the western genre that inspired Tarantino, most notably the Spaghetti western genre of Sergio Leone. Armed with an intelligent Oscar winning script, an outstanding cast, most notably Christoph Waltz in his Oscar winning role as the bounty hunter, Leonardo DiCaprio as the plantation owner and Samuel L. Jackson as a slave, Along with a stunning score and production detail, Django Unchained is western epic that stands firmly in its own right that delivers explosive results. FILM: YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER: Cast: Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Gemma Jones and Naomi Watts. Genre: Comedy/Romance/Drama. Rating: M. Running Time: 98 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Star: **** Review: You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger is driven by a superb ensemble cast who all excel in this poignant comic-tragedy of emotions, all under the guidance of Woody Allen, and set with equal skill and attention to detail in the beautiful backdrop of London. As our cast embark on a journey of fantasy and self discovery, we are treated along the way to a respectful experience brimming with many hilarious Woody Allen comic vignettes, topped beautifully with sprinkles of warmth and sentiment . This is a yet delightful gem from a master storyteller and filmmaker, adding another a jewel in the crown to an extraordinary body of work that remains unique and unequalled! FILM: TOP GEAR - SEASON 19: Genre: Adventure/Comedy/TV. Cast: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May. Year: 2013. Rating: M. Running Time: 428 Minutes. Format: DVD. Stars: **** Verdict: Those madcap Top Gear boys are back in their 19th season of the phenomenally successful series, and the wild and comic adventures keep coming. From the news to the star in a reasonably priced cars, which this series includes Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers, Homeland) and Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood, and let's not forget The Stig, this series is as entertaining as all before it, most notably this time with the two part special on their search for the source of the river Nile, and the riotously funny car for retired people. Great entertainment brimming with lots of hair-raising moments and laughs, and like me, you don't even remotely have to be a petrol-head to enjoy it.
WALTER HILL ONE TOUGH DIRECTOR
● Walter Hill and Isabelle Adjani on the set of The Driver. ■ With a career that spans over four in the US in its original 131 minute cut. decades, writer/producer/director The Warriors (R) (1979). 90 minWalter Hill, 71, has given audiences utes. *****. some of the toughest action sequences Box-office hit is also one of the bigand hard-boiled characters witnessed on gest cult films of all-time. the big screen, and coating these creA street gang wrongly accused of ations with wonderful, often southern- murder spend the night crossing varistyle music scores, has ensured that his ous 'turfs' in an attempt to make it back films will be loved and remembered for to home soil. years to come. Colourfully shot on various New Part of the crowd of talented film- York locations and featuring a nummakers that emerged in the early-to- ber of excitingly staged action scenes, mid 1970's (Brian De Palma, John this classic deserves its iconic status. Carpenter, George Lucas, John A remake is in the works. The Long Riders (M) (1980). 100 Milius, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, minutes. ****. Hill's ode to Sam Peckinpah is David Cronenberg), Hill cut his teeth as a second assistant director on an absorbing, exciting western conthree high profile pictures: Norman cerning the exploits of the James, Jewison's The Thomas Crown Affair Younger, Miller, and Ford brothers. (1968) (***½), Peter Yates' Bullitt Some eye-popping sequences. Southern Comfort (R) (1981). 106 (1968) (*****), and Woody Allen's Take The Money And Run (1969) (***), minutes. ****. Dismissed as a poor-man's Deliverbefore turning to screenwriting. The five films that Hill penned were ance when first released, this tense, Hickey And Boggs (1972) (***½), star- well-paced action/thriller is strong ring Robert Culp and Bill Cosby; viewing in its own right, and has built The Getaway (1972) (***½), starring up a well-deserved following over the Steve McQueen and directed by Sam years. Features an impressive cast, inPeckinpah; The Thief Who Came To cluding Powers Boothe, Keith Dinner (1973) (**½), starring Ryan Carradine, Fred Ward and Peter O'Neal; The Mackintosh Man (1973) Coyote. 48 Hrs (R) (1982). 97 minutes. (***), starring Paul Newman and directed by John Huston; and The *****. Huge hit put Hill on the A-List, reDrowning Pool (1975) (***), also starring Newman, a sequel to the excel- invented the buddy-cop genre, and greatly influenced the type of action lent Harper (1966) (****). When Hill made his directorial de- film made in the 1980s. Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy but in 1975, his love for lean, mean 1940s-1950s noir was evident, and as are outstanding, and the blend of gritty his body of work grew, there was a clear violence and laugh-out-loud comedy is influence from such film-makers as flawless. James Remar and Sonny Anthony Mann (The Naked Spur / Men In War), Sam Peckinpah (The Landham are menacing as the vilWild Bunch), Robert Aldrich (Kiss lains. Streets Of Fire (M) (1984). 93 Me Deadly / Too Late The Hero), Robert Wise (The Set-Up / Odds Against minutes. ****. A love letter to the rock 'n roll driveTomorrow), Nicholas Ray (On Dangerous Ground); Andre De Toth (Day in movies of the 1950s, this highlyOf The Outlaw / Play Dirty), and Sam stylised action/musical is a feast for the senses, with incredible production deFuller (Steel Helmet). Over two weeks I will look at the sign, costumes, and cinematography, all films of this influential but now unfor- of which is then edited and scored to perfection. Can't wait for this to arrive tunately under-rated director. All have had a DVD release in Aus- on Blu-Ray. Brewster's Millions (PG) (1985). tralia (region 4), UK (region 2), and 97 minutes. **. USA (region 1). A change-of-pace for Hill, this freHard Times (M) (1975). 97 minutes. netic comedy starring Richard Pryor ****. Charles Bronson is perfectly cast and John Candy is an unfortunate misas a bare-knuckles fighter who teams fire. Crossroads (PG) (1986). 96 minup with a fast-talking manager (James Coburn) in 1920's New Orleans. utes. ***. Entertaining (if rather mild) road Vividly filmed, with realistic, matterof-fact fight scenes. Was first released movie about a young musician (Ralph in Australia as The Streetfighter, but 'The Karate Kid' Macchio) who is now available on DVD under its origi- prepared to sell his soul to the devil for fame and fortune. Great music, effecnal title. The Driver (M) (1978). 90 min- tive atmosphere, and a strong performance from Joe Seneca as the seautes. ****. Brilliantly compact action/thriller soned blues player who helps the youngabout a getaway driver (Ryan ster during is journey. Bravura finale. - Aaron Rourke O'Neal) who attracts the attention of a creepy, obsessed cop (Bruce Dern). DVD's and Blu-Rays kindly supplied by Video Vision, 177-179 Carlisle Well-shot, with great car chases, this could have come straight out of the Street, Balaclava. For information or bookings on these titles please call 1940's. Beautifully homaged in Nicholas Winding Refn's stylishly moody 9531 2544. All titles are available for hire, at great weekly prices. Drive (2011). Was recently screened
Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE HANGOVER PART III. 2. STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS. 3. IRON MAN 3. 4. THE CALL. 5. THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES. 6. SNITCH. 7. THE BIG WEDDING. 8. DEAD MAN DOWN. 9. THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST. 10. THE CROODS. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MAY 30: A HAUNTED HOUSE, HAPPINESS NEVER COMES ALONE, SINISTER, THE GREAT GATSBY. JUNE 6: FAST AND FURIOUS 6, PING PONG, SMALL APARTMENTS, STILL MINE. THE DVD TOP RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. LIFE OF PI [Drama/Adventure/ Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma]. 2. THE IMPOSSIBLE [Drama/Naomi Watts, Ewan Mc Gregor, Tom Holland]. 3. JACK REACHER [Action/Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike]. 4. THE HOBBIT: An Unexpected Journey [Fantasy/Adventure/Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen]. 5. GANGSTER SQUAD [Crime/ Drama/Action/Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling]. 6. HITCHCOCK [Drama/Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston]. 7. SKYFALL [Action/Adventure/ Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench]. 8. QUARTET [Comedy/Drama/ Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly]. 9. ARGO [Thriller/Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman]. 10. LES MISERABLES [Musical/ Drama/Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway]. Also: GUILT TRIP, TWILIGHT SAGA: Breaking Dawn Part Two, WRECK IT RALPH, THIS IS 40, PARENTAL GUIDENCE, THE SESSIONS. ALEX CROSS, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS, PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, DREDD. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: DJANGO UNCHAINED [Western/ Drama/Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio]. YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER [2010/Comedy/Drama/ Anthony Hopkins, Josh Brolin, Naomi Watts]. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK [Drama/Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Jackie Weaver]. STOLEN [Action/Nicolas Cage, Danny Huston]. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: ROOSTER COGBURN [1975/Western/John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn]. THE WAR WAGON [1967/Western/ John Wayne, Kirk Douglas]. TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA [1969/Western/Clint Eastwood, Shirley MacLaine]. JOE KIDD [1972/Western/Clint Eastwood, Robert Duvall]. IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER [1993/Drama/Daniel Day-Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite]. SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE: 20th Anniversary [1993/Romance/Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan]. Turn to P99
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 93
Observer Showbiz SHOWS
■ The Mount Players: The Threepenny Opera (by Bertolt Brecht), Until June 23 at 56 Smith Street, Macedon. Director: Leo Vandervalk: Musical Director: Peter Weerts. Tickets: $28/$25. Bookings: www.themountplayers.com.au ■ The Basin Theatre: The Woman in Black Until June 8 at The Basin Theatre, Corner Doongalla and Simpson Roads, The Basin. Director: Justin Stephens. Tickets: $25. Bookings: 1300 784 668 www.basintheatre.org.au ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Picasso at the Lapin Agile (by Steve Martin) Until June 8 at the Clocktower Theatre, Corner Wilson and Carpenter Streets, Brighton. Director: Jeff Saliba. Tickets: $20/$18. Bookings: 1300 752 126 or www.brightontheatreco.com ■ Fab Nobs Theatre Inc and Williamstown Music Theatre Company: [title of show] June 7 - 15 at the Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater, Bookings: fabnobstheatre.com.au or 0401 018 846. June 20 - 23 at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Corner Melbourne Road and Electra Street, Williamstown. Bookings: wtc.org.au 1300 881 545. Tickets: $32/$28. ■ MLOC Productions: big the musical June 14 - 22 at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Road, Elwood. Director: Trish Carr; Musical Director: Geoff Earle: Choreographer: Keir Jasper. Tickets: $32/$30/$28. Bookings: www.mloc.org.au ■ Windmill Theatre Company: The Phantom of the Opera June 21 - July 4 at the Drum Theatre, Dandenong. Director: Chris Hughes: Musical Director: Julia Buchanan; Choreographer: Robert Mulholland. Tickets: $39.60/$35.20. Bookings: www.phantomoftheopera.net.au ■ Sunshine Community Theatre: Boston Marriage (by David Mamet), June 28 - July 6 at the Dempster Park Hall, 82 Phoenix Street, North Sunshine. Director: Lee Cook. Tickets: $15/$12. Bookings: 0407 802165 www.sunshinecommunitytheatre.com ■ Altona City Theatre: Spring Awakening: A New Musical July 5 - 20 at the Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona. Bookings: www.altonacitytheatre.com.au or 0425 705 550. ■ Aspect Theatre: Hairspray July 12 - 20 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale. Director: Lyn Laister; Musical Director: Emma McGeorge; Choreographer: KimAnnette. Bookings: www.aspecttheatre.com After hours: 9580 8415. ■ PLOS Musical Productions: Little Shop of Horrors July 19, 20, 25, 26 at 8.00pm, July 21, 27 at 2.00pm at the Frankston Arts Centre. Director: Danny Ginsberg; Musical Director: Sue Fletcher; Choreographer: Steve Rostron. Bookings: 9784 1060. www.plos.asn.au
AUDITIONS ■ Sunshine Community Theatre: And the Big Men Fly (by Alan Hopgood) June 6 at 2.00pm, June 10 at 8.00pm at the Dempster Park Hall, 82 Phoenix Street, North Sunshine. Director: Stephen Andrews. Audition bookings: 0407 802 165. ■ Wyndham Theatre Company: Deathtrap (by Ira Levin) June 22, 29 at 12.00 noon at the Crossroads Theatre, Corner Synot Street and Duncans Road. Werribee. Director: Ron Fenton. Audition bookings: 0403 338 836. ■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (by Gay Presson Allen), June 27 at 7.00pm, June 30 at 12 noon at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation Street, Geelong West. Director: Stacey Carmichael. Bookings: 0400 233 085. ■ MLOC Productions: The Producers Information Evening July 4 at 7.30pm at the Parkdale Church of Christ hall, 174 Como Pde., Parkdale. Auditions: July 9, 11, 13. Dance Audition July 14. Director: Jane Court; Musical Director: Ian Nesbit; Choreographer: Keir Jasper. Audition bookings: www.mloc.org.au or 9589 4912 Melbourne
Observer
Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold
All-women cast in Lord Of The Flies THE MALTHOUSE THEATRE
● Michele Durman (left), Alexandra Aldrich, Zoe Boesen, Eloise Winestock, Pip Edwards, Contessa Treffone, Fiona Pepper, Catherine Davies and Emma Griffin in Lord Of The Flies, opening at the Malthouse Theatre on June 28. Photo: Marnya Rothe ■ USA-A-UM and Malthouse Theatre present William Would Emma recommend undertaking a degree for other Golding's Lord Of The Flies from June 28 - July 14. young performers? "I believe it's different for everyone," she says. "Drama school Adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams and directed by Sydney Theatre Company resident director, Kip Williams, equipped me with tools to help deal with many different scean all-female cast of nine actors strips away the veneer of narios. But really, upon graduating you realise that your training civilisation to reveal the raw, primitive heart of human nature. never ends, you are constantly learning things on every new job." Since 2010, Emma's TV appearances include Offspring and Director Williams says Lord Of The Flies is generally regarded as a story exposing some of the dark truths about human Home and Away, plus a string of TV commercials, co-op theatre shows and rehearsed readings for both film and theatre. nature, yet interestingly contains solely male characters. Emma says the Lord Of The Flies story is an examination of "In exploring this story with an all-female cast, we're offerwhat human beings can do to one another in the name of survival. ing a radically new opportunity to examine this story's universal She plays the youngest of the group, Percival, representing themes of morality, violence, civilisation and animal instinct," "the innocent archetype ... and the least able to comprehend the he says. Actor Emma Griffin says Williams has cast strong women reality of the situation he is in." Emma believes that after seeing women in the usually male who all get along very well. roles, audiences will take away "a universal view on the nature "Everyone has carried themselves very professionally and of human beings, as opposed to 'this is what would happen if a supported each other in a way to make the work the best it can group of males was left on an island.'" be," she says. Season: June 28 - July 14 Emma first performed with the RMIT theatre group and Times: Tue, Wed 6.30pm (except 9 Jul 7.30pm); Thu-Sat the St Martin's Youth Ensemble, and from 2008-2010 stud- 8.00pm; Sun 6.00pm, (no show Sun June 30) ied at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Venue: Malthouse Theatre, The Tower, 113 Sturt Street, Arts. Southbank. "The community at WAAPA is so beautifully supportive that Duration: 90 minutes (no interval) you are able to take risks so big that you face plant, get back up Tickets: $25 again, and then go for another," she says. Bookings: www.malthousetheatre.com.au or 9685 5111
Tribute: Bryan Forbes 1926-2013
■ Born John Theobald Clarke on July 22, 1926, in Stratford, London, from an early age he was originally set on an acting career, but little did he know the impact he would later have on world cinema. He entered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts when he was just 17, but didn't complete his studies. During the war he served in the Intelligence Corps and later the Combined Forces Entertainment Unit, like many of his contemporaries, and changed his professional name to Bryan Forbes. He began his career as an actor appearing in such British films as the WWII P.O.W. classics as The Wooden Horse and The Colditz Story, followed by The Million Pound Note opposite Gregory Peck, a standout performance in An Inspector Calls opposite the legendary Alistair Sim, the Inspector Clouseau (The Pink Panther) comedy A Shot In The Dark with
Melbourne
Observer
Peter Sellers, I Was Monty's Double, the heist comedy The League Of Gentlemen (which he also wrote and co-produced), and The Key with William Holden and Sophia Loren, among others. It wasn't long before Bryan Forbes became a highly esteemed producer, co-producer, screenwriter and director in a partnership with Richard Attenborough that would make a major contribution in establishing British cinema in the post WWII with an extraordinary selection of inspired groundbreaking classics such as the searing anti-establishment drama The Angry Silence, the magical and tender age of innocence drama Whistle Down The Wind, the chilling and haunting Seance On A Wet Afternoon and help seal the beginning of the end of the old censorship code with his landmark kitchen-sink drama The L-Shaped Room. His other memorable efforts behind
the camera include the British all-starcast black comedy The Wrong Box with Michael Caine, Nanette Newman, John Mills, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Peter Sellers, Ralph Richardson, Tony Hancock, Irene Handl and John Le Mesurier, the WWII drama King Rat with George Segal, Tom Courtenay, James Fox, Patrick O'Neal, John Mills, Denholm Elliott, James Donald and Leonard Rossiter. Other notable mentions The Raging Moon, The Madwoman Of Chaillot with Katharine Hepburn, The Whisperers with Dame Edith Evans, International Velvet, Deadfall with Michael Caine, and a special mention must go to the wonderful spy-comedy-drama Hopscotch starring Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson which he also wrote for the screen. Married to actress Nanette Newman since 1955, Bryan Forbes would direct three actresses to ac-
by James Sherlock claimed Best Actress Oscar nominations. They are Leslie Caron for The L-Shaped Room (1962)), Kim Stanley for Seance On A Wet Afternoon (1964) and Dame Edith Evans for The Whisperers (1967). He was also a prolific novelist, but it is his two autobiographical publications, Notes For A Life and A Divided Life that are a must read. Bryan Forbes was a unique multitalented individual who will remain forever irreplaceable and inspirational, a filmmaker that was fearless in taking issues head-on. Bryan Forbes, one of Britain's most prolific and respected screen actor, director, writer, producer and author, passed away recently with little fanfare at the age of 86. In tribute to him here a just a few recommendations that will forever remain a testament to a pioneer and British filmmaking, the likes of which we may never see again.
FILM: THE ANGRY SILENCE: Written for the Screen and Co-Produced by Bryan Forbes. Cast: Richard Attenborough, Pier Angeli, Michael Craig, Bernard Lee. Genre: Drama. Year: 1960. Rating: PG. Running Time: 95 Minutes. Stars: ****1/2 Verdict: Incisive, engrossing and unsentimental story of factory worker who decides to stand up for himself against his work-mates and fellow union members when they want to hold a strike and protest against company management. With a masterful screenplay by Bryan Forbes, who also co-produced with Richard Attenborough, this is a searing and emotionally shattering character driven anti-establishment study. ● Turn To Page 104
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Page 94 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 Melbourne
Observer
Lovatts Crossword No 26 Across
Across
1. Hair-stylist 6. Straight-line racing car 11. Famous Indian mausoleum (3,5) 15. Nightclub dancer 20. ... kwon do 21. Labyrinths 22. Aegean or Caspian 23. Lahore is there 24. Mad Russian monk 25. NE Scottish seaport 27. Jumbo animal 28. Watering tube 29. Fixed gaze 31. World fair 32. Cruel person 36. Pins & ... 37. Prolong (4,3) 38. Checks (text) for errors 41. Renovate (ship) 44. Metal bar 45. Unfortunately 48. Sneeze noise (1-6) 49. Oddball 52. Rectangular 56. Addressing crowd 57. Anxious (2,4) 58. Perfumed burning stick 61. Goat's wool 62. Economises, ... & saves 63. Fibbing 64. Naomi Campbell is one 65. Imperial ruler 66. Collided with (3,4) 67. Disincentive 71. Absurd comedy 73. Of the ear 75. Windbag 80. Clarify, ... light on 82. Hone 83. Disobey 85. Gauges 86. Befuddles 88. Labourer's tools, pick & ... 90. Welcomes 91. British coin 93. Taking sides 94. Climbing plants 95. Female voices 96. Wither 97. Tingle 99. Mark as correct 100. Holy places 104. Rubbish 105. School maxim 106. Track down 107. Sent via Internet 111. The other way around, vice ... 113. Observe 114. The masses, ... polloi 115. Disorderly 117. Smear 118. Affirmative replies 121. Russian spirit 122. Mustard & ... 125. Canine disease 126. Shaving cut 127. Roman dress 129. Pulpy, soft food 131. Yoga master 132. Apprehension 135. Feng ... 136. Unplaced competitor (4-3) 139. Wild party 140. Representatives 144. Strangely 145. Scandinavian 146. Wall painting 147. Underwriters 148. Glared
149. Gallows rope 150. Group of eight 152. Hang loosely 154. Flog 157. Fluid unit 158. Minutest 162. Iran's neighbour 163. Exhausts supply of (4,2) 166. Porridge cereal 167. Pour with rain 169. Slow down! 171. Car pioneer, Karl ... 172. Tobacco user 173. Leers 175. Lever (off) 176. Single 179. Swiss banking centre 180. Come to rest (3,2) 182. Liqueur, ... Maria 183. Towards stern 184. Blackboard stand 186. Negative 189. Harness-racing horse 190. Return (of symptoms) 191. Epic movie-maker, Cecil B De ... 192. Big Apple city (3,4) 196. 60s pop dance (2-2) 197. Dad 198. Heedful 199. Spend extravagantly 201. Not fit for consumption 202. Gloomier 203. Performing 204. Car-top luggage frame (4,4) 205. Worked hard 208. Guidance 210. Up to this time 211. Aquatic bird 212. Pragmatism 213. Vein of ore 215. Vending machine 219. Nimble 221. Small & efficient 223. Striped brown gem (5'1,3) 227. Biology or physics 228. Mummifies (corpse) 230. Donations 231. Scorch 232. Charts (course) (4,3) 233. Villain 234. Arrogant newcomer 238. Power outlet 239. Knit with hooked needle 240. Scratch 243. Eagle nests 246. Ancestry 247. Lease again 250. Naming words 251. Greek philosopher 253. Muddles (up) 256. Frequent visitor 257. Mischievous 258. Character 262. Manufacture 263. Florida's Key ... 266. Is in debt to 268. Citrus fruit 269. Surgical removal 270. Not enclosed (of land) 271. Ruling (monarch) 272. Decimal unit 273. Opinion surveys 274. Corroded, ... away at 275. Slyer 276. Supervised 277. Perseveres 278. Least
Down 1. Manages 2. Annoyed 3. Abstains from food 4. Salt Lake City state 5. Absconded (3,3) 7. Severely simple 8. Seedy conditions 9. Discharge 10. Talk wildly 11. Muscle rupture 12. Fire-resistant material 13. Of war 14. Country dance 15. Leaked slowly 16. Aura 17. Windscreen cleaner 18. Rocky Mountains state 19. Early guitars 24. Tenant's fee 26. Fish traps 30. Quarrel 33. Document bag, ... case 34. Evoke 35. Cavalryman 38. Triangular-sided building 39. Constantly busy (2,3,2) 40. Learn (4,3) 42. Great ages 43. Charges with crime 46. Furiously 47. Beliefs 49. Properly nourished (4-3) 50. Frostier 51. Stray 53. Bewails 54. More mature 55. Biblical sea 59. Oil paintings 60. Skittles 67. Lowers (oneself) 68. Fishing boat 69. Ex-pupils' get-together 70. Invigorate 72. Residential locations 74. Score after deuce 76. Exposed 77. French N-Test region, ... Atoll 78. Rude 79. Pestered 81. Cargo door 84. Unnerves 87. Strong coffee 89. Nonconformists 91. Primitive 92. Japan's second largest city 98. Recording room 101. Restrict (3,2) 102. Asian cricketing nation 103. Flattened 108. Countless number 109. Saturate (with colour) 110. Turn inside-out 112. Remembered 116. Carpenters 119. Brightening up 120. Proper behaviour 123. Now Zimbabwean 124. Set apart 128. News-sheet 130. Ill-bred 132. Unfulfilled
Down
133. Inaccuracy 134. Songs for one 137. Actress, ... Sarandon 138. Scoundrel 141. Heredity units 142. Cosy corners 143. Clean with broom 151. Household jobs 153. Riddle 155. Hot & moist 156. Lower leg joint 159. Revealed (knowledge) 160. Foolishness 161. Inducting, ... in 164. Too soon 165. Open wound 168. Alienate 170. Unfashionable 173. Reverse 174. Giving university talk 177. Soundly constructed (4-5) 178. Worsened (of crisis) 181. Leaves uncared-for 185. Permitting 186. Liked 187. Retailers 188. Football umpire 193. Sun or rain 194. Acorn bearer (3,4) 195. Sing-along entertainment 200. Prayer beads 201. Official emblems 206. ... & lemons 207. Wear best clothes (5,2) 208. Human rights group, ... International 209. Modesty 211. Large pedal 214. Moral 216. Dip in liquid 217. Capers 218. Numerals 220. Conclude 222. Toadstools 224. Great joy 225. Questionable 226. Junior 229. Fully satisfy 232. Liquefy 235. Actress, ... Cruz 236. Straighter 237. Reaction 241. Changing booth 242. Picasso & Monet 244. Library patrons 245. Belongings, personal ... 248. More meagre 249. You 251. Walk with heavy steps 252. Turns away 253. Imitate 254. Father Christmas 255. Praise highly 259. Divine messenger 260. Combine 261. Roman VIII 262. Small tick 264. Unknown writer 265. Swallow noisily 267. Appear
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 95
Solution on Page 88
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Page 96 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013
TV Nostalgia
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
‘Homicide’ - First Year 1964-65. HSV-7 Melbourne Crawford Productions View entire episodes: www.melbourneobserver.com.au/tv.htm
● ‘Thomas Dysart’ (as Nicola Rogowski), Terry McDermott (Det. Sgt. Bronson) and Lex Mitchell (Det. Fraser) in The Missing Letter (Episode 8)
● Ian Turpie (as Lindsay Murdock) in The Stunt (Episode 1) which aired on HSV-7 on Tuesday, October 20, 1964
● A young Tony ‘Butch’ Sheldon (son of Toni Lamond and Frank Sheldon) appears as Gary Hopkins (in the Jolimont railyards) in Scent Of Death (Ep 7)
● Former 3DB presenter Louise Homfrey (as Norma Heywood), Sonia Borg (as Katarina Heywood) and Terry McDermott in The Missing Letter (Ep 8).
● ‘Reginald Gorman’ (as Max Saunders) in Strange Cargo (Ep 18)
● Queenie Ashton (as Dulcie Reynolds) in Second Time Around (Ep 26)
● Patricia Kennedy (as Mrs Ryan) in Scent Of Death (Ep 7)
● Michael Boddy (as Mike Greer, prostitution pimp) with Jeffa Nicholson (as Rita Hardy) in The Brand (Ep 23)
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 97
Telstra Testimonials Send your contribution to editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne
Observer
● ‘Telstra testimonials’ is a weekly section of the Melbourne Observer, where we hold the national communications company to account. Australians are sick and tired of breakdowns, and a poor service attitude. Every week we send a copy of the Melbourne Observer to David Thodey, CEO of Telstra, Locked Bag 5639, Melbourne, Vic 3001. He and his staff are always welcome to comment on, and fix, the complaints
Two hang-ups
False economy
■ Barbara Kirgan said: “Why do companies such as Telstra send their accounts by email, telling us that they are thus saving the world (trees) etc., by not sending hard copies, whereas they are only passing the costs on to customers who then have to download and print off the accounts. “Paper and inkcartidges are a cost to us. Do they think we are stupid?"
Line cut
■ Melissa Messenger said: “I cannot believe that I have made more than five phone calls in a month to fix my cable broadband and after being hung up on twice tonight, and on hold for over 20 minutes, I still have to wait another 7 days before a technician can come and do his magic to fix what I think is a superior product recommended to me by Telstra. “Now it turns out that my address is not coming up in your system so billing have to fix that now as well. “The broadband is still sitting at provision status and no one knows why. Would the Telecommunications Ombudsman be able to help me, because it seems that the Telstra technical support staff waste my time? “I even asked to speak to a manager and they were too busy to talk to me! You suck. I should have stayed with Iinet. In fact I am almost at the point of telling you to shove it and going back to them.”
7 days to fix ■ Daniel Tan asked: “Is Telstra Business Broadband supposed to respond to internet outages with greater priority than on a normal residential outage ? “Because I just got told that I would have to wait pne week for a service to get my Business Broadband connection back up. “Disgusting feedback, pretty damn poor service too. “And yes Telstra did confirm that the fault was at their end. “Our business is a 7-day-aweek operation and we were told Telstra BB was the best and if any issues arose that Telstra Business Broadband would jump on it ASAP.”
7-week delay ■ Craig Kenning says: “Seven weeks to fix a screen or replace an iPhone 5? No matter if it's being replaced or fixed, seven weeks is far too long with out answers! Shame on you Telstra!”
■ Sarah Valentina Gazzo said: “I have had a mobile plan with Telstra for six months, and five months of those I have been overcharged for data usage. “My phone data was turned off manually to eliminate data usage but still received a bill over $1000. “I’ve called many times and have had terrible customer service and after many phone calls lasting for more than one hour the call has been disconnected. “Yesterday after having enough, I asked for cancellation and the staff member laughed at me and told me I still had to pay the outstanding charges that I had apparently used. “I was also told I was to be given 24 business hours before disconnection but phone service was cut off within minutes of the phone call. “This is terrible service and I am not a satisfied customer. I am bored with calling up every month and disputing incorrect overcharges. “This is the last straw. I've been given cancellation as requested but still am left with close to a $3000 phone bill. “What will you do to solve this? How will you deal with the rude customer service I was given? And how will you ensure customer satisfaction?” ■ Telstra employee ‘Dingo’ replied that an investigation could be undertaken, but a 3-5 business day delay was being experienced due to the volume of complaints.
Where are the tickets?
■ Fiona Harvey asked: “Hi there Telstra, about three weeks ago I had a call from you to make sure everything was going well with our account. “Long story short I was promised some movie tickets and to date have not received them. Just wondering when I could expect them?”
Not sorted
■ Megan Prout said: “I am unhappy to report that I am not getting good customer service at the moment. “My elderly mother has decided to update her mobile phone and change from a bill pay to the prepaid capped option. “I thought this would be a simple thing to do ... I was wrong! Our local Telstra shop sold her a new phone then sent her home with a phone number to call. Easy they said. “That was Thursday and after making three phone calls now myself she is no closer to having a functioning mobile phone. “At last call, the supervisor is going to ring her sometime on Monday to " help sort this out". I just hope it is not the same supervisor that Telstra promised would ring me before 8pm last Friday to help me with a problem we have with my daughters mobile as I am still waiting for that call! Not a happy customer.”
I will not pay until issue fixed
■ David Maung addresses Telstra ‘Customer Service’: “This is probably the fourth time I am posting on your wall. My service issue has been open with Telstra for almost four weeks now and it is still unresolved. “I've advised both your Tech Support and Accounts that I will not be paying my account until my issue is resolved which I believe is fair. “I am signed up for a ‘ADSL2’ connection and just last night was told by your manager in charge that 512kb download speeds (as per speedtest) are within ‘acceptable limits’ and it is not Telstra’s responsibility. I was on 512kb on ADSL 7 years ago. “Why should I pay for a service that I'm not receiving? If you went to a restaurant to eat and they never brought your food out would you be expected to pay for your meal? “Stop calling my landline and hassling my parents everyday requesting I pay the bill. I have stated on many occasions I will not pay until the issue is fixed. “I have called your telephone call centre on no less than 10 occasions and spent countless hours waiting on the line. I have used your 24/7 online service numerous occasions also. Each time I am told the issue will be resolved and there is no follow up. “Do not give me your generic response and ask me to call you. Do not ask me to click on a link to your 24/7 service to explain my problem. I've done this many times and do not have the time to go through the motions once more. “I want you to get into contact with me. Inbox me. Call me. Do whatever you have to do. Provide me with what I signed a contract for.”
Card on hold
■ Paul Francis Garrity said: “A supervisor was supposed to phone me on Friday morning to sort out the problem why Telstra barred and put my debit card in security. “I still can't get credit on my pre paid services from debit card. Did you read all the notes Dylan?” ■ Dingo’ from Telstra (true!) replied: “Appreciate your concerns with the debit card being placed on the barring list and am sorry that this has prevented you from being able to recharge your service. “This is an issue that we have had some reports of lately and hope to have resolved shortly. “At present the best thing to do is to contact the pre-paid team directly as they can have the card un-barred and allow this to be registered and used again. “They can be reached on 132200 (24/7) and say 'pre-paid' when asked by the IVR or via Live Chat available 24/7 via: http://tel.st/eAUWP “I hope that this is completed for you asap so that this recharge can be completed.”
12.26am
■ Trevor Kaos Crane said: “Hi Telstra, could you pretty please try to NOT send me texts at 12:26am reminding me about my prepaid credit status? Why the hell is it done like this?”
What happened to my $10?
Half the price
■ Henry Lu said: “This is the shittest provider I have ever used! Response times for network faults, call dropouts, not being able to hear the other person, call failures and call issues are not resolved even after 20 phone calls in six months! “I transferred from Vodafail three years ago hoping to get a better service at a more expensive price, but I didn't get what I paid for! I was also charged $1700 in roaming over four days in Fiji even though I purchased the top data/calls pack. “Now that I'm back with Vodafail, I get the same service Telstra provided me for the last three years but I pay half the price!”
Prove it!
■ Jodie Gabsch said: “I received a text message telling me that I have used 80 per cent of my data allowance. “In the nearly four years of being with Telstra is have never gone over 20 per cent of my data allowance so it was a shock to get the message. “I have spent the last one hour on the phone to six different people in Telstra. “All I want is for them to tell me what the data was used on, web sites etc. They are unable to tell me that due to "privacy". “So they expect you to accept that they are right but cant prove to you that you have actually used the data. “Sorry Telstra but that is bloody disgraceful. You have a duty to prove the charges are correct, if you cannot then I should not have to accept it. “This has been my one and only gripe with Telstra in nearly four years and I am at boiling point.”
Disconnected
■ Danielle Naomi McDonald said: “ I find it really interesting how it takes Telstra two seconds to disconnect a household but you can't reconnect them for two days!”
Make it Aussie
■ Chelsea Geary said: “I just bought a new prepaid phone for my trip to remote Australia (where I am now) “It took Telstra 42 hours to activate the phone (when it was meant to be four) and now it is saying I have no credit even though $10 was meant to be included with the sim card. “I am very disappointed in the service I have received thus far.”
These are all real stories. Customer ‘feedback’ sourced from Telstra’s 24/7 page on Facebook
■ Mick Williams said: “Forget your inept and useless, international (and hopefully one day outlawed) call centres. Picked up my new phone at Airport West (Melbourne). Good customer service by the young male that served me before mid day. This fellow needs a pay rise. “Bring your call centres back to Australia so everyone can enjoy valued Telstra service.” Got a complaint about Telstra? E-mail to editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au or mail to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095
Page 98 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne
Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs
Huge night at Geelong
■ Champion reinsman Gavin Lang enjoyed a ‘night of nights’ at Geelong on Wednesday, chalking up a quartet of winners. First to arrive was talented 4-Y-0 Conch Deville/ Glamor Lough mare Gatesys Girl for Longwarry trainer Mick Hughes in the Tabsportsbet Trotters Mobile for T1 & T2 class over 2100 metres. Starting from the extreme draw, Gatesys Girl was off and running as soon as the start was effected to take over from Drop Us A Line entering the front straight on the first occasion. Driven with a great deal of confidence, Gatesys Girl defied all challengers on straightening to score from Drop Us A Line and Mister Elwood (three wide last lap from mid-field) in a rate of 2-03.1. Next to come along was Anakie trainer Tim Bolitho's Mach Three/Dreaming Spires gelding Our Summer Wind in the APG 3-Y-0 Pace over 1609 metres in a rate of 1-57.8. Settling mid-field from gate two on the second line, Our Summer Wind ran home strongly three wide in the final circuit to gain the day over the hot favourite Vanderlay which didn't score up giving away a tidy start before following the winner home, with Lightning Shark third after assuming control at the bell. Legs three and four came from the Adam Kelly (Coimadai) stable who train in conjunction with Lang. The first being 3-Y-0 Live Or Die/Rapparee gelding Doomed in the Prestige Jayco Pace for C0 class over 2100 metres. Not pushed to lead from the pole, Doomed coasted to the wire in advance of a death-seating Guggenheim and Kazaree off a three wide trail last lap in a mile rate of 1-59.9. Heavily supported 3-Y-0 Badlands Hanover/ Coringa Ruby gelding Rubys Bad Boy was tough in his Next Racemeet 20th June Pacers Handicap for C1 or better class over 2100 metre victory. Not flash away from barrier two, Rubys Bad Boy settled a fair way off the leader Claire Jasper which had taken over from Interrogator shortly after the start. Moving to race in the open approaching the bell, Rubys Bad Boy showed plenty of heart over the concluding stages to wear down the pacemaker who wouldn't give in without a fight, the margin 1.6 metres in a mile rate of 2-03.1. Goodsie (one/one at bell) finished third after easing three wide on the home turn.
Melton crew dominates
■ Geelong was dominated by the Melton area, with Lance Justice taking the Vinmar Homes Pace for C1 class over 2100 metres with The Binder and Andy Gath the Next Trials 24th June Pace for C4 & C5 class over 1609 metres with Echeveria. Eight-year-old Bookmaker/Maid Of Honor gelding The Binder led throughout from gate four to upstage his more fancied rivals in accounting for Hexam Heartbeat which raced in the open from the bell and Brite Spark Lombo (three wide last lap) in a rate of 1-59. Ultra consistent Ponder/Andrels Love 3-Y-0 colt Echeveria chalked up his 10th success in 26 outings. Driven by Kate Gath, Echeveria (gate two) crossed the polemarker Born Again Sassy on the first turn and was never headed, defeating Born Again Sassy and a death-seating Jilliby Daphne in a mile rate of 1-55.6.
17 wins from 151 races
■ Earlier in the week at Warragul on Monday, 8-Y0 Island Fantasy/Happy Vision gelding Lota Vision trained at Adam Kelly's Coimadai property by Steve Zammit, led throughout from gate two with Rod Petroff in the sulky to capture the John Willams Creative Hairdressing Claiming Pace over 2209 metres, defeating Cullen Hanover which trailed and Sarum Prince (one/one) in a rate of 159.4. It was Lota Vision's 17th victory in 151 race appearances.
BUSTLED IN EARLY STAGES
■ Junortoun trainer/ driver Ellen Tormey loves to compete at Mildura meetings and has a tremendous strike rate there, adding another winner to her tally when 4-Y-0 Oye Vay/Love To Burn gelding Ifu Seek Romance scored in the Benetook Veterinary Clinic Vicbred Pace for C1 class over 2190 metres on Tuesday May 28. Starting from gate three on the second line, Ifu Seek Romance wasn't bustled in the early stages before being set alight to cross the pacemaker Illdowhatiwant racing for the bell. One at the head of affairs, Ifu Seek Romance scored by 3.1 metres in advance of Starcrazy (three back the markers) and Flight To Barbados which raced in the open for the final circuit. The mile rate 2-04.2.
Blitzed
■ At Charlton on Wednesday, Junortoun owner/ trainer Gary Donaldson's 8-Y-0 Christian Cullen/Sister Soky gelding Christian World blitzed his rivals in the DJA DJA Warrung Cup for C4 & C5 class over 2100 metres. In what was the ‘drive of the day’ by Ararat's Michael Bellman, Christian World was eased from gare six at the start as Reefs Achievement (gate two), The Noble Steed (gate three) and Salem (gate four) all began with a rush, with Reefs Achievement keeping the lead. When the leader was eased to take a breather in the back straight on the first occasion, Bellman let rip with Christian Cullen to stride clear and allowed to bowl, returned a brilliant mile rate of 1-56.9 in defeating Salem which moved to face the breeze at the bell, with Superstar Express (three back the markers at bell) third. It was Christian World's eighth victory in 68 outings.
So reliable
■ Rochester owners Mark and Sue Thompson were successful with ever reliable Falcon Seelster/Karamea Toastime 3-Y-0 gelding Timeseel in the Dunlop Super Dealer Pace for C0 class over 2100 metres at Charlton. Trained by Mark and handled to perfection by stable reinsperson Ellen Tormey, Timeseel (gate four) led for the majority of the journey after crossing the leader Extra shortly af-
Baker’s Delight
Harness Racing
This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Wednesday - Horsham/Echuca, Thursday - Yarra Valley/Ballarat, Friday - Melton, Saturday - Bendigo, Sunday - Mooroopna @ Melton, Tuesday - Shepparton.
Sweet trip from gate 6 Melbourne
Observer
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
ter the start. Pas Mate (one/two - three wide last lap) ran home nicely for second, with Extra holding down third in a mile rate of 2-01.6.
Coasted
■ Junortoun's Bruce Morgan combined with John Caldow to land the Trots Card Pace for C1 class over 1609 metres at Charlton with 4-Y-0 Life Sign/Mother Courage mare Ruby Slippers in a rate of 1-58.4. Beginning fast from gate four to lead, Ruby Slippers had the race in her keeping a long way from home, coasting to the wire 10.8 metres in advance of Stuck Up along the sprint lane from three back the markers, with Cityscape third after trailing the winner.
Honest run
■ At Geelong on Wednesday, Sedgwick breeder/owner/trainer Shane Hall's honest Yankee Spider/Hilltown Ashley gelding Hilltown Yankee registered his fifth success (first for the season), when successful in the Faggs Mitre 10 3-Y-0 Trotters Handicap over 2100 metres. Coming off a third at Bendigo five days earlier, Hilltown Yankee driven by Daryl Douglas stepped cleanly from barrier four to lead throughout, defeating Invasive (three wide last lap) which moved outside him on the final bend, going down by a nose in a tricky finish, with William John an eye catching third on debut after moving to face the breeze approaching the bell. The mile rate a comfortable 207.5.
Another one
■ Another week and another winner from the Monegeetta stable of Lisa and David Miles when 4-Y-0 Elsu/Rea Bromac gelding Brae-
view Bromac raced by a plethora of stable supporters scored in the Healers Shack Warragul Pace for C1 class over 1785 metres at Warragul on Monday May 27. Driven on this occasion by David who produced ‘the drive of the day’, Braeview Warrior starting from gate three on the second line settled midfield in the running line. With the leaders going ballistic for the first lap, Braeview Bromac was set alight racing for the bell to lead for the final circuit in defeating Ophirs Dream (behind winner home turn from three back the markers) and Hi Tech Fury which led before being crossed by the winner at the bell, then moving off the inside in the last lap. The mile rate 2-00.1.
Best ever
■ Ararat trainer/driver Michael Bellman has enjoyed a marvellous season - without doubt his best ever, and added another winner to his tally when 5Y-0 Exotic Earl/Classic Flirt gelding Ourcrowninn returned a scintillating best ever mile rate of 155.1 in taking out the John Charles Pace for C2 & C3 class over 1609 metres at Charlton on Wednesday May 29. Safely retaining the front running from the pole, Ourcrowninn was pressured from the bell by Peter Manning's Ben Cartwright, before fending off all challengers to gain the day by a head over Bettor Move which followed him all of the way from an inside second line draw, with Ben Cartwright a further 13.7 metres away in third place. A model of consistency, Ourcrowninn has fronted the starter 41 times for 8 wins.
Look for ...
■ Marita Louise Ok, The Pearl Of Paris, Cool Carat, Blazing Orion, Tribal Colours, William John.
■ Peter Manning didn't go home empty handed from Charlton, as Union Guy/Hot Reaction gelding Boyz Torque snared the Henry Harmony Nelson 3-Y-0 Pace over 2100 metres with daughter Kerryn in the sulky. Enjoying a sweet trip from gate six trailing the leader Same Old Day (gate five) after coming out on terms, Boyz Torque made full use of the sprint lane to score by 3 metres in advance of Same Old Day (Michael Bellman) which gave a sight, with the hot favourite In Sin City three metres away in third place after moving to face the open at the bell.
Most impressive
■ At Hamilton on Thursday, local trainer Caleb Lewis' lightly raced 4-Y-0 Armbro Operative/ Village Dreamer gelding My Bros Dreaming was most impressive in taking out the Phillips Farm Machinery Pace Final for C0 class over 1660 metres which qualified in the heats held at Terang the previous Sunday. Driven by Terang based Glen Craven, My Bros Dreaming making his third race appearance settled mid-field in the running line from gate three on the second line, before being let loose three wide at the bell. Joining the leader Mayorofshinetown which led throughout in his heat victory, My Bros Dreaming sustained a long run to score from the pacemaker, with the other heat winner Life Is A Pleasure using the sprint lane off the back of the leader to finish close up in third place. The mile rate 1-57.1.
Trapped wide
■ Corndale trainer/driver John Hurrell's 4-Y-0 Bettors Delight/Lombo Vision gelding Lombo Scrutinizer chalked up his fifth victory in 24 outings by taking the Charity House Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2160 metres. Immediately sent forward from the 20 metre mark, Lombo Scrutinizer was trapped wide for the first lap with Bloomfield Road leading from the pole and John Meade's last start Terang winner Maorisfavouriteson racing outside him. When Maorisfavouriteson went off stride on the top turn racing for the bell, Lombo Scrutinizer was able to stride clear. Tackled strongly by the 50 metre backmarker Paparazzi Snapshot (one/one at bell - outside the leader home turn), Lombo Scrutinizer defied the challenge to register a 7.5 metre victory in 2-04.9, with Allawart Ugo 1.2 metres away in third place after trailing the winner for the last lap after Bloomfield Road galloped.
Took over at final bend
■ It's very rare for Heywood's Kevin Brough not to provide a winner at Hamilton and 4-Y-0 Tinted Cloud/Notsos Girl gelding Cheap Tint was a strong victor of the Alexandra House Pace for C1 & C2 class over 2160 metres in a mile rate of 1-57.8. Driven by Matt Craven, Cheap Tint worked hard from gate six to park outside the poleline pacemaker Foldem and looked to be a sitting target for those back in the field which had enjoyed an easy passage. Taking over on the final bend, Cheap Tint defied all challengers to score by 2.9 metres over Art Of Love (three wide last lap) and Rosharni (one/ three) a stablemate of the winner.
Harness Review on 979
■ Len Baker presents Harness Review on 97.9 FM, Mondays 8pm-10pm. 979fm.com.au
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - Page 99
Melbourne
Observer Victorian Sport
TOP AWARD FOR MAGIC MILLIONS ■ The Magic Millions Group has added another big notch to their belt with a coveted international award. The leading Australian thoroughbred auctioneers have won the National Export of Goods/Services category at the 2nd Hong Kong-Australian Business Association National-Cathay Pacific Business Awards. Magic Millions Managing Director, David Chester, was on hand at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne, to accept the awards on behalf of the Gold Coast based outfit. Magic Millions earned the right to the award after winning the Queensland state award in 2012. The HKABA awards recognise companies that excel in all aspects of international trade between Australia and Hong Kong SAR, China. The awards, widely regarded as a prestigious badge of honour, were presented at the ceremony. National President of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association, Peter Sinn said," This is the second time we have hosted the awards and have seen some great entries from all over Australia. "It's great to see so many small businesses excelling in trade links with Asia in particularly with Hong Kong and China.
Patinack dispersal
■ It is incredible to think not long ago one of Australia's young businessmen, Nathan Tinkler, was on top of the world with his many businesses in full flight especially his racing domain. How fickle life can be especially in the finance business, one crash on the markets and you're gone. Magic Millions conducted their national sales and among of the horses that went under the hammer for Tinkler were a top class mare and some very smart horses to help erase his debts. Group One winning mare, Nechita, was sold for $1.5 million, as part of the unreserved
Ted Ryan
● Longport. Photo: Greg Irvine, Magic Millions
sale on the Gold Coast Nechita and Endless led the way when each selling for $1.5 million on a spirited day's selling. An outstanding unreserved reduction draft from Patinack Farm highlighted a day in which bids flew from all corners of the sales complex. Nechita topped the session when she was knocked down to Coolmore's, Tom Magnier. Magnier stated that the last start Group One winner, fittingly of the Coolmore Stud Stakes had run her last race. “She will be retired to stud and she will visit Pierro if she stays in Australia; or if she heads to Europe she will be served by former English Derby winner Galileo. You may remember Galileo was the Sire mated with triple Melbourne Cup winner, Makybe Diva, the result a colt named Rock Stardom, recently sold for $17,000, after an ordinary time in racing.
He was sold for something like $1.25 million when a yearling. So as the saying goes: "all that glitters is not gold". The second highest price of the day was the $1.05 million paid for the superbly bred mare, Endless, bought by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, bidding through his Melbourne bloodstock agent, Tim Stakemire. Endless is presently in foal to Husson, and is a halfsister to Kind, the stakes performed dam of many stars including world champion, Frankel, a winner of his only 13 races. He has since been retired to stud. The Group Two winning filly, Longport, sold for $800,000, bought by top Queens-land trainer, Danny Bougoure; Boug-oure is well known with his training of former top sprinter, Favelon. Longport, twice a
● Endless. Photo: Greg Irvine, Magic Millions Group One runner-up, won the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes and looks a great racing and breeding prospect. Other star Patinack Farm fillies and mares to be sold included a recent winner of the Group 3 event was Sookie, sold to Gai Waterhouse for $700,000, and Group Three winner, Pane In The Glass, sold for $500,000 to SF Bloodstock. Group One winner, Pear Tart, brought $675,000, and was purchased by the ● Craig Munce Niarchos family in France, in partnership ■ It was certainly great news that likeable with Coolmore. jockey Chris Munce has beaten the dreaded She will remain in cancer. Australia at CoolChris was diagnosed a while back with signs more Stud. of cancer in his throat, and has been battling the Another smart mare; thought of anything happened to him, what would Mid Summer Mu- happen to his young family. sic, was knocked down I had the pleasure of interviewing him after he for $ 300,000. won the 1998 Melbourne Cup on Jezzabeel, and he is one of the nicest postillions going around. His record in Melbourne is one to be envied by any jockey, a Melbourne Cup, a Cox Plate, on Savabeel in 2004, and a Caulfield Cup on Descarado for Gai Waterhouse. On top of this he booted home two Golden Slipper winners. Unfortunately like other top jockeys like Glen Boss and Larry Cassidy, mounts started to dry up in Sydney and he moved to Queensland and hasn't looked back. Now he is hoping to notch a couple of more wins on the very good three-year-colt, Sizzling for his good mate, Leigh Matthews, who needs no introduction. The all-clear verdict from Royal Brisbane's radiologist, Charles Lim, was great news for Chris, his wife Cathy and their three children. Good Luck Chris, and lets hope you can boot home Sizzling for Leigh shortly. - Ted Ryan ● Nechita. Photo: Greg Irvine, Magic Millions
CRAIG’S GOOD NEWS
Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 92
Top 10 Lists DEAD MEN DON'T WEAR PLAID [1982/Comedy/Steve Martin, Rachel Ward, Alan Ladd]. AIRPORT 77 [1977/Jack Lemmon, Lee Grant, Christopher Lee, Joseph Cotten]. THE SHADOW [1994/Action/Fantasy/Alec Baldwin, John Lone, Peter Boyle]. CAT PEOPLE [1982/Malcolm McDowell, Nastassja Kinski]. THE JAYNE MANSFIELS STORY [1980/Drama/ Loni Anderson, Arnold Schwarzenegger]. ISADORA [1968/Drama/Vanessa Redgrave, James Fox]. FREUD [1962/Drama/Montgomery Clift, Susannah York]. PETER PAN: Deluxe Edition [1953/Walt Disney/ Family/Animated]. BAMBI: Deluxe Edition [1942/Walt Disney/Family/Animated]. Stanley Kubrick's FEAR AND DESIRE [1953/ War/Drama/Frank Silvera]. HOLLYWOODLAND [2006/Drama/Ben Affleck, Adrien Brody, Diane Lane]. Alfred Hitchcock's UNDER CAPRICORN [1949/ Drama/Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten]. REVENGE OF THE CREATURE [1955/Horror/ Thriller/John Agar, Lori Nelson]. THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US [1956/ Horror/Thriller/Jeff Morrow, Rex Reason]. QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER [1990/Western/Tom Selleck, Alan Rickman, Laura San Giacomo]. HEAVENLY CREATURES [1994/Drama/Kate Winslet, Melanie Lynskey]. THE QUIET EARTH [1985/Drama/Sci-Fi/Thriller/ Bruno Lawrence]. THE REMOVALISTS [1975/Drama/John Hargreaves, Jacki Weaver, Chris Haywood]. BRUCE LEE: 40th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE COLLECTION [Action/Bruce Lee]: The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, Game of Death, Game of Death 2, Way of the Dragon. NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: BACK OF BEYOND: 60th Anniversary [1954/ Documentary/Tom Kruse]. MRS. BROWN'S BOYS: Season Three. PAWN STARS: Collection 4. GREAT CRIMES & TRIALS OF THE 20th CENTURY. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: The Best of 125 Years. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: Wild Babies. THE FORSYTE SAGA: The Complete Collection. FRIDAY THE 13TH: Season One. GET BACK: The Complete Series. NEIGHBOURS: From The Beginning - Volume 4. Steve Irwin's WILDLIFE WARRIORS. TOP BLU-RAY RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. THE IMPOSSIBLE [Drama/Naomi Watts, Ewan Mc Gregor, Tom Holland]. 2. JACK REACHER [Action/Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike]. 3. LIFE OF PI - 3D + Blu-Ray [Drama/Adventure/Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma]. 4. THE HOBBIT: An Unexpected Journey 3D + Blu-Ray [Fantasy/Adventure/Martin Freeman]. 5. GANGSTER SQUAD [Crime/Drama/Action/ Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling]. 6. HITCHCOCK [Drama/Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston]. 7. QUARTET [Comedy/Drama/Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly]. 8. SKYFALL [Action/Adventure/Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench]. 9. ARGO [Thriller/Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman]. 10. WRECK-IT RALPH - Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray [Animated/Family/John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer]. Also: Guilt Trip, Les Miserables, Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part Two, Trouble With The Curve, Parental Giudence, This is 40, Alex Cross, Schindler's List, Rise of the Guardians,, Perks of Being a Wallflower. In 3D + Blu-Ray Combo: Top Gun, Dredd, Frankenweenie, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: DJANGO UNCHAINED [Western/Drama/ Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio]. YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER [2010/Comedy/Drama/Anthony Hopkins, Josh Brolin, Naomi Watts]. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK [Drama/Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Jackie Weaver]. STOLEN [Action/Nicolas Cage, Danny Huston]. PETER PAN: Deluxe Edition [1953/Walt Disney/ Family/Animated]. - James Sherlock
Page 100 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 5, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne
Observer Victorian Sport
AFL HELPS ELIMINATE RACISM
■ My ‘say’ is centred on the dominant issue of the past week. It involves the AFL’s two biggest personalities both at their peak of brilliant careers, Adam Goodes and Eddie McGuire. The ‘drama’ was staged near curtain call of Swans magnificent win over the Magpies on the appropriate holy turf of the MCG. The ground which nowadays is blessed and acknowledged prior to any AFL ‘big’ fixture as original aboriginal land. Goodes had excelled all day and topped it off with a running goal which ended with him close to the fence where a young 13-year-girl called him an”ape”. It hurt Adam deeply and he appealed to the nearby MCC security officer and a further three security personnel removed the teenager from the scene for interrogation. It is alleged the officers refused the girl’s family to accompany her. Imagine the trauma for this young girl. She admitted she called Adam an “ape” but did not understand its meaning. By mid-day Saturday Adam and the young girl had talked and Adam had sorted things out. He stood tall in his forgiveness and supported the girl’s innocence. It was helped by Eddie McGuire’s very public and genuine visit to the Swans dressing-room to apologise on behalf of his club immediately after the presentation ceremony for the “indigenous” fixture and the players had left the field. Good had been done by Adam. The AFL family accepted Adam’s gesture and we praised the incident as a most positive step to end racist remarks from the fans. Melbourne
Observer
course and come out a wiser man. He will continue to grow in stature. This has hurt him. And he has learned. To all the major players in this drama played out this past week I say ‘Thanks’. Once again the AFL has shown the way to eliminate racism.
Cotchin re-signs
Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel Then came the ‘bombshell’. Eddie’s “ad-lib, throw-a-way remarks” on his Monday morning radio program with the suggestion Adam Goodes could help promote the opening in Melbourne of the stage play, King Kong, the most famous colossus of all apes. Those of us who have spent a lifetime behind a microphone have experienced the “danger of the ‘open mike’ and the ‘automatic reflex ad-lib’ comment”. The media throng hit Eddie McGuire, the pinnacle of our sporting media, so named ‘Eddie Everywhere’ with an ‘atomic bomb’ explosion. Eddie McGuire is NOT a racist. Neither does he sanction racist remarks. There are 600 odd media who enjoy a living from reporting AFL,
some of whom excel in putting down ‘winners’. if it is not McGuire, it is James Hird, Andrew Demetriou and other achievers. Your current wrath will blow over and we shall all be better for the experience. Eddie will do the AFL racism
■ Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has signed a contract extension, which will see him remain a Tiger until at least the end of the 2015 season. Cotchin was due to come out of contract at the end of this season, but the Club recently moved to extend his stay at Tigerland for another two years. “I’m very excited. The Club’s going somewhere, and I want to be a part of the success that all involved with the Tigers crave,” Cotchin said. “We want to keep this young group together over the next period of our careers.” Richmond General Manager of Football, Dan Richardson, said the Club was pleased to extend Cotchin’s contract for another two years. “It’s a fantastic result to have our captain extend his contract until the end of 2015. This underlines his commitment to helping the team achieve success. We hope that this leads to a number of our other key players extending their contracts in the coming months,” Richardson said. “Trent has slotted into the captaincy role really well, and we look forward to him building on his football and leadership from here.” Cotchin has played 94 games for Richmond since making his AFL debut in 2008.
Tribute: Bryan Forbes 1926-2013
● From Page 97 Star Richard Attenborough gives a compelling tour-de-force dramatic performance that remains the pinnacle of an already well established career in both comedy and drama with classics like Brighton Rock (1947), The Man Upstairs (1958) and I'm All Right Jack (1959), and a supporting cast that are equally compelling. Hugely controversial in its day and told in almost documentary style, The Angry Silence remains one of the most defining testaments on society and landmark achievements of the new wave British cinema. FILM: THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN: Written, Co-Produced (Uncredited) and CoStarring Bryan Forbes. Cast: Jack Hawkins, Richard Attenborough, Bryan Forbes, Roger Livesey. Genre: Crime/Comedy/Drama. Year: 1960. Rating: PG. Running Time: 116 Minutes. Stars: **** Verdict: The film that inspired the real Great British Train Robbery in 1963, the classic 1969 heist movie The Italian Job starring Michael Caine and a dash of James Bond in the opening sequence. Based on the novel by John Boland, The League of Gentlemen tells the story of a disgruntled army veteran recruits a group of disgraced and financially strapped military colleagues to perform a bank robbery with military precision. Headed by veteran Jack Hawkins and a top line British supporting cast that includes Richard Attenborough, Bryan Forbes, Roger Livesey, Nigel Patrick, and future screen star Oliver Reed in an early uncredited role as a chorus boy. Co-produced by Richard Attenborough, Bryan Forbes and Michael Relph through their newly
● Actor, screenwriter, author, producer, director Bryan Forbes, made an unequalled contribution to British and world cinema, and was a true gentleman, says Jim Sherlock formed company Allied Film Makers, the screen- the police and grown-ups. The outstanding cast play by Bryan Forbes is a beautifully balanced including Hayley Mills, daughter of screen legblend of comedy and drama that remains one of end John Mills, Alan Bates as the fugitive and the best of the comedy-crime-heist movies of the the great Bernard Lee as the father, all give it genre to this day. their very best under the tightly controlled and FILM: WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND: superbly orchestrated direction of Bryan Forbes, Directed by Bryan Forbes. produced by Richard Attenborough and based on Cast: Hayley Mills, Alan Bates, Bernard Lee. the novel by Mary Hayley Bell, Hayley Mills' Genre: Drama. mother, this is a beautifully made and enchanting Year: 1961. allegorical study of childhood innocence, one of Rating: G. the great family classics of all time. Running Time: 94 Minutes. FILM: THE L-SHAPED ROOM: Stars: ****½ Written for the Screen and Directed by Bryan Verdict: The poignant and haunting story of a Forbes. young girl who discovers a man wanted for murCast: Leslie Caron, Tom Bell, Bernard Lee, der hiding in her family's barn and how the young Brock Peters. girl and her siblings are convinced that he is Jesus Genre: Drama. Christ, and in believing so, try to hide him from Year: 1962.
ROUND 11 Friday, June 7 Essendon vs. Carlton (MCG) (N) Saturday, June 8 GWS Giants vs. Geelong Cats (SK) Adelaide Crows vs. Sydney Swans (AS) (T) Gold Coast Suns vs. North Melbourne (MS) (N) Sunday, June 9 St Kilda vs. West Coast Eagles (ES) (T) Monday, June 10 Melbourne vs. Collingwood (MCG) Byes: Brisbane Lions, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Richmond, Western Bulldogs
At the end of the 2012 season, the 23-year-old became the youngest Tigers captain in more than 100 years, when he took over from Chris Newman. His honours to date include two Jack Dyer Medals (2011 and 2012), a second place finish in the Brownlow Medal in 2012, and All-Australian selection in 2012
Footy briefs
■ The issues of bookmakers live broadcasting of ‘odds’ during the match must be outlawed. You bet up to the starting bounce and that’s it! There will always be ‘betting on footy’ but it must be confined and controlled. ■ The kaw on “charging’ and “tripping” explained. The residivist, young and talented Roo, Jack Ziebell has to understand if you tackle a player while you are airborne with both feet off the ground this is described in the laws as a “Charge” and a reportable offence. - Harry Beitzel
by James Sherlock Rating: TBC. Running Time: 125 Minutes. Stars: **** Verdict: Leslie Caron gives a compelling Oscar nominated dramatic performance in this landmark new wave neo-realism kitchen-sink drama of a young French woman who is pregnant and unmarried. She takes a room in a less than luxurious London boarding house inhabited by an assortment of unsavoury and questionable characters, and soon becomes involved with a struggling young writer and makes friends with all the people in the house, but things aren't all they seem. The film It Always Rains on Sunday (1947) is considered the precursor to the 'kitchen-sink' genre, but it is John Osborne's Look Back in Anger (1959) that is thought of as the first of the idiom. Others that followed include Room At The Top (1959), Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960), ATaste of Honey (1961), The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962), This Sporting Life (1963), Billy Liar (1963) and The LShaped Room. American cinema would adopted this approach some time later with Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf by 1966, but it would be the British invasion that would see the beginning of the end of the old censorship code. Co-produced by Richard Attenborough, writer and director Bryan Forbes would takes his cast and cameras into the real world. Armed with a brilliantly searing screenplay topped off by an exemplary cast including Leslie Caron, Tom Bell, Brock Peters and Bernard Lee, the end results produced a raw and groundbreaking addition to a genre that remains an emotion charged experience and highlight of superior British filmmaking. - James Sherlock