Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Page 33
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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer
Radio Confidential: Vizard hits back ............ Page 34 Veritas: Latest TV, radio, theatre news ............. Page 35 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 35 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 36 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 37 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD
LIFE AFTER 50 FOR AUST. BALLET ‘God Of Carnage’ at Theatre Husk
From Vegas with love
■ Non-profit theatre company Pop Culture makes its Melbourne Fringe debut with Yasmina Reza's Tony awardwinning comedy God Of Carnage on October 3 - 6 at 8.30pm at The Theatre Husk, 161a Heidelberg Rd, Northcote. God Of Carnage is a rollicking 90-minute savage comedy of no manners. The Vallons and the Reilles meet to discuss a playground incident involving their children, but it isn't long before the thin veneer of sugar-coated civility is stripped away, and the civilised conversation descends into childish chaos. Pop Culture's production is co-produced and co-directed by Jeremy Guzman and Lindsay Pritchard, and features ‘Armando’ as Michel Vallon, Melina Wylie (Véronique Vallon), Chris Martin (Alain Reille), and Michelle Myers (Annette Reille). Christopher Weinberg also joins the creative team as Assistant Director. Performances: October 3 - 6. Time: 8.30pm. Venue: The Theatre Husk, 161a Heidelberg Rd., Northcote. Show duration: 90 minutes. Tickets: $23 full, $18 concession, group $18. Bookings: visit melbournefringe.com.au or call 9660 9666. - Cheryl Threadgold
■ Everyone loves the story of the hometown boy who makes it big on the international scene, and one such example is Australian-born popular singer, John Stephan. Busy wowing audiences in America where he is based, John is returning to Melbourne for a one-night only concert at Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday, October 13, at 8pm. The man with the glorious country voice, well known to many Magic 1278 listeners, really is coming direct from Las Vegas back to Australia to delight his fans. John spends his time touring the USA, Europe, Japan and Australia, and his homecoming concerts are always sell-outs. Signature hits like Crying, Mascara and It's Too Soon To Know will no doubt be included in the Melbourne concert. With a four-octave range, John Stephan has a big voice, and the Melbourne concert is rather special because John's mentor, legendary singer Frank Ifield, will make a rare appearance, as John sings hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s as well as current favourites. John will dedicate a segment of the concert to Frank Ifield, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Frank’s first hit, I Remember You. www.ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100 - Julie Houghton ● Lana Jones.
● Michelle Myers (left), Chris Martin, Melina Wylie and ‘Armando’ in Pop Culture's Melbourne Fringe debut production, God Of Carnage. Photo: Jeremy Guzman
Bring Back The Showgirl ■ The Melbourne Fringe Festival features Bring Back The Showgirl at Red Bennies, Chapel St. Two shows (Sept. 27-28) boast “a living fantasy of Showgirl style and Burlesque beauty rolled into one fabulous show”. Special guests include Bianca Lee, Bijou Belle and Dolores Daiquiri. Cast members include Cassandra Jane Bella de Jac and The Strawberry Siren.
Photo: Georges Anton
■ As the Australian Ballet heads into the future after a big year celebrating its 50th anniversary, artistic director David McAllister has a dream for his company. "My vision for the company over the next five years is to make sure that ballet is accessible to all Australians. “So we will be developing a Children's Ballet, a new ballet film starring our dancers in an iconic Australian landscape, we'll use technology for a ballet to be filmed in 3D and we'll be broadcasting more ballets than ever fore," said an enthusiastic McAllister. Among McAllister's other plans is one to increase the company's Dance Education Ensemble, to double the number of schools they currently visit with their education programs. "Currently, we engage with around 12,000 school students a year, and many of those from disadvantaged areas where we provide the program free of charge," he said. The Australian Ballet's mantra of ‘caring for tradition, daring to be different’, get s a good workout with the planned 2013 program, with Melbourne set to host an interesting mixture of the familiar and the innovative. McAllister has curated the year under the theme of Masterpieces, both classic and future. Alexei Ratmansky will create a brand new Cinderella for the company, which will premiere in Melbourne in September before travelling to Sydney in November. Past masterpieces in the 2013 line-up include Don Quixote, the lively Spanish family favourite; the double bill of La Sylphide and Paquita; and the triple bill Vanguard, a showcase of works that redefined ballet, George Balanchine's The Four Temperaments, Jirí Kylián's Bella Figura, and Wayne McGregor's Dyad 1929. These three seasons will be seen in both Melbourne and Sydney. Graeme Murphy's internationally praised modern update of Swan Lake will return for a Melbourne-only season. Melbourne will also be treated to a free outdoor performance with Telstra's Ballet in the Bowl, taking place in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in October. The Dancers Company will tour regional areas in New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia and Victoria. In its 34th annual tour the company will present Paquita, a new work by Simon Dow and Swan Lake Act III. www.australianballet.com.au - Julie Houghton
● John Stephan
Showbiz Briefs ★
Trikstars, world-renowned magicians, illusionists, quick change transformation artists, singers and dancers, produced bytheatrical impresarios Dion and Randall, will play a limited season at Her Majesty’s Theatre during the school holidays from September 25-30.
★
Jenny Taylor and country choir, Lipstick and Spurs, are back for a show as part of the Darebin Music Feast. They will be joined by Frank Jones (Whirling Furfies), the High Street Bells Choir and other guest artists. The show is at Northcote Town Hall Studio 2 on Thursday September 20 at 7.30pm.
★
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image will spotlights Dan Sultan in the Desert Island Flicks event on Tues., Oct. 2, , where the award-winning singersongwriter will reveal his to his top five films of all time.
★
Cirque du Soleil will perform at the Helpmann Awards ceremony to be held at the Sydney Opera House on Monday, Sept.24, says publicist Julie Cavanagh.
Page 34 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Observer Showbiz
Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria
VIZARD HITS BACK AT MITCHELL
Country Crossroads info@country crossroads.com.au ● Big Breakfast Show. Southern FM 88.3. Tues. 6am-9am. ● Country Crossroads. Casey Radio 97.7. Wed. 10pm-12 Midnight
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Rob Foenander
JIMMY’S CLASSIC MAKES NFSA
■ The late Jimmy Little's hit recording Royal Telephone has been named as one of this year's Sounds Of Australia by the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA). The song was a hit for Jimmy in 1963 and became an all time Aussie classic. The other well-known addition to make the NFSA, amongst others, was ACDC's Long Way To The Top.
ADAM IS IN THE RUNNING
■ Another indigenous country performer, Adam James, has been nominated for Canada's Best International Artist in the nation's People's Choice Awards. Adam is the only Aboriginal nominee amongst other performers from around the globe. He recently successfully performed in Winnipeg to a 40.000 strong crowd and as a result won a whole new legion of fans.
■ Steve Vizard used his denut program at 3AW to hit back at personal criticisms made by station colleague Neil Mitchell. Vizard, standing in for two weeks as host for Denis Walter’s afternoon program, gave a detailed reply about a civil penalty that he received seven years ago. He said the Australian Securities and Investments Commission accused him of breaching his fiduciary duty as a Director of Telstra. Vizard emphasised that he was never charged or convicted on any matter relating to commercial matters, 12 years ago. Vizard said he said he was sorry, copped the penalty, and has tried to get on with his life. He said he has since been a guest on The Project, been a stand-in host on Triple M, has appeared on Nine and the ABC,
RESPONSE TO 3AW MORNING HOST’S CRITICISMS
version which is heard weekly on Gold 104.3, and 94 other stations around Australia. MCM Radio, which packages the show for Australian Radio Network and Southern Cross Austereo, says it will no ‘flashback’ to a certain year each program. It will played the music and moments of the current week, spanning a number of years.
Radio Briefs
● Steve Vizard last week at the 3AW microphone and had hosted his own show on the Macquarie Network (MTR 1377) for two years. Vizard pointed out that he was nominated as Best Talkback Presenter in the Commercial Radio Awards, as was Neil Mitchell and Derryn Hinch.
‘Don of Camberwell’
JESSICA IS A WINNER
■ Melbourne-based Jessica Jade Bruce has taken out this year's Maton Talent Search competition at the recent Gympie Music Muster. Reports indicate that Jessica won the prize pool valued at $22,000 from stiff competition including fellow grand finalists Kiara Rodrigues and Brent Officen.
My Generation regenerates ■ Rock music’s Doc Neeson will join Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller in a revamped
LEE IN MELBOURNE
■ 3PBS 106.7 FM - ‘Home of Little Heard Music’ will be holding an Open Day at 47 Easey St, Collingwood, from 12 Non-3pm on Saturday, October 20. ■ 3MBS-FM, Melbourne’s fine music station, is currently recruiting for a Program and Digital Content Manager. ■ Denis Scanlan, morning host on Geelong’s 94.7 The Pulse is taking leave this week. He will return on Monday (Sept. 17). ■ Community station 3CR is running a promotion stating that it is “so underground, it is on AM”. The campaign has an animation that mocks media proprietor Rupert Murdoch. ■ The sixth of eight radio ratings results were released yesterday (Tues.) by Nielsen Research.
■ Aussie King of Country, Lee Kernaghan, will perform at the Palais Theatre along with American superstar Dwight Yoakam on Novgember 12. Concert promoter Andrew McManus said Dwight is one of the most talented singer/songwriters to come out of America, "and with the legendary Lee Kernaghan as our very special guest, fans can expect a stellar show”. - Rob Foenander ■ MTC’s 2012 Cybec Readings will take place on September 27-29-29, 7pm at Southbank Theatre, The Lawler. The three works to be staged are The Rasputin Affair, Ronnie Gospers and The Curtain.
r Observbei z Show
Wednesday, September 12 ■ Singer-songwriter Barry White was born in 1944. He died aged 58 in 2003. English actress Rachel Ward was born in Oxfordshire, England in 1957 (55). French singer/actor Maurice Chevalier was born in Paris in 1888. He died aged 83 in 1972.
■ Elton John will perform in Melbourne on Sunday, November 18.
● Regular talkback callers have the ability to polarise audiences. One such listener calls himself ‘Don of Camberwell’ (pictured); he is a regular on the Nightline and Australia Overnight programs. Another caller who is regularly discussed on 3AW listener groups on Facebook is ‘Bob of Caulfield’.
● Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller Melbourne
Observer
On This Day Thursday, September 13
Friday, September 14
Saturday, September 15
Sunday, September 16
Monday, September 17
Tuesday, September 18
■ US jazz singer Mel Torme was born in Illinois in 1925. He died aged 73 in 1999. English-born US-resident-actress Jacqueline Bisset was born in 1944 (68). TV newsreader MarieLouise Thiele was born in 1965 (47). US sprinter Michael Johnson is 45 (1967).
■ New Zealand actor Sam Neill was born in Northern Ireland in 1947 (65). US actress Mary Crosby, daughter of Bing, was born in 1959 (53). Australian singer Wes Carr is 30 (1982) The late Amy Winehouse was born in 1983. Died at age 27.
■ Dame Agatha Christie, author, was born in Torquay, England, in 1890. She died aged 85 in 1976. US actor Jackie Cooper was born in Los Angeles in 1922. He died aged 88 in 2011. Rev. Fred Nile is 78. Prince Harry (Henry Charles Albert David Windsor) is 28.
■ US actress Lauren Bacall is 8. US blues guitarist B.B. King is 87 (1925). Columbo star Peter Falk was born in New York in 1927. He died aged 83 in 2011. US magician David Copperfield is 56. American singer Richard Marx was born in Chicago in 1963 (49).
■ US country and western singer Hank Williams was born in 1923. He died aged 29 in 1953. English actor Roddy McDowall was born in 1928. He died aged 70 in 1998. Actress Anne Bancroft (Anna-Maria Italiano) was born in New York in 1931. She died aged 73 in 2005.
■ Actress Greta Garbo was born in Stockholm in 1905. She died aged 84 in 1990. Australian comedian Slim de Grey was born in England in 1918. He died aged 88 in 2007. American singer Jimmie Rodgers was born in Washington in 1933 (79).
Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates. Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Page 35
Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler CAMERAS ROLLING Media Flashes
ShowBiz!
For Those Who Have Lost The Plot
Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven. ■ Monday, September 17. Confident he’s rehabilitated his injured hand, Rhys is rattled when he faces a minor setback; tensions resurface when Sonya chooses the same baby name as Vanessa. ■ Tuesday, September 18. Determined not to put lives in danger, Rhys tries to avoid assisting Jessica during a surgery; Jade helps Toadie and Sonya get on the same page. ■ Wednesday, September 19. Suspicious about Rhys’s recovery, Vanessa tests his injured hand and is dismayed when he fails; Susan finds a naughty new hobby but keeps it a secret. ■ Thursday, September 20. Toadie advises Chris he needs to get witness statements from all the passengers in the crash, Chris dreads asking Andrew, knowing he hasn’t treated him well lately ■ Friday, September 21. Kyle plans a romantic evening for Jade, unaware Sonya’s organising a surprise celebration; Kate tries to mend things with Jade before she leaves.
Home and Away ■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7. ■ Monday, September 17. Roo and Harvey argue over his infidelity and Sasha is upset by Casey's attitude after sleeping with her. Sid is struggling with the burden of caring for Dex and Casey's defeatist attitude is concerning everyone. ■ Tuesday, September 18. Brax finally discovers how hard Casey is struggling, Sid mourns the son who has not returned and despite everything that has happened, Roo admits she still loves Harvey. ■ Wednesday, September 19. Jett and VJ both train hard, with the fear of failure in hot pursuit and Marilyn's awkwardness with John leads Gina to think that the really is something going on. Romeo continues to train, despite everyone's advice against it and Sid buckles under the pressure of holding the family together. ■ Thursday, September 20. Roo finds she can't move on from Harvey's infidelity, Bianca continues to doubt Heath, and Gina admits she has been neglecting John, but doesn't trust him with Marilyn ■ Friday, September 21. The River Boys go bush, Bianca's fears come to fruition when Rocco is taken to hospital and Harvey and Roo lay down the terms for their relationship.
Media Flashes ★
Three High Acrobatics have an upcoming season of Knock Off from October 2-6 at Gasworks Theatre, Albert Park, as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
★
Hamish and Andy’s Caravan of Courage: Aus tralia vs New Zealand will screen soon on Nine. It is a 10,000-km journey seeking to exploit any rivalry between the two nations.
★
The Fool’s Paradise exibition by Japanese illustrator Shohei Otomo continues until September 28 at Lesley Kehoe Galleries, Ground Floor, 101 Collins St, City.
■ ABC TV is collaborating with HBO Asia on Serangoon Road, an Australian-Singapore primetime drama co-production. Serangoon Road is a fast-paced detective drama series set against the exotic, tumultuous backdrop of 1960s Singapore. It has attracted one of Asia’s leading actors Joan Chen (The Last Emperor, Twin Peaks, Mao’s Last Dancer, Home Song Stories) along with an Australian cast including Don Hany (East West 101, Jack Irish: Black Tide, Rake, Offspring), Maeve Dermody (Rake, Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms and Paper Giants), Rachael Blake (Wildside, The Straits) and Michael Dorman (The Time of Our Lives, The Secret Life of Us). It tells the story of Australian-born Sam Callaghan (Don Hany), whose childhood was spent in WWII’s Japanese internment camps and who returned to fight in the Malayan Emergency. He is a man deeply scarred by both these experiences. When his neighbour Patricia (Joan Chen) asks him to help keep her recently-murdered husband’s private detective agency afloat, Sam reluctantly agrees. So begins a journey that sees Sam enticed into an unpredictable, dangerous world where the Chinese Secret Society gangs fight to control the streets, foreign powers vie for power and covert intelligence, and the city itself is a hotbed of racial and political turmoil. The detective agency’s activities also quickly bring Sam and Patricia into conflict with some of Singapore’s most powerful and ruthless factions. The series is created and produced by Paul Barron and has attracted an array of creatives including directors Peter Andrikidis and Tony Tilse, and writers Michaeley O’Brien and Tony Morphett.
★
The Impro Melbourne Classic season will run from September 21-23 at The Space in Prahran.
★
Paul Weyland is to deliver an address, ‘Think Like An AdMan, Sell Like A MadMan’, at the Commercial Radio Australia national conference in Sydney on October 12-13.
● Joan Chen
Mike Brady overnight
Veritas
■ 3AW listeners have responded favourably on social media to Mike Brady taking over the midnight-dawn whilst Alan Pearsall looks after the shift for three weeks. Listeners in Facebook groups said they were pleased with Mike’s friendly presentation. It came toi an abrupt end on Sunday when Mike lost his voice, and Tony Moclair was back at the AW microphone.
● Mike Brady
But wait, there’s more ● Don Hany stars in Serangoon Road
MSO award for Mathew ■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has announced that Mathew Levy is the winner of the 2012 MSO Snare Drum Award. Levy will receive a one-year mentorship with the MSO, as well as a Mastro concert snare drum and case, a bitsandpieces trap table, a MIT percussion stand, Evans drumheads and a Just Percussion mallet pack. First established by MSO percussionist Robert Cossom in 2004, the MSO Snare Drum Award is part of the MSO’s Young Artist Development Program and is designed to encourage the pursuit of excellence in snare drum performance. Eighteen-year old Levy attended Moriah College in Sydney and was a member of the music program from year three, and subsequently part of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Senior Jazz Band and the Senior Vocal Group. He is now in first year at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying a Bachelor of Performance in percussion. For the past 4½-years, Levy has been involved in the Sydney Youth Orchestra, which has provided him with great experiences in an orchestral setting. He was also accepted into the AYO’s National Music Camp in 2011, studying under Tom O’Kelly and Robert Cossom. Levy has also attended several Jazz Workshop Australia jazz camps, studying both vibraphone and drum kit. In 2010 Mathew convened the Moriah College Music Festival, played drums in the ensemble and composed an original composition for the solo section in which he played the piano. He toured with the Moriah College Symphonic Wind Ensemble to Israel, France and London in 2007 and travelled with the group again to the USA and Israel in 2011. An expert panel consisting of Robert Cossom, Alex Timcke, John Arcaro and Huw Humphreys chose the winner on the night from a strong field of four finalists including Rosie Wray Taylor, Samuel Butler and James Townsend. All four finalists performed a set piece, The Clock Talked Loud, which was composed by Robert Cossom. In addition each finalist performed their own prepared work from a range of Australian composers. The MSO Snare Drum Award is generously supported by Robert Cossom, Lyn, Tim and Kris Edward, Mastro Snare Drums, MIT Percussion, bitsandpieces, Just Percussion, Evans Drumheads, Zildjian, Rythmscape Publishing Australia and Tim Hook at MIT Percussion.
■ If Demtel ‘knife man’ Tim Shaw was an Observer reader, he would have received the hint last month that he was about to be sacked by Fairfax Radio. The Observer publicly doubted 3AW General Manager Shane Healy assurance that the Australia Overnight program being relayed interstate from Melbourne was only for a two-week ● Tim Shaw period. The Melbourne Observer questioned if the Melbourne origin program was only for a fortnight why changes were being made such as dropping the Queen Victoria Market report, Cheryl Threadgold’s local theatre segment. 3AW also dropped The Castlereagh Line serial from the national program because an opposition station, 2CH, has the rights to broadcast it in New South Wales. Fairfax Radio sacked Shaw whilst he was on leave.
Fiona reports on radio ■ After deciding on a redundancy package from the Herald Sun, entertainment and TV commentator Fiona Byrne has remained active on Twitter, and talks of her daily radio spot with Greg Cary on 4BC Brisbane, a Fairfax station. Fiona says she will be in Queensland later this month. Byrne is keeping her finger on the fashion pulse, making four Sportscraft mentions to her 3965 Twitter followers.
● Fiona Byrne
Areej Nur joins 3CR
● Areej Nur
■ Areej Nur is joined community radio station 3CR as Current Affairs Content Producer. The station received a Community Broadcasting Foundation grant. Areej will be heard on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in the 855AM Breakfast program. Areej is studying a is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and will produce and present Different, Like Us, young culturally diverse voices in all media forms.
Page 36 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Observer Showbiz What’s Hot and What’s Not on DVD and Blu-Ray
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Movies, DVDs
With James Sherlock
Reviews by Aaron Rourke
Top 10 Lists
Michael Clarke Duncan
THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE EXPENDABLES 2. 2. THE BOURNE LEGACY. 3. TOTAL RECALL. 4. THE SAPPHIRES. 5. HOPE SPRINGS. 6. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. 7. FINDING NEMO 3D. 8. MOONRISE KINGDOM. 9. THE CAMPAIGN. 10. STEP UP 4: MIAMI HEAT.
December 10, 1957 September 3, 2012
● Indiana Jones: Screen superstar Harrison Ford is back with the hat and whip as the world's favourite archaeologist in a spectacular box set that is sure to excite fans everywhere. FILM: INDIANA JONES - The Complete Adventures: Cast: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Karen Allen, John RhysDavies. Genre: Action/Adventure. Year: Assorted Years. Rating: M. Running Time: 483 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***** Verdict: The wait is over, the man with the hat is back and looking better than ever! The world's favourite globe-trotting archaeologist is on his greatest adventure with The Complete Indiana Jones Collection now available on Blu-ray This outstanding set includes all four of the thrilling Indiana Jones adventures starring Harrison Ford (Mr. Happy), along with a standout collection of documentaries, interviews, featurettes and a few new surprises, all making for great fun! FILM: CRIMSON TIDE: Cast: Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini. Genre: Action/Drama/Thriller. Year: 1995. Rating: M. Running Time: 116 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: The sparks fly thick and fast as Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington go head-to-head in this nail-biting edge-of-your-seat thriller set on board a US nuclear missile submarine of a young first officer who stages a mutiny to prevent his captain from launching nuclear missiles due to instability in Russia. With a thought provoking screenplay, standout music score by Hans Zimmer, totally compelling performances and brilliantly controlled knife-edged direction by the late Tony Scott, this is one hell of a thrill ride! FILM: THE WOMAN IN BLACK: Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Janet McTeer. Genre: Horror. Year: 2012. Rating: M. Running Time: 95 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: Britain's famed Hammer Horror studios are back in fine form with this haunting little tale of a young lawyer who travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman who is terrorizing the locals. At last, a good old fashioned ghost story that promises to send shivers up the spine without unending buckets of blood and gore, and even though Daniel Radcliffe has all the acting emotions of a snail, it's a worthy addition to a legendary studio built on a reputation of scaring the living daylights out of us. FILM: THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL: Cast: Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson. Genre: Comedy/Romance/Drama. Year: 2012. Rating: PG. Running Time: 124 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: The delightfully funny and poignant journey of a group of British retirees who travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel, which turns out to be far less luxurious than its advertisements, but the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways. Stellar cast all shine in this beautifully tuned, light hearted adventure that only the British do best! This is definitely a trip well worth taking.
Melbourne
Observer
■ Well-liked screen actor Michael Clarke Duncan tragically passed away on Sunday September 3, aged only 54. Mr Duncan, who was always described as a gentle giant, succumbed to complications after suffering a major heart attack on July 13. Born in Chicago, and raised on the South Side by his single mother (who amazingly would not let him play football when he was young because she thought he would get hurt), Mr Duncan turned to acting, a choice that would prove fruitful for him. His first film appearance was in the 1995 comedy Friday, which starred Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, and directed by F. Gary Gray (The Negotiator / The Italian Job remake). The movie was successful, and spawned two sequels and an animated series. One of his early roles was in the sharp, darkly funny Bulworth (1998), where he played appropriately enough, a bouncer. This is an outstanding comedy, directed by and starring the legendary Warren Beatty, and is highly recommended. Mr Duncan's workload increased, scoring roles in the huge summer blockbuster Armageddon (1998), starring Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, and Billy Bob Thornton; the SNL cult hit A Night At The Roxbury (1998), starring Will Ferrell; and the off-beat comedy Breakfast Of Champions (1999), which again starred Willis. Mr Duncan caught the world's attention with his fine, Oscar-nominated performance in the box-office hit The Green Mile (1999), from director Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption), and starring Tom Hanks, David Morse, and a little mouse called Mr Jingles. The imposing Duncan won many fans with his sweet, sensitive turn as a deathrow inmate mistakingly accused of murder. Hit movies continued for Mr Duncan, with notable parts in films such as The Whole Nine Yards (2000 - again with Willis); Tim Burton's misfired reboot of The Planet Of The Apes (2001 - he played Attar); The Scorpion King (2002) alongside The Rock; Daredevil (2003 - as Kingpin), starring BenAffleck and Colin Farrell; Robert Rodriguez's fantastic, eyepopping comic-book extravaganza Sin City (2005), starring Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, and yes, Bruce Willis; the sci-fi/action/thriller The Island (2005), starring Ewan Mcgregor; Talladega Nights (2006), where he reteamed with Will Ferrell, but this time with a bigger role; supplying the voice of Commander Vachir in Kung Fu Panda (2008); and he was hilarious as restaurant owner Cleon Salmon in the uneven but amusing The Slammin' Salmon (2009), created by the Broken Lizard comedy team.
His final film will be the fight drama The Challenger, due out early next year. Mr Duncan made standout appearances on the popular talk show The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, especially when Ferguson took the show to Scotland in May, where he and Duncan played off each other very well. Ferguson paid tribute to Mr Duncan on the September 5 show, where he showed a lovely extended out-take of Mr Duncan trying to film an introduction to their Scotalnd Specials. It was an affectionate swan song to a person who was obviously loved by everyone around him. ★★★ Reel Anime 2012 : September 13 26. The Nova Cinema is once again screening some of the most cuttingedge animated films with Reel Anime 2012, and this new group of four films will please both young and old. For more details please contact the Nova on 9347 5331 or at www.cinemanova.com.au From Up On Poppy Hill (G). 91 minutes. ****. The renowned Studio Ghibli strike gold again, with this heartwarming tale of a young girl who starts to experience the outside world when she teams up with the editor of the high school paper to save their beloved cubby house. Beautiful animation and well-written characters makes for joyful, top-shelf viewing. The Wolf Children (PG). 117 minutes. Have not seen. Critically acclaimed family drama from the director of the terrific animated hits The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Summer Wars. Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below (M). 116 minutes. ****. Homage to Studio Ghibli centres on a teenage girl who discovers a magical world underground, a world damaged by man's violent and greedy nature. Familiar elements are overcome by gorgeous, stunningly-crafted animation and solid storytelling. From the director of 5 Centimetres Per Second and Voices From A Distant Star. Beserk - The Golden Age Arc 1 : The Egg Of The King (MA). 77 minutes. ***½. First of an intended trilogy detailing the exploits of Guts, a young mercenary who joins a group of notorious bandits called Band Of The Hawk. Led by the charismatic Griffith, Guts will discover that nothing is what it seems, and that their leader has a hidden agenda. Impressive animation by Studio 4C makes this visually striking (and violent) entertainment. Will feel more complete once all three films are released. - Aaron Rourke
NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: SEPTEMBER 6: HIT AND RUN, KATH & KIMDERELLA, KILLER JOE, MONSIEUR LAZHAR, WUNDERKINDER, YOUR SISTER'S SISTER. SEPTEMBER 13: BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD, MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE'S MOST WANTED, REEL ANIME, RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION, THE ANGEL'S SHARE, THE WATCH, BARFI! THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. THE AVENGERS [Action/Adventure/Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner]. 2. THE WAY [Drama/Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, James Nesbitt]. 3. THE LADY [Drama/Michelle Yeoh, David Thewlis, Jonathan Raggett]. 4. THE HUNGER GAMES [Action/ Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson]. 5. W.E. [Drama/Abbie Cornish, James D'Arcy]. 6. SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN [Comedy/Ewan McGregor, Kristin Scott-Thomas]. 7. THIS MEANS WAR [Comedy/ Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine]. 8. AMERICAN PIE: REUNION [Comedy/Jason Biggs, Eugene Levy, Chris Klein]. 9. KILLER ELITE [Action/Robert De Niro, Clive Owen, Jason Statham]. 10. WRATH OF THE TITANS [Action/Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Danny Huston]. Also: MARGIN CALL, BATTLESHIP, 21 JUMP STREET, Dr. Seuss' THE LORAX, THE LUCKY ONE, THE AWAKENING, THE RAID, PROJECT X, THE BIG YEAR, CONTRABAND. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: KING OF DEVIL'S ISLAND [Drama/Thriller/Stellan Skarsgard]. RAMPART [Drama/Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster, Steve Buscemi, Anne Heche]. SAFE [Action/Jason Statham, Chris Sarandon, James Hong]. 96 MINUTES [Thriller/Brittany Snow, Evan Ross]. OBA: THE LAST SAMURAI [War/ Treat Williams, Sean McGowan, Daniel Baldwin]. CAFE DE FLORE [Drama/Romance/Vanessa Paradis]. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: TITANIC [Drama/Romance/ Leonardo DiDacrio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Billy Zane]. THE WANDERERS [Drama/Karen Allen, Ken Wahl]. ● Turn To Page 43
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Page 37
Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Arsenic and Old Lace (by Joseph Kesselring) September 16 at 6.30pm, September 17 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Bruce Akers. Audition bookings: 0432 984 781 or email bwakers27@hotmail.com ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Steel Magnolias (by Robert Harding) November 17 from 1.30pm, November 19 from 7.30pm at 41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Lyn Carr. Audition bookings: 0422 441 489 or email lindacarr5@bigpond.com ■ Sunshine Community Theatre Inc: Jen and Her Magic Mud September 23 at 2.00pm at the Dempster Park Hall, Phoenix Street, North Sunshine. Director: Lee Cook. Audition bookings: 0407 802165.
SHOWS ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Prelude to a Kiss September 14 - 29 at 8.00pm, 2,30pm matinees at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale. Director: Tim Long. Tickets: $24/$22. Bookings: 9587 5141 www.mordialloctheatre.com ■ Hartwell Players: Daisy Pulls It Off (by Denise Deegan) September 14 - 29 at the Ashwood Performing Arts Centre, Vannam Avenue, Ashwood. Director: Laura Bradley. Tickets: $18/$12. Bookings: 9513 9581, www.hartwellplayers. org.au ■ Moreland Theatre Company Inc: MuchAdo About Nothing (by William Shakespeare) September 20 - 22, September 27 - 29 at 8.00pm and September 23 at 2.00pm at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre (MIPAC), Cnr. Sydney and Glenlyon Rds., Brunswick. Director: Karim Shaker. Tickets: $25 full, $18 Conc. Bookings: 0426 577 346 or bookings@moreland.org.au ■ CLOC Musical Theatre: All Shook Up October 5 - 20 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director/Choreographer: Craig Wiltshire; Musical Director: Danny Forward. Bookings: 1300 362 547 or www.cloc.org.au ■ Babirra Music Theatre: Hello Dolly! October 12 - 20 at the Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading. Director: Sue Salvato; Musical Director: Hamish Paterson; Choreographer: Cameron O'Reilly. Bookings: 9262 6555 or www.babirra.org.au
Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold
Melbourne
Observer
‘WUTHERING HEIGHTS’ AT MACEDON SHOWS ■ The Mount Players: Wuthering Heights (by Charles Vance, adapted from the novel by Emily Bronte) Until September 15 at 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Frank Harvey. Tickets: $25/ $22. Bookings: 1300 463 224 www.themountplayers.com Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Our Town (by Thornton Wilder) Until September 15 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., West Geelong. Director: Judy Ellis. Tickets: $25 adult non-subscribers, $19 subscribers. Bookings: GPAC 5225 1200 www.geelongrep.com.au ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Calendar Girls (by Tim Firth) Until September 22 at Brighton Theatre Company, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Alan Burrows. Bookings: 1300 752 126 www.brightontheatreco.com ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Doubt: A Parable Until September 22 at 2 Albert Street, Williamstown. Director: Ellis Ebell. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9885 9678 or online wlt.org.au ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Summer of the Seventeenth Doll (by Ray Lawler) September 13 -29 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Director: Paul King; Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9457 4117 or www.htc.org.au ■ Catchment Players: Hairspray October 19 - 27 at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, Preston. Co-Directors: Brad Fischer and Nathan Firmin; Musical Director; Andrew Houston; Choreographer; Nathan Firmin. Tickets" $42, Conc. $37, Ch. U16 $29. Bookings: 8470 8280 or www.darebinartscentre.com.au ■ Nova Music Theatre: 42nd Street, October 26 - November 11 at the Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading. Director: Tim Schwerdt; Choreographer: Lisa-Maree Callaghan; Musical Director: Phillip Osbourne. Tickets: $38/$33 Ch.15 and Under $28. Bookings: 1300 305 771 or www.novamusictheatre.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
Eltham Little Theatre
● Xavier Ryan and Ben Mitchell in Eltham Little Theatre’s Moonlight and Magnolias, being presented until September 15 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd, Research. Written by Ron Hutchinson, the show is directed by Terese Maurici-Ryan. Tickets: $20/$16. Bookings: 9437 1574 or www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au
PRO SHOW MAKES IT TO TV
■ Cosentino - The Grand Illusionist, recently seen at The Regent Theatre, is take his grand theatre style show to the Seven Network. He is known as an illusionist and the face of a new generation of one of the world’s oldest art forms. Cosentino burst into Australian homes last year as a contestant on Australia’s Got Talent . He was voted runner-up to winner, Jack Vidgen. - Staff Writer
Page 38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012
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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne
Observer
Lovatts Crossword No 4 Across
1. Overbalancing 6. Flusters 11. Genetic inheritance 15. Lunar ray 20. Company head (1,1,1) 21. Sloped backwards 22. Vat 23. Relays (6,2) 24. Stipulations 25. Maturity 27. Having no pips 28. Half 29. Quay 31. Hunter's quarry 32. Laud 36. Humiliating remark (3-4) 37. Chilled cuppa (4,3) 38. Honey drink 41. Defensive castle ditches 44. Scientist, ... Newton 45. Latin American dance 48. Rugby handling error (5-2) 49. Royal offspring 52. Trick into crime 56. Competition 57. Fall 58. Adopt (policy) 61. Pranks 62. Greek shipping magnate 63. Kinder 64. Spotted pattern, ... dots 65. Sorcerers 66. Passage (of goods) 67. Brazilian music style (5,4) 71. Undeveloped insect 73. Uncensored (movie) 75. Gladdened 80. Large rodents 82. Rome or Naples native 83. Nosegay 85. Authenticity 86. Comedy team, Monty ... 88. Puzzle 90. Peter Pan writer (1,1,6) 91. Honoured with party 93. Kidnappers' demands 94. Pledges 95. Draw attention away 96. Terrorist's captive 97. Leave room 99. Tiny amount 100. Arms cache 104. Actress, Vivien ... 105. Mutilates 106. Wine, ... Riesling 107. Surgical insert 111. Singer, ... Minogue 113. Glacial period, ... Age 114. Yes in French 115. Frightening 117. Tennis star, Andre ... 118. Revolving tray, lazy ... 121. Peace prize 122. Visual perception 125. Bred 126. Fabled whale, ... Dick 127. Liquefy 129. Wine barrels 131. Exclude 132. Verb modifier 135. As far as (2,2) 136. Ripped apart, torn ... 139. Boulder 140. Speared 144. Magician's ... Pocus 145. Rest on knees 146. Ultra manly 147. Hard copy (5-3)
Across 148. Contagious outbreak 149. Crisscross weave 150. Diaper 152. Chat-show hostess, ... Winfrey 154. Speaker 157. Mongolian desert 158. Announce (4,3) 162. Eye membrane 163. Legless grub 166. Timber fastener 167. Twig shelter 169. Immediately following 171. Oriental continent 172. Violet/blue 173. Male deer 175. Bumpkins 176. Skid Row drink 179. Lusaka is there 180. Cutting beam 182. Relaxation art, t'ai ... 183. Adult education group (1,1,1) 184. Portion 186. Doctor's ... manner 189. Ganges country 190. Last Greek letter 191. Milan opera house, La ... 192. Swirling 196. Stagger 197. Hitler follower 198. Casablanca is there 199. Popular hymn (3,5) 201. Boatman 202. Seepage 203. Harsh-tasting 204. Pre-dinner sherry 205. Touched with lips 208. Defeated 210. Unaffected 211. Sheet of glass 212. Go back in (2-5) 213. Consequently 215. Vending machine 219. Dame Nellie ... 221. Belittle 223. Criminal fire-starters 227. Pastry snacks, Cornish ... 228. Harms 230. Two times 231. Cardiac organ 232. Indian leader, ... Gandhi 233. Lady's title 234. Redesign (hair) 238. Manoeuvring space 239. Enchant 240. Most timid 243. By mouth 246. Raises (5,2) 247. Requirements 250. Mountainous 251. Ancient 253. Length measures 256. Day-to-day 257. Granted 258. Merriest 262. Single sound system 263. Drive off 266. Dowdy 268. Slandered 269. Sleeker 270. Slender toughness 271. Long race 272. Gist (of story) 273. Argentina's Buenos ... 274. Beatles, The ... Four 275. Summer frock 276. Bemuse 277. Accented 278. Curly-tailed marine creature (3,5)
Down 1. Extra serving (3-2) 2. Noodle food 3. Welsh vegetables 4. Non-coms (1,1,2) 5. Swiss city 7. Cockerel 8. Mythical horned horse 9. Junior Girl Guides 10. Waist ribbon 11. German Mr 12. Imposing buildings 13. Factor 14. Lethargy 15. Artefacts gallery 16. Comply with 17. Gentle prod 18. Expel 19. Skinflint 24. Time signals 26. Luncheon meat 30. Davy Crockett's fort 33. Collided with (3,4) 34. Cuts into 35. Passion 38. Louder 39. Absurd pretence 40. Condense 42. Burden of responsibility 43. Cylindrical 46. Social chaos 47. Concoct 49. Punishment 50. Become liable for 51. Sure 53. Sea god 54. Souvenir 55. Spectre 59. Mollifies 60. Ill-matched 67. German alpine state 68. Broken-limb supports 69. Et cetera (3,2,2) 70. Insensitively 72. Minor planets 74. Modernising (software) 76. Easy seat 77. Joins forces (5,2) 78. Buddhist heaven 79. Lowest (voice) 81. Last Supper guests 84. Briniest 87. Upstage 89. Nudist 91. Turns into alcohol 92. Break (partnership) 98. Portugal's capital 101. Inflexible 102. Eventuate 103. Hands on hips 108. Flowering shrub, crape ... 109. Commit to memory 110. Sister's daughter 112. Childbirth contractions (6,5) 116. Marzipan (6,5) 119. Most important 120. Adding up (to) 123. Hebrew 124. Vietnam's ... City (2,3,4) 128. Toils 130. Singer or dancer
Down 132. Let in 133. Outspoken 134. SE France river 137. Extremely 138. US naval port, San ... 141. Star, ... Centauri 142. Cymbals sound 143. Failed to (4'1) 151. Golfer, ... Palmer 153. Astonished 155. Cowgirl, ... Oakley 156. Fuses (of bones) 159. Somalia's neighbour 160. Receipt 161. Not moved (by argument) 164. Crippled 165. Pungent bulb 168. Intensify (of war) 170. December conifer (4,4) 173. Ceylon (3,5) 174. Letter recipient 177. Fellow players 178. Bridging 181. Vigorous exercise classes 185. Career barriers, glass ... 186. Blitz 187. Makes gloomy 188. Tilt 193. Expressionless 194. Sloping typeface 195. Slums 200. Gains entry to 201. Dirtily 206. Prisoners 207. Fabric retailers 208. More cocky 209. Stiffly 211. Financed in advance 214. Ground oats 216. Massive 217. Illegal hunter 218. Britain's 1066 invaders 220. Non-clergy 222. In vain, to no ... 224. Giving green light to 225. Unsuitably 226. Abnormal tissue growths 229. Bargain sell-off 232. Man 235. Heavenly 236. Bell-shaped flower 237. Government supporter 241. Rugby fending move (4-3) 242. Slipped by 244. Greed 245. Boarders 248. Second book in Bible 249. Air pollution 251. Betting chances 252. Stage-plays 253. Childhood swelling disease 254. Hawk's claw 255. Famous Swiss mountain 259. Flooded (of decks) 260. Anaesthetic 261. 1000 kg unit 262. The M of YMCA (3'1) 264. Canadian lake 265. Female sheep 267. Baseballer, ... Ruth
Solution on Page 29 g
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Page 29
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Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012
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Melbourne People
The Wolf & I, Windsor 152 Chapel St, Windsor Opening Night
● Julie Campbell and Andrew Bode
● Nathan Templeton and Kate Coghlan
● Owners Jannick Zester and Steve Powell
● Bo Phillips and Ian Livock
● Georgia Flood, Sebastian Kuumins and Alex Flood
● James Stewart, Cecilie Eltorp and Malene Kniep
● Jordan Bannister and Natalie Hunter
● Lou Albretch and Prue Garner
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Page 41
Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Showbiz Special
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Page 43
Melbourne
Observer Victorian Sport
Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 36
WATCH THE MARKETS
■ With the brilliant win of Pierro first up in Sydney, he has become a very short priced favorite to win the Caulfield Guineas over 1600 metres on Saturday, October 13. Originally he was around the $4.50 mark, but with his brilliant win first up and the poor run of All Too Hard, it has seen him come right into $2.10 with Betstar. Admittedly the slow pace didn't suitAll Too Hard, who has a habit of missing the start, and he will certainly improve heaps on that run. However he has blown out the gate to $15.00, others at the top of the market for the Guineas are Sydneysiders, Proisir also at $ 15.00, Epaulette, and another Gai Waterhouse youngster, Kabayan, who finished fast first up at Caulfield recently. Pierro, undefeated in his seven starts will be set not only for the Guineas over 1600 metres, but his main aim is the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, in late October where he has replaced his stablemate, More Joyous as favourite. On the third line of favourtism for the Cox Plate is the Robert Smerdon trained very smart mare, Mosheen, who recently had a minor throat operation and has returned in good order. Then; All Too Hard, Rekindled Interest and Manighar. It will be interesting to see how things work out with Moonee Valley racing on the night before the Cox Plate. It could be a good move with a great number of interstate and international racing people in town for the Cups Carnival. The Caulfield Cup, to be run on October 20, has attracted some very smart 2400 metre gallopers. Heading the charts is the imported horse, Green Moon, who ran a great fifth in the Memsie and is a winner of the Blamey Stakes at Flemington and has a ton of ability. Under the care of Robert Hickmott at Mt Macedon and owned by leading racing man, Lloyd Williams, he could be the
Ted Ryan
Observer Racing
● Maluckyday Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754
one to beat in the Classic in a couple of months. He is showing $11.00 with Betstar, with the Anthony Cummings trained Mawingo who continues to show progress before the big ones. An interesting nomination is the New Zealander, Ocean Park, a Group One winner at Hastings in New Zealand recently and has come in from $26.00 into $17.00. Last year's Caulfield Cup winner, Southern Speed returned to racing in South Australia in good style for trainer Leon Mc Donald and her regular rider Clare Lindop. It's great to see the former imported galloper, December Draw, back in action as a lead up to the Cup, as he went around favourite last year only to break down when in a winning position just before the home turn and has been off the scene since then. He is rated a $21.00 chance, but if his trainer Mark Kavanagh, can get him right, he will be right in this at the good odds of $21.00. On the next line is the winner and runnerup in the Melbourne Cup. Both winner, Dunaden and Red Cadeaux, beaten a nose in the Classic, are being quoted at $26 and $21 respectively. On the next line is the Gai Waterhouse trained international,
Glencadam Gold, a most impressive winner in the Premier Cup at Rosehill recently. It's been backed from $51 into $ 26, with the Peter Moody trained Lights of Heaven on the same line with Polish Knight and Quest for Peace. Another that has been backed in with Betstar is Malucky Day who has been backed into $26 for the Melbourne Cup from $41. The Hawkes stable was more than happy with his return to racing with a good run in the Memsie at Caulfield. Flashing back he was a great second to Americain in the 2010 Melbourne Cup and is a galloper with loads of talent, so if the stable can keep him right he could be very good value in the big one come the first Tuesday in November. ■ Our special thanks to Betstar.com.au
Writer bids farewell ■ Sad to hear of the departure of Chief Racing Writer with the Herald Sun, Adrian Dunn. Adrian put in 33 years with the paper and was well respected for his manner as well as his writing over a long time. We recently held the Victorian Racing Media Association meeting where I learnt of Adrian's departure.
● Green Moon Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754
Top 10 Lists NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: ONE SUNDAY IN PARIS [Cadel Evans/Documentary]. HELL AND BACK AGAIN [Documentary]. CSI MIAMI: The Complete Season 9. GOSSIP GIRL: Season 5. TOUR DE FRANCE 2012: The Complete Highlights. ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL: The Complete Mini-Series. ONE TREE HILL: The Complete 9th and Final Season. IAN THORPE: The Swimmer. SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: Season 7. TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. THE AVENGERS: 2D & 3D [Action/Adventure/Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson]. 2. THE WAY [Drama/Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, James Nesbitt]. 3. THE HUNGER GAMES [Action/Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson]. 4. THE LADY [Drama/Michelle Yeoh, David Thewlis, Jonathan Raggett]. 5. SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN [Comedy/Ewan McGregor, Kristin Scott-Thomas]. 6. W.E. [Drama/Abbie Cornish, James D'Arcy]. 7. THIS MEANS WAR [Comedy/Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine]. 8. WRATH OF THE TITANS 3D & 2D [Action/Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson]. 9. AMERICAN PIE: REUNION [Comedy/Jason Biggs, Eugene Levy, Chris Klein]. 10. KILLER ELITE [Action/Robert De Niro, Clive Owen, Jason Statham]. Also: 21 Jump Street, Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, Jaws, The Lucky One, Battleship, The Raid, The Awakening, Project X, The Big Year, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: INDIANA JONES: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES [Action/Adventure/Harrison Ford]. TITANIC Blu-Ray 3D + Blu-Ray [Drama/Romance/Leonardo DiDacrio, Kate Winslet]. RAMPART [Drama/Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster, Steve Buscemi, Anne Heche]. SAFE [Action/Jason Statham, Chris Sarandon, James Hong]. 96 MINUTES [Thriller/Brittany Snow, Evan Ross]. OBA: THE LAST SAMURAI [War/Treat Williams, Sean McGowan, Daniel Baldwin]. HELL AND BACK AGAIN [Documentary]. CAFE DE FLORE [Drama/Romance/Vanessa Paradis]. - James Sherlock ■ From Page 10
He was great to work with and a top journo, and will be sadly missed by all and sundry. I haven't had a chance to have a chat with him, but I understand he wants to stay in the racing industry in some way. Best of luck Adrian, and thanks for your friendship over many years we have been colleagues.
Deserved ■ At the recent AGM of the Victorian Racing Media Racing Association, Life Membership was awarded to former racing journalist with The Age, Andrew Garvey. It was well deserved as he has put
● December Draw Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 in 21 years as Secre- Sharkie from The Age tary and Treasurer and RSN. with the organisation. He will continue in his role as Treasurer, with the Secretary side of things being handballed to former ■ The Yarra Valley racing writer with the Racing Club should Herald Sun, Tim be up and running with their gallops come Habel. All other positions February next year. were ratified with Debbie Sinclair Bruce Clarke from from the Club told me TVN as President, everything was going Shane Anderson and according to plan and Greg Miles both from they can't wait to get RSN, Senior Vice- back into action. Presidents. The Club has had The Committee is no luck in recent seaPat Bartley, from The Age; Andrew Bensley, sons with heavy rains Sky Channel; Tony causing damage right Bourke, ex-Age; Mark across the whole area. Let's hope their Guest, Sky; Nick luck will change, they Quinn from the Herald Sun; Bill are a great Club to Saunders, Cyber- work for. - Ted Ryan Space; and Michael
Di Rolle’s Column
Great news
● Billy The Rabbit ■ “Discover the wonder of this ‘unforgettable night of music from the soul.” - The Sunday Mail. I highly recommend this performance – 7.30pm, Saturday, November 10; and 3pm, Sunday, November 11 at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre. Bookings melbournerecital.com.au or phone 9699 3333. I feel as though I have filled you all with culture and arts to last you for a long time. And this is all in Melbourne. We truly are the arts capital of Australia. And I just love writing about it! - Di Rolle
Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012
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Melbourne
Observer Victorian Sport
BUDDY SHOULD HAVE BEEN CENSURED
■ My Say : One of our greatest players, Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin was stupidly involved in taunting tactics with Tarrant. He should have been censured, but nothing from the umps, when he faced Chris, nose to nose, head to head like a raging bull pawing the ground ready for the head butt. It was a joke as nothing happened. Except a few minutes later ‘Buddy’ had Chris in an innocuous headlock whispering sweet nothings into his ear. ‘Sucker tactics’. For heaven’s sake it is the first of the most important AFL Finals and our top player is making a mockery of the game we love in front of 80,000 plus spectators and over onemillion TV viewers Maybe the MRP will investigate and Hawthorn and we football lovers could be robbed of seeing the ‘diamond-studded’ performance of the champion. ★★★ So I pose this question again to the AFL Umpiring Department: do you want what happened Friday night before the opening bounce and continued spasmodically for most of the game or are you prepared to take action? You must share the blame. Oh you don’t know what your umpires can do? Well, tell the umpire nearest to the brawl to blow his whistle and freekick the first offender he sees and give him 50m so he can kick a goal. If that doesn’t break up the brawl repeat the medicine. And get your fellow umpires to take players numbers and put them all on report. Don’t fall for the excuse this initial brawl was not premeditated. It was a planned tactic. The AFL and its MRP has to investigate, issue blame on who started the brawls and rub them out. And get the aggressors, NOT the retaliators, who came prepared to play football. We’ve had three other Finals since this debacle and all were played in the right spirit of sportsmanship. ★★★ I don’t want to see players being ‘rubbed out’ by either the MRP or the Tribunal. That robs our crowds of seeing the best ply their trade and ability in our great game. In my day and especially when I was Director of Umpiring in 1980-81 I made it clear to the umpires if I had to report a player(s) then I was mostly to blame. I had lost the respect and control of the players. ★★★ ‘Buddy’, because of the reverence held for your ability you have been given special dispensation allowing you to ‘play-on’ in your natural leftsided arc (not if the siren has sounded to end the quarter in which case you must move in a straight line) - but different to another champion Geelong’s Stevie J - who is forced to ‘beat’ the 5m rule. I don’t agree you should enjoy this privilege as the ‘play-on’ call should be same for all players. Similarly St Kilda’s Ahmed Saad enjoys more than the 20 seconds defined to take his kick for goal as he walks the 23 steps in his set routine and most times ‘kicks the goal’. No other player is given this extended time.
Friday, September 14 8.10pm Adelaide Crows v Fremantle AAMI Stadium Saturday, September 15 7.40pm Collingwood v West Coast Eagles MCG
Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel ■ My Say: The Finals results were a mixed bag. Hawthorn’s 38 points defeat of Collingwood has further tightened its odds for the Flag and like the Swans ‘gutsy’ 29 pts win against Adelaide give both those teams a rest this weekend. Ben McGlynn maybe fit for the Grand Final if Sydney make it as scans revealed he has a minor tear in his right hamstring while Hawk Brent Guerra’s injury is also mending but Brendan Whitecross is out with an ACL. Adelaide meets the dangerous Fremantle at AAMI Stadium next Friday night without NAB Rising Star Daniel Talia with a broken forearm and Matthew Pavlic in superb form kicking six goals as too did Magpie Travis Cloke who must repeat the dose on Saturday night against WCEs who hammered North Melbourne by 96 points. The Eagles were most impressive and are the installed favourites over the Magpies. Geelong didn’t boot its first goal until midway into the second quarter which will give Ross Lyon’s Dockers confidence against the Crows. North Melbourne and Geelong depart the scene as too does Matty Scarlett who quietly retired with the honour of being The Cats greatest full back with a string of honours, a Club B & F, 3 R/U B & F, 6 All Australian Full Back, twice Goalie IRS, 3 AFL Premierships. ★★★ ■ My Say: On Friday night I watched a Grand Final. It was the NSW Central Coast U 16s between Saratoga and Gosford. I was asked to toss the coin. What an honour. Gosford won the toss, got away to a flying start and won the game. I met Mums and Dads. It was freezing but the game and crowd were there to enjoy the night. Andy Gleisner’s Woy Woy lost the Prelim Final but his wife Nikki and the boys were there to urge on their mates. The AFL’s Manager for the Region, Simon Smyth, is popular and a hard worker. Andy said to me “Harry, how good is this? Young 15 and 16 year olds giving their all rather than be on the streets skylarking or drinking in pubs or parties.”
He added, “Playing AFL under lights, on a top oval but some unfortunately copying their heroes antics from the TV, ducking their heads and holding the ball to their bodies rather than trying to hand-ball it on. “I dread one day a young lad will suffer a severe head or neck injury.” Luckily they missed the circus acts before the opening bounce and during the Hawthorn v Collingwood game with the jostling, wrestling, punching, tearing guernseys and even mimicking ‘raging bulls’ and ‘loveins’. Sadly the crowd cheered madly.
Cheaper gear for juniors ■ A few weeks back after a Swans match I met up with an ex-pat Victorian who loves our game and is involved with a Queensland AFL junior club. He said the Queensland Soccer Federation who control all the merchandise and football gear and re-sell it for a profit to shops, to their clubs, parents and the youngsters who play the game. This gentleman is a volunteer and said the Soccer Clubs have taken their Federation to court seeking a ruling/ judgement so they can buy the gear, including footballs, guernseys, socks, boots and the like direct from the manufacturer and save money for the parents and participants. He says all this gear is made in India and the Soccer Federation is copping a big profit. He said the case was going back to the Queensland Court on Appeal and would keep in touch. Lo and behold on Thursday I received his email advice as promised . . He says instead of paying $109 for a match grade football his club will deal direct and dependent upon quantity buy them from $25 to $30 each. And it’s the same story with all the associated gear. I was told some youngsters in the Central Coast and Newcastle area have dropped out of AFL as their parents cannot afford the fees. If this ruling applies Australia-wide it could be important to the AFL to pass onto their development officers in our developing areas.
The money saved by the parents would boost our numbers. If anyone knows more about this I shall willingly pass your advices onto Andrew D and his staff.
Free agency ■ Carlton players Jordan Russell and Bret Thornton, have informed the Carlton Club they will exercise their right to explore upcoming Free Agency opportunities. Carlton’s General Manager of Football, Andrew McKay, has acknowledged that both players have made significant contributions to the Club throughout their journeys. “Jordan and Bret have both been loyal members of the Football Club for a number of years, however both are now un-restricted free agents and have requested to explore whatever opportunities arise,” he said. Bret Thornton currently holds the games record for the No.32 guernsey at Carlton, after joining the Club via the 2002 Rookie Draft where he was selection Number 11 overall. He made his debut in round 10, 2002 and has played 188 games for Carlton. Jordan Russell was Carlton’s first selection, number nine overall, in the 2004 NAB AFL National Draft. He made his debut in Round 15 in 2005 and has played 116 games. He has been a member of Carlton’s leadership group for the past two seasons and was runner-up in the 2010 Carlton Best & Fairest Award.
Roos statement ■ The North Melbourne Football Club issued this statement from Brad Scott regarding an on-field incident involving Giants’ veteran James McDonald and ensuing AFL suspended sanction of $5000. “I understand that as a senior coach it is important to set the right example on the field. “I will always defend my players, but acknowledge the manner in which I approached James McDonald during a break in play on the weekend in Sydney was unacceptable in the circumstances.”
More My Say ■ My Say: Adrian Anderson said On The Couch segment, in reference to sliding along the ground to prevent an opponent from winning the ball could be dangerous and classified as “tripping”. Of course it is “tripping” – always has been. The inference is “a trip” must be by the foot. You can be tripped from the knee to the foot and ALSO “by the hand, arm or the body”. We don’t need to be confused by what developed from the “Hands-in-
the-back” interpretation, which should never have been necessary as the “in the back” Law has been part of our game for more than 100 years. And it covers, like tripping, every action and part of the body used to propel an opponent forward or even sideways if the ball is NOT within five metres. A Trip by the Foot is one aspect of Tripping. We are now at the point where commentators, players and worse our supporters scream ‘blue murder’ at the umps if they ‘ever’ correctly pay a free for in the back if the forearm, elbows, shoulders or body-front are forcibly used. In-the-Back-is-in-theBack”. ★★★ My Say: Melbourne’s Tanking! Andrew D tell Adrian to drop it. It’s old hat, too difficult and too costly. Don’t let it happen again. ★★★ My Say: Toby Green’s sanction was badly handled. His action in a team of ‘babies’ doesn’t compare with other incidents let go. ★★★ My Say: I’m sick of the ‘push, punch, wrestle’ niggle before the bounce or after a goal, mark or free. Free kick the idiot aggressor! ★★★ My Say: I still help the junior clubs on the Central Coast and am disturbed the youngsters are copying the AFL stars with bad habits. My biggest bugbear is the player who takes possession, is tackled, and puts HIS OWN wrap-a-round tackle locking the ball to his chest fooling the umpire into believing he cannot handball. So the umpire obligingly whistles a ball-up. No “holding the ball”, just more joining the mauling pack. So Umps and your coaches are feeding bad habits to our juniors. ‘Never wrong’ Jeff please dissect a video with the slow-down or stop button and see for yourself the instinctive action of players holding the ball to their body. Not only is it no attempt but this is the reason for the packs. It would take just ONE quarter of frees, similar to your recent scourge on “deliberate out-of-bounds” one month ago to clear this cheating tactic up. The same with Ruck wrestling – even my sacred centre bounce ‘distinction line’ is being abused without a penalty. This will go further and the opposition ruckmen will be together wrestling on the same side of the white line. The line worked for over 30 years but like the packs, in less than one season, the Rucks have won. - Harry Beitzel
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Page 45
Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 12, 2012
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