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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio: Magic 1278 boss resigns ................... Page 104 Community: 96.5FM stages Radiothon .............. Page 105 The Spoiler: Advance plotlines for TV soapies .......... Page 105 Jim and Aaron: Top 10, best movies and DVDs ............ Page 106 Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ........... Page 107 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

YARRA OPERA’S DOUBLE BILL Funny Money

● Audrey Farthing (Jean) in Funny Money at Strathmore until November 17.

Photo: Jonne Finnemore ■ Ray Cooney’s Funny Money plays at the Strathmore Community Theatre until November 17, presented by the Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG).

Mel de Bono stepped in when director Jonne Finnemore became ill early in rehearsals and as usual, his directorial experience shines through.

The farcical romp tells of Henry (Donal Taylor) accidentally picking up the wrong briefcase on his way home from work and discovering it contains lots of money.

One, then two policemen pay a visit, and Henry’s wife Jean (Audrey Farthing) and friends Betty (Michelle Tanner) and Vic (Christopher Dossor) assume various identities in a fun game of cat and mouse to help keep the money.

This show maintains STAG’s traditional good standard of sets, with Henry and Jean’s Fulham home, complete with flying ducks on the wall, designed by Mel de Bono and realized by Tony Leatch. The special effects are impressive, too.

The cast works commendably hard at delivering Cooney’s wordy dialogue, particularly Donal Taylor (Henry).

I particularly enjoyed the two policemen’s performances – Peter Davey as the corrupt Davenport and Michael Bentley as Slater, and Kate Devin as Bill the taxi driver, is terrific.

Michelle Tanner and Christopher Dossor bring wonderful energy to the performance from their first entrance, and Vladimir Grisinski (Passer-by) surprises with a dramatic appearance.

Cooney’s script is humouress, but some dialogue is trite.

De Bono and his cast do well to present an enjoyable night’s entertainment. More good news is that Jonne Finnemore has recovered to work as Production Co-ordinator for this show.

Performance Season: Until November 16 Venue: Strathmore Community Centre, Cnr Loeman and Napier Sts, Strathmore.

Tickets: $20/$15.

Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org/reservations - Cheryl Threadgold

By JULIE HOUGHTON

● Camilla Gorman, Catriona de Vere and Christina Keightley ■ Sometimes the city is a long way to visit if you are keen to hear some fabulous singing and see a good show when you live to the far east of Melbourne.

So there's some good news for Yarra Valley arts lovers who will have opera brought to their doorstep on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 16 and 17) by Yarra Opera.

The brainchild of Nigel McBain, Yarra Opera will be bringing its successful double bill of Purcell's Dido And Aeneas , followed by a rollicking contemporary opera about the bloke who took from the rich to give to the poor, in Robin Hood's Lament, written

by McBain.

Dido And Aeneas stars Catriona de Vere in the title role of Dido, with local soprano Cristina Keightley singing Belinda, Dido's confidante, and Jenny Wakefield as The Sorceress.

In the second half of the evening we venture to Sherwood Forest, where we find that Marion, sung by Isabel Hertaeg, is having an affair (not her first) with Little John, while corrupt priest, Friar Tuck, is pursuing Will Scarlet.

Robin is frequently off with the fairies, drinking hallucinogenic concoctions and suffering bouts of unbearable depression.

Local tenor, Nick Seidenman leads a solid cast as Robin.

I'm not sure that I ever saw this particular plot line in the famous childhood television series, which should make it all the more fun for being redeveloped to attract a more adult audience.

The show itself is designed to give the audience a night at the to be remembered, and showcases a number of local performers in a range of roles, as well as featuring the Nicholas Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Nigel McBain, Yarra Opera mixes singing, acting and dancing to give its audience a high-quality, entertaining show.

The company has big plans for the future, aiming to take this show and other theatrical masterpieces on tour around regional Victoria.

Performances are Saturday (Nov. 16) at 7.30, and Sunday (Nov. 17) at 1.30pm at The Memo (The Memorial Hall) in Healesville. Tickets are $45 Adult and $35 Concession. www.yarraopera.com

● Richard Wilson

Getting Loud

● Hannah Dahlenburg ■ Celebrating major milestones is always fun, and when you have a year with two major composers who came into this world 200 years ago, music is going to be high on the celebration agenda. . Newly established Melbourne arts organization XL Arts is celebrating the birth bicentenary of Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi with a concert of their work - with a twist - on Saturday (Nov. 16) at 7.30 pm at St Stephen's Anglican Church, 360 Church St, Richmond.

XL is a diverse co-operative of artists who aim for the sky in terms of giving the highest level of operatic performance.

The idea is to provide performance opportunities for established artists to showcase their talents while also giving a platform for emerging artists to develop further, so there's a nice mix of high profile performers and the stars of the future.

On November 16 music lovers can hear internationally famous contralto Liane Keegan, Australian piano legend Tony Gould, James Russo, Hannah Dahlenburg, Tiriki Onus and 2013 Herald Sun Aria finalist Stephanie Gibson among the performers.

Top hits from ‘Dick and Joe' that you can hear on the night include Hannah singing Caro Nome from Verdi's Rigoletto, Tiriki taking on Wagner's famous Wotan from The Ring cycle, and Stephanie singing Sempre'Libera from Verdi's La Traviata.

XL wants to push the boundaries of traditional performance formats and settings, to find new artistic collaborations and great performance experiences for both the performers and their audience. In a nutshell, XL wants to make opera and the arts accessible to everyone.

XL is based at St Stephen's Anglican Church in Richmond, which is known for its support of the artistic community.

Tickets are just $20 and $15 concession and are available at the door.

This new company is inviting everyone to come to the best musical birthday party this year and experience the blank canvas where artists can 'XL'. Of course….. www.xlarts.org

Easy Virtue - Page 105

Page 104 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Observer Showbiz Community stations grow

■ The latest Community Broadcasting Association of Australia national listener survey shows audience share for Australian community radio is expanding.

Greg Newman of Jocks Journal reports that an average 29 per cent of all radio listeners tune in each week. That’s 5.2 million of 18.1 million Australians aged 15 or older.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

MAGIC 1278 BOSS RESIGNS GARY HOFFMAN QUITS AS MANAGER AFTER 16 YEARS

Survivors to meet soon

Country Crossroads info@country crossroads.com.au Big Breakfast Show. Southern FM 88.3.

Tues. 6am-9am.

Rob Foenander

New CD for Marcia

■ Melbourne entertainer Marcia Rae has released her new CD titled One Day At A Time.

The album is dedicated to her late partner, Norman James, who passed away earlier this year. The music is a tribute to Patsy Cline.

Marcia is a well known performer on the Morning Melodies and club circuit throughout Melbourne and is also a welltravelled floor show performer.

Daniel, Mary back in Melb.

■ Ireland’s country music royalty, Daniel O'Donnell and long-time music partner Mary Duff are returning to Melbourne in 2014.

Concert dates are March 17-18 at Hamer Hall.

Harder to tame

■ Country rockers McAlister Kemp will officially release their new album Harder To Tame in January.

The title track has already reached no 1 on country music charts around the country while the video has also gone to number 1 on Foxtel’s Country Music Channel.

● Gary Hoffman ■ After 16 years as Manager of Magic 1278, Gary Hoffman is resigning next month.

Gary has developed the callsign as a ‘complete service’ radio station, but it has been under intense commercial pressure over past years, especially with the introduction of Smooth 91.5 over the past year.

Magic 1278 rated 3.8 per cent in the seventh ratings survey results, announced last week. Audience numbers for the Magic breakfast program, hosted by Kevin John and Jane Holmes, shrunk to 3.0 per cent.

● Pictured at Stakes Day at Flemington was Shane McInnes, Weekend Break co-hosts Peter ‘Grubby’ Stubbs and Diane ‘Dee Dee’ Dunleavy, with Damian Tardio.

★ ★ ★

Melbourne Radio Briefs

Fifi Box and Dave Thornton are to replace Matt Tilley and Jo Stanley on the Fox FM breakfast program.

Chrissie Swan and Jane Hall may lose their Mix 101.1 breakfast program ... if Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O sign with the Australian Radio Network to broadcast a Sydney-Melbourne daily show.

Melbourne radio advertising rose 1 per cent to $19.009 million in October. Figures for the first four months of the 2013-14 financial year are up in all markets with Melbourne leading the way, up 6.75 per cent.

Cohen tickets giveaway

■ ABC 774 morning host Jon Faine is this week giving away two premium tickets to the Leonard Cohen concert to be held at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda, on Monday, December 9. Faine is a fan of Cohen.

■ The Survivors group of radio, TV and recording industry veterans will meet at South Melbourne for a twice-yearly lunch on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Convened by Bruce McKay, formerly of 3AW, 3DB and the Pacific Star Network, the Survivors was established some years ago by Bert Newton, Ron Tudor and John Proper, with past members including Doug Elliot, Joff Ellen, Norm Spencer, Frank Rich and Bob Horsfall.

Current day members include Pete Smith, Philip Brady, Ray Lawrence, Peter Philip, Keith McGowan, John Vertigan, Denis Scanlan, Paul Nicholson, Paul Jennings, Dan Webb, Don Kinsey, John Allan, Bob Taylor, Nigel Dick, Gary Day, Keith Livingston, Bob Duff, Neville Sherburn, Bill Armstrong, Dean Reynolds, Bill Passick, John Worthy, Ted Ryan, Ray Benson, Garry Stewart, Ian Stewart, Denis O’Kane, Mike Menner, Chris Bahen, Mal Walden, Peter Booth, Peter Van, Roy Hampson, Hugh Hill, Marcus Herman and Doug Morgan.

Music Oz Award to Kate

■ Kate Cook has won the 2013 country single of the year at the Music Oz awards.

The event was held in Sydney on Friday (Nov. 8) and recognises Australian independent music releases.

Kate's winning song Give The Girl A Spanner has become an anthem across Australia for the working woman doing what is traditionally a man's job", said a spokesman for the artist.

It was co written with master songwriter Allan Caswell.

- Rob Foenander

r Observbei z Show

Wednesday, November 13

■ TV star Don Lane was born in 1933. He died aged 75 in 2009.

US director and producer Gary Marshall is 79 (1934).

Comedienne Whoopi Goldberg was born in New York City in 1955 (58).

TV-radio presenter Richard Fidler was born in 1964 (49).

● Leonard Cohen

● Racing driver Craig Lowndes met this week with Rod Boyd, General Manager, of the Stereo 974 radio station based at Brooklyn.

Melbourne

Observer

On This Day Thursday, November 14

■ Horse trainer Bart Cummings was born in Adelaide in 1927 (86).

Happy birthday Bart.

Prince Charles was born in Buckingham Palace, England, in 1948 (65).

Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist was born in 1971 (42).

Actress Michala Banas was born in Wellington, NZ, in 1978 (35).

● Bruce McKay

Friday, November 15

■ Richmond football icon Jack Dyer was born in 1913. He died aged 89 in 2003.

Petula Clark, English singer and actress, was born in 1932 (81).

Frida (Anni-Frid Lyngstadd-Frederiksson), dark-haired vocalist with ABBA, was born in Norway in 1945 (68).

Saturday, November 16

■ Actor Max Gillies was born in Melbourne in 1941 (71).

Actor Ken James was born in Sydney in 1948 (65). He was in the original cast of Skippy.

Australian adventurer Alby Mangels was born in Holland in 1948 (65).

Actress Gigi Edgley was born in Perth in 1977 (36).

Part of a famous family.

Sunday, November 17

■ American actor Rock Hudson was born in 1925. He died aged 59 in 1985.

British comedian Peter Cook was born in 1937. He died aged 57 in 1995.

US actor Danny Devito was born in 1944 (69).

Entertainer Lucy Durack was born in 1981.

Monday, November 18

■ Sir William S Gilbert, who partnered with Sullivan, was born in London in 1836.

He died aged 74 in 1911.

Actor David Hemmings was born in Guildford, England, in 1941. He died aged 42 in 2003.

American actress Linda Evans was born in 1941 (71). She starred in Dallas.

Tuesday, November 19

■ American bandleader Tommy Dorsey was born in 1905. He died aged 51 in 1956.

The late Margaret Whitlam, wife of former Prime Minister Gough, was born in 1919.

US radio-TV talk show host Larry King is 80.

Australian singer Robin Jolley was born in 1950. He is 63 today.

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

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

Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

ShowBiz!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - Page 105

Observer Showbiz

Walkley Award noms.

■ The Walkley Foundation today announced the shortlist for the Walkley Book Award, part of Australia’s most prestigious accolades across print, radio, television, photography and publishing.

More than 70 books were entered into the book award category of the Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism this year, with subject matter ranging from true crime, politics and war to biography and investigative journalism.

The 2013 Walkley Book Award shortlisted finalists (in alphabetical order) announced at a literary long lunch in Sydney include: James Button, Speechless: A year in my father’s business, Melbourne University Publishing Anna Krien, Night Games: Sex, Power and Sport, Black Inc. Pamela Williams, Killing Fairfax, Harper Collins The judging panel for the 2013 book awards included: Malcolm Farr, chief political writer, News.com.au Catherine Fox, freelance journalist, author and speaker Adele Horin, writer and journalist John Van Tiggelen, editor, The Monthly Richard Guilliatt, author and journalist, The Australian Deborah Cameron, project director, KJA Strategic Engagement and Communications Susan Wyndham, literary editor, The Sydney Morning Herald Paul Bailey, editor, The Australian Financial Review Ian Reinecke, author and journalist The winner of the 2013 Walkley Book Award will be announced at the Walkley Awards on Thursday November 28 in Brisbane.

The Walkley Awards will be broadcast on a special “pop-up channel” on ABC3 from 9.00pm on November 28, with highlights airing on ABC1 Saturday November 29 at 1.00pm and on November 30 at 11.00pm. Highlights will also be available on iView.

A full list of Walkley Awards finalists and judges is available at www.walkleys.com

Media Lectures

■ Platform Savy: The New Smart Lessons For Journalism is the name of lectures to be held at Southbank, Brisbane, on November 27.

Alfred Hermida, an award-winning online news pioneer, digital media scholar and journalism educator. He is an associate professor at the Graduate School of Journalism of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where he leads the integrated journalism program.

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson began specialising in technology journalism eight years ago. As national technology editor for News Corp Australia, she pens articles on consumer electronics, trends and failures and edits the Switched On section in the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier-Mail, Hobart Mercury and Adelaide Advertiser. She also chats about geekery on the Gadget Girl blog (blogs.news.com.au/techblog).

Brian McNair is a professor of journalism, media & communication at Queensland University of Technology. He is the author of many books and articles including Journalism and Democracy (2000), Cultural Chaos (2006) and Journalists In Film (2010). He is working on an ARC-funded study of the Australian political public sphere.

MEAA Centenary Lecture: Gerard Ryle, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (5.30pm) A four-time Walkley Award-winner and 2013 nominee, Gerard Ryle leads the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists based in Washington DC. A former Fairfax Media journalist, he is regarded as one of the world’s leading investigative journalists and is the first non-American director of the ICIJ, overseeing more than 160 member journalists in more than 60 countries.

These events are free of charge but your registration is essential. All bookings and inquiries to 1300 65 65 13 or melissa.mcallister@alliance.org.au. Ask Mel how to purchase tickets to the 58th annual Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism in Brisbane on November 28.

TV, Radio, Theatre Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour

EASY VIRTUE

■ Noël Coward requires a special treatment, a particular style of performance and Horrie Leek’s production did the Master proud.

There should be no guile with Coward, allowing the dialogue to speak for itself.

When there is an absence of side, the mischief and subtle alternative meanings within the text spring even tip-toe forth at various times.

Tempo too is important.

The performers captured the Coward style and technique to perfection allowing the words to do their job.

Mind you the cast were helped by an exquisite set and wonderful costumes.

A prominent feature of the production was the attention to detail throughout.

Persuading Henry Hall and his orchestra to play at the party was a masterstroke.

The cast looked and sounded ideal for the setting. Alayne Wright as the interloper bride, Larita, was consistently splendid.

Her rock-solid grasp of the role enabled her to subtly switch moods as events

● Noel Coward play and his ability to have changed around her.

Cate Dowling Trask all concerned understand gave new impetus to writ- and support that vision. ers of mother-in-law gags Forget community, this and drew many responses was fine theatre at its best. from the appreciative auProduction: Easy dience.

Virtue by Noel Coward Nicky Neville-Jones Performance Seawas enchanting as the son: Until November 23 former beau leaving one Unicorn Thewondering why on earth the atre,Venue: Mount Waverley Secson and heir threw her over ondary College in the first place.

Tickets: $23/$20 A major strength of the Bookings: 1300 138 production was the clear and artistically-correct vi- 645.

- Cenarth Fox sion the director had for the

NOT SAFE FOR WORK

■ Red Stitch Theatre’s final play for 2013 is UK writer Lucy Kirkwood’s insightful comedy NSFW (Not Safe for Work), a deftly satirical exposé on the newsstand glossies of today, their attitudes to sexuality and the people that live and die by their rules.

Directed by Tanya Dickson, the Australian premiere of NSFW is being presented from November 22 – December 21

at the Red Stitch Theatre, St Kilda.

When Aiden, editor of Doghouse men’s magazine, charges his team of journos to find an amateur page three girl from their burgeoning readership, he gets results. But he can’t foresee the trouble it will bring as the magazine proudly unveils the winner.

In the aftermath, writer and prime casualty of the debacle, Sam, leaves

Radiothon ■ Heidelberg-based community radio station 96.5FM starts its Radiothon on Monday (Nov. 18) continuing until Sunday (Nov. 24) It will be the Inner North East Community Radio 96.5FM in five years.

The radio station has been broadcasting for the past 23 years from the Warringal Shopping Centre in Heidelberg.

Listeners are being invited to either make a donation during the radiothon or become a new member of the radio station.

Donors of $50 or more will receive a prize as will every new member.

Listeners will be encouraged to support their favourite presenter or program. The station will use the funds raised during the radiothon to upgrade equipment.

Phone 9457 1718. www.innerfm.org.au - Kevin Trask

Doghouse to seek a lifeline at another publication, a stylish women’s magazine called Electra .

Thinking it could not be anywhere near as bad as his last job, he goes in with high hopes, but is proved wrong when an editorial direction from above cruelly forces him to compromise his morals to keep his new job.

A product of writer Lucy Kirkwood’s actual on-the-ground research into the world of sensationalist media and sexuality, NSFW takes a discerning and humourous look at our voyeuristic culture, the media that propels it and the corrupt values that lie within it all.

Previews: Wednesday November 20 and Thursday November 21 Season: November 22 – December 21 (not Monday or Tuesday) Times: Wednesday – Saturday, 8pm; Sundays 6.30pm. Matinees: Saturdays at 4pm Bookings: www. redstitch.net or 9533 8083 Tickets: $20 - $39 ($20 student, $25 under 30, $15 industry rush) Venue: Rear 2 Chapel St, St Kilda

Review: ‘Urinetown’

● Hope Cladwell (Jen McKinnon) revolts against her tyrannical father in Urinetown: The Musical, playing in Williamstown until November 23. In background: Hot Blades Harry (Christopher Welldon) and Little Becky TwoShoes (Jessie Oliver).

Photo: Gavin D Andrew ■ Wllliamstown Musical Theatre Company’s latest production, Urinetown: The Musical excels artistically and technically.

With music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, the show mixes a serious environmental message about the consequences of a future devastating drought with fun, tongue-in-cheek satire on law, capitalism, social irresponsibility, corporate mismanagement, municipal politics … and musical theatre.

Musical theatre parodies include Fiddler On The Roof, Guys And Dolls, Les Miserables and The Cradle Will Rock, while Officer Lockstock (Shane Foster) switches between fierce law enforcer and entertaining narrator.

WMTC’s impressive set design by Norm Cassidy-Anderson is unique from other Urinetown productions I have seen, with murky-coloured arches representative of a huge sewerage pipe, and indeed symbolic of the abounding poverty and tyranny, where people cannot afford to use the public bathrooms and face arrest if resorting to other means.

This naturalistic interpretation is beautifully directed

by Anna Marinelli, complimented by Malcolm Fawcett’s terrific orchestra, Carla White’s innovative choreography, Cameron Sharp and Frankie Farrelly’s imaginative costume designs, superb lighting from Daniel Treloar and Marcello Lo Ricco’s effective sound design. Bravo also for Stage Manager Georgi Cahill’s crew’s slick scene changes.

The cast comprises highly talented musical theatre performers and congratulations to all. Special mention is made of Marco Fusco (Bobby Strong), Shane Foster (Officer Lockstock), Bianca Giorgetti (Penelope Pennywise), Steven Frisby (Mr Cladwell), Jen McKinnon (Hope Cladwell), Stephanie Hickey (Little Sally), Brian Dixon (Mr McQueen), Christopher Welldon (Hot Blades Harry/Old Man Strong) and Jessie Oliver (Little Becky Two-Shoes).

Finally, company President Marcus CassidyAnderson’s traditional personal farewell at the door is always much appreciated by patrons.

The topic and title of Urinetown may be off-putting to some theatregoers, but WMTC is presenting a top show, so don’t miss it.

Season: Until November 23 at 8.00pm Venue: Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr Melbourne Rd and Electra St, Williamstown.

Tickets: $32/$28.

Bookings: www.wmtc.org.au or 1300 881 545.

- Cheryl Threadgold

● Kasia Kaczmarek (left), Ben Prendergast, Olga Makeeva, Mark Casamento and Matt Whitty (seated on floor) in NSFW at Red Stitch Theatre from November 22 – December 21.

Photo: Sarah Walker

Page 106 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke What’s Hot and What’s Not in BluRays and DVDs ● PARKLAND: Paul Giamatti as innocent bystander Abraham Zapruder. Along with others on that tragic day, he inadvertently became a part of history by filming the assassination of President John F. Kennedy resulting with what is now considered the most important piece of film of the 20th Century.

FILM: PARKLAND: Genre: Drama/Mystery/Thriller.

Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Jacki Weaver, Zac Efron, Paul Giamatti.

Year: 2013.

Rating: M. Running Time: 93 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: Produced by Oscar winner Tom Hanks and business partner Gary M. Goetzman, this is a straightforward and highly effective recounting of events that occurred in Dealey Plaza and at Dallas' Parkland Hospital in the immediate aftermath of the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy on the 22nd of November, 1963, and how a group of innocent citizens inadvertently became a part of history. Solid production design, period detail, pacing, archival footage and top notch cast keep emotions high, most notably Paul Giamatti as Abraham Zapruder, who inadvertently filmed the assassination, and Jacki Weaver as Marguerite Oswald, mother of suspected assassin Lee Harvey Oswald.

The irony here is that five decades after the tragedy many of these characters we know very little about, if anything at all in most cases. None have been the subject in a major feature film before. as a result makes Parkland unique and compelling viewing.

FILM: JFK - The 50th Anniversary Release: Genre: Drama/Thriller/History.

Cast: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Donald Sutherland.

Year: 1991.

Rating: M. Running Time: 206 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ****½ Verdict: Oscar winning filmmaker Oliver Stone's all-star-cast epic of real life New Orleans Attorney Jim Garrison who strongly believes there's much more to the John F. Kennedy assassination than the official story and goes after the truth. Outstanding cast are all at the top of their game, most notably comedian John Candy in his first and only dramatic role. The cast also includes Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci, Walter Matthau, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Bacon, Vincent D'Onofrio, narration by Martin Sheen and many more. Direction, 1963 production and costume design and period detail are all spot on, and topped off by a haunting music score by John Williams.

No matter what you believe, this is compelling viewing from beginning to end, and as a result, creates more questions than answers about JFK and the tragedy of November 22, 1963.

FILM: THE RIGHT STUFF - 30th Anniversary Edition: Genre: Drama/Adventure/History.

Cast: Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, Sam Shepard, Fred Ward, Dennis Quaid.

Year: 1983.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 193 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ****½ Verdict: Epic story of the original U.S. Mercury 7 astronauts and their macho at the birth the space program and space exploration, all in the shadow of legendary pilot Chuck Yeager and his breaking of the sound barrier. From the opening frame to the last you are compelled and totally gripped by every step of their extraordinary journey of adventure and wonder during times of tragedy, political and racial turmoil. Based on the best- selling book by Tom Wolfe and written and directed with tremendous skill and fierce grip by Philip Kaufman, the entire cast are right at their peak. Production design, period detail, editing, sound mixing and rousing Oscar winning music score by Bill Conti (Rocky) make this a rare example of exemplary filmmaking and storytelling at its best, and coming in at three hours and thirteen minutes in length, it still isn't long enough. Nominated for eight Academy awards, including Best Picture, winning four.

FILM: MAN OF STEEL: Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy.

Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, Laurence Fishburne.

Year: 2013.

Rating: M. Running Time: 143 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **½ Verdict: From cartoons to big screen serials in the 1940's, to TV shows and blockbuster movies, Superman has dominated the small and big screens in one form or another for over six decades. This latest incarnation bursts on to DVD and Blu-ray has our young Superman confronting his extraterrestrial heritage from the planet Krypton as Earth is invaded by members of his own surviving race. This reimagining of our classic superhero is an epic science fiction action adventure. Russell Crowe, as Superman's Krypton dad Jor-El, is no Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor is sorely missed, as is the humour. The action and special effects are unrelenting, and even though it's shallow and sometimes confusing and leaves you with barely time to breath, there's moments enjoy and seem to be having a lot of fun.

PACIFIC RIM

■ (M). 131 minutes. Available on DVD, Blu-Ray and 3D Blu-Ray on November 20.

With a directorial career now spanning 20 years, Mexican wunderkind Guillermo Del Toro (Cronos / Mimic / Devil's Backbone / Pan's Labyrinth) gets to release his inner child on a massive scale, and I mean massive.

This incredibly imaginative and talented film-maker goes back to a time when there was genuine excitement in watching a blockbuster movie.

The thrill and wonder of experiencing grand, old-fashioned entertainment such as The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad (1958), Fantastic Voyage (1966), Star Wars (1977), Superman : The Movie (1978), and Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981) fill our minds with nostalgic warmth that still holds up today.

Del Toro has managed to encapsulate that feeling to an astonishing degree, allowing us to revisit our childhood when watching memorable, larger-than-life images seemed to be the most important thing in the world.

The film wastes no time setting up its premise; a portal has opened deep in the ocean, allowing huge creatures to enter into our world, causing major destruction across the globe.

Mankind are able to fight these fearsome beasts by creating equally big robots, which are operated by a twoperson team who have to connect their minds with the machine's central computer.

At first man wins the war against the kaiju (monsters), but soon the tables are turned, and the human race looks as if it will be squashed by these formidable opponents.

With a base located in Hong Kong Bay, the last-stand group of robot (or Jaeger) pilots are made up of Becket (Charlie Hunnam), whose brother was killed during a particularly ferocious battle; Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi), who has yet to go into battle; Herc Hansen (Max Martini) and Chuck Hansen (Robert Kazinsky), two Aussies who went toe-totoe with a Kaiju in Sydney Harbour; as well as other skilled fighters from countries such as Russia and China.

Helping them try to understand and come up with a plan to defeat the monsters are two scientists, Newton Geiszler (Charlie Day) and Gottlieb (Burn Gorman), who are always comically criticising each other's theories.

Overseeing everything is Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba), an imposing officer who has been part of the Jaeger program from the very beginning.

The story may be simple, but del Toro crams so much into Pacific Rim, not only reliving his (and our) cinematic boyhood adventures, but also pays tribute to numerous films, comics, and animated TV shows.

With series such as Voltron, and Tetsujin 28 (known here as Gigantor), as well as all the Japanese monster movies from the 1950s and 60s (with a wonderful nod to director Ishiro Honda) as major influences, del Toro mixes it all into a large-scale brew, funnelling it through his unique, visually stunning sensibilities.

His films often deal with childhood innocence, but this time he is playing with ours, and whatever the shows and movies you grew up with, del Toro successfully taps into that part of us most of us thought was long gone.

Of the cast, Kikuchi (Tokyo Serendipity / Survive Style 5+ / Norwegian Wood / and received an Oscar nomination for her work in Babel), Elba (The Wire TV series / Thor / Prometheus), and del Toro regular Ron Perlman (Hellboy 1 and 2) stand out, but it is a pity the film-makers didn't use real Australian actors for the roles of Herc and Chuck.

There is also a lovely appearance by young actress Mana Ashida (Confessions / The Floating Castle / and was absolutely adorable in Bunny Drop) as the young Mori, and her expressive face is used to maximum effect.

While the characters aren't as richly drawn as in del Toro's serious offerings, they offer a perfect framework for the plentiful references and tributes.

The action has to be seen to be believed. Every fight, every battle, is an event in itself, leaving the viewer excited and exhausted in equal measure (if you missed this on the big screen then some of its impact will be lost).

The visual effects are outstanding (the Hong Kong base is a true eyeopener), and the creature design, as expected with del Toro, is exceptional.

If you have the proper set-up at home, 3D is the best way to view Pacific Rim, and shows what a genuinely visionary director can do with this frequently mis-used format.

Despite its Transformers-style marketing (making it probably the most misunderstood film of the year), Pacific Rim is the perfect film to reawaken the kid inside you, and it is a feeling worth cherishing.

RATING - ****.

- Aaron Rourke DVDs and Blu-Rays kindly supplied by Video Vision, 177-179 Carlisle Street, Balaclava. For information or bookings on Pacific Rim please call 9531 2544.

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THOR: THE DARK WORLD. 2. CAPTAIN PHILLIPS. 3. GRAVITY. 4. ABOUT TIME. 5. THE BUTLER. 6. PRISONERS. 7. 2 GUNS. 8. KRRISH 3.

9. GROWN UPS 2.

10. RUSH. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: NOVEMBER 7: BACKYARD ASHES, FRUITVALE STATION, INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2, MR. PIP, THE COUNSELOR. NOVEMBER 14: AIN'T THEM BODIES SAINTS, CAMILLE CLAUDEL 1915, ENOUGH SAID, HUNTING ELEPHANTS, JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA, THE FIFTH ESTATE. THE DVD TOP RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. MAN OF STEEL [Action/Fantasy/ Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon].

2. THE LONE RANGER [Action/Adventure/Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer].

3. WORLD WAR Z [Thriller/Brad Pitt, Daniella Kertesz].

4. THE HANGOVER: Part 3 [Comedy/Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis].

5. WE STEAL SECRETS: The Story of Wikileaks [Documentary].

6. DESPICABLE ME 2 [Animated/ Family/Adventure/Comedy/Steve Carell, Russell Brand].

7. EPIC [Animated/Adventure/Colin Farrell, Beyonce Knowles].

8. THE GREAT GATSBY [Drama/ Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan].

9. THE INTERNSHIP [Comedy/Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne].

10. STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS [Sci-Fi/Action/Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto].

Also: IRON MAN 3, FAST & FURIOUS 6, MUD, A HAUNTED HOUSE, THE BLING RING, SHARKNADO, McCANICK, CURSE OF CHUCKY, KILLING SEASON, THE FLOWERS OF WAR. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: PARKLAND [Drama/Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob Thornton, Jacki Weaver, Zac Efron].

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY [Animated/ Billy Crystal, John Goodman].

THIS IS THE END [Comedy/Fantasy/ Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill].

AS I LAY DYING [Drama/James Franco, Danny McBride].

ABOMINABLE CHRISTMAS [Animated/Family/Ray Liotta, Emilio Estevez].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: TWILIGHT FOREVER: The Complete Saga [Romance/Horror/Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: CLIFF RICHARD: Live At The Sydney Opera House.

THE FOLLOWING: Season One. FRINGE: Season 5.

COAST: Series 8.

NIKITA: Season 3.

HEART OF DIXIE: Season 2.

Turn To Page 113

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - Page 107

Observer Showbiz

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

‘THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA’ SHOWS ■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Light in the Piazza (a musical by Craig Lucas, based on a novella by Elizabeth Spencer), until November 16 at 29 Burke Road, East Malvern. Director: Alan Burrows. Tickets: $20, Groups 10+ $18 per person. Bookings: 1300 131 552.

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Are You Being Served? (a comedy by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft) Until November 23 at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, 39 - 41 Castella Street, Lilydale. Director: Colin Morley. Bookings: 9735 1777, Mon, Tues, Fri between 10.00am and 2.00pm.

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Dusk Rings a Bell Until November 23 at Brighton theatre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Streets, Brighton. Director: Helen Ellis. Bookings: 1300 752 126.

■ Peridot Theatre: Easy Virtue (by Noel Coward) November 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23 at 8.00pm, November 16 at 2.15pm, November 17 at 4.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Road, Mt Waverley. Director: Horrie Leek. Tickets: $23/$20. Bookings: 1300 138 645.

■ Mooroolbark Theatre Group: Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders (by Derek Webb) Until November 6 at the Mooroolbark Community Centre, 125 Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark.

Tickets: $16/$14. Bookings: 9726 4282.

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Funny Money (by Ray Cooney) Until November 16 at the Strathmore Community Centre, Corner Loeman and Napier Streets, Strathmore. Director: Mel de Bono. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org/reservations ■ Beaumaris Theatre: The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee, Until November 30 at 82 Wells Road, Beaumaris. Director: Leah Osburn; Musical Director: Malcom Huddle. Cabaret seating, BYO everything. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9583 6896 or email info@beaumaristheatre.com.au ■ The Basin Theatre: Lend Me a Tenor Until November 30 at The Basin Theatre, Corner Doongalla and Simpson Roads, The Basin. Director: Joe Tuppenney. Tickets: $25 incl. complimentary parking, program and all refreshments, $20 Groups 10 or more.

Bookings: www.thebasintheatre.org.au or 1300 784 668 between 7.00pm and 9.00pm.

■ MLOC Productions: The Producers Until November 16 at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Road, Elwood. Director: Jane Court; Musical Director: Ian Nisbet; Choreographer: Taylor Hollands. Bookings: www.mloc.org.au ■ Williamstown Music Theatre Company: Urinetown Until November 23 at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Corner Melbourne Road and Electra Street, Williamstown. Director: Anna Marinelli; Choreographer: Carla White; Musical Director: Malcolm Fawcett. Tickets: $32/$28. Bookings: www.wmtc.org.au 1300 881 545.

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Dixie Swim Club Until November 23 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale. Director: Cheryl Richards. Tickets: $24/$22. Bookings: 9587 5141 or www.mordialloctheatre.com.au ■ Eltham Little Theatre: Peril on the High Seas (by Billy St John) November 14 - 30 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Street, Research. Director: Mick Poor. Tickets: $22.50 (no concession). Bookings: 9437 1574.

■ Mornington CEF Players: Jesus Christ Superstar November 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8.00pm, November 17 and 24 at 2.00pm at the Bellamy Hall, Queens Street, Mornington. Tickets: $22/$18/ $14, Family of four $65. Bookings: www.cefplayers.com.au or 0467 185176.

■ Warrandyte '55 Plus' Variety Group: Around the World in Music and Song at the Warrandyte Senior Citizens Club Hall, 13 Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte. Concert: Saturday, November 16 at 1.00pm for 1.15pm start. $14.00 donation, including afternoon tea served after the performance. Cabaret: Friday, November 22 at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Tea/coffee provided. BYO everything else. Bookings for both events: Allan 9877 1077.

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: A Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Forum November 14 - 30 at the Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown. Director: Barbara Hughes. Tickets: $28/$25. Bookings: 9885 9678 or www.wlt.org.au ■ Frankston Theatre Group: Three One Act Comedies November 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 at 8.00pm and November 24 and December 1 at 2.00pm at the Mount Eliza Community Centre, Canadian Bay Road, Mount Eliza. 1. Easy Stages (by Nick Warburton), Director: Rob Lister; 2. Brenton vs Brenton (by David Tristram), Director: David McCall; 3. A Night Out (by Frank Vickery), Director: Keith Gledhill. Cabaret style. BYO drink and nibbles. Tickets: $26.50/$24.50. Bookings: 1300 665 377 ■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The 39 Steps November 15 - 30 at the Mechanics Institute Hall, Yarra Street, Warrandyte.

Bookings: 0488 333575 or www.warrandytehallarts.asn.au/theatre ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Steel Magnolias (Robert Harling) November 21 - December 7 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Director: Brett Turner. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9457 4117 www.htc.org.au

Melbourne

Observer THE PRODUCERS

Peril On The High Seas

● Rebecca Friedman, left, plays Heroine Merry Ann Sweet and Llaaneath Poor is the nasty Aracnia Webb in Eltham Little Theatre's music hall Peril On The High Seas opening on November 14.

Photo: Beth Klein ■ Eltham Little Theatre's 2013 season finishes with the music hall Peril On The High Seas, being presented from November 14 - 30 at 8 pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1605 Main R d, Research.

Written by Billy St John and directed by Mick Poor, this riotous melodrama takes place aboard the H.M.S. Majestic.

Will Snively Swine succeed in kidnapping the lovely heiress Merry Ann Sweet, and will lowly waiter Cary be able to keep Merry out of Swine's evil clutches?

Watch as an odd collection of colourful and eccentric passengers help Cary put the damper on Swine.

Presented in cabaret style. BYO food and drink.

Tickets: $22.50 (no concession) Bookings: 9437 1574.

● Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Michael Young) wants his cheque from Little Old Ladies Karen Shnider (left), Clare Andrews and Bobbie Gardner in The Producers.

Photo: Trevor Lowther ■ MLOC's production of the Mel Brooks's musical The Producers continues until November 16 at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly R d, Elwood, at 8 pm, with a 2 pm matinee also on November 16.

This bright, entertaining show is under the direction of Jane Court, with musical direction by Ian Nisbet and choreography by Taylor Hollands.

Tickets: $32/$30/$28

ARABELLA

AUDITIONS ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Almost Maine (by John Cariani) November 18 from 7.30pm. Director: Kris Weber. For audition bookings email kris@keweber.com ■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Great Gatsby November 23 at 9.00am and November 25 at 7.30pm at 82 Wells Road, Beaumaris.

Director: Kristina Doucouliagos. Audition bookings: 0408 332 175.

■ Brighton Theatre Company: As Bees in Honey Drown November 24, 25 at 7.30pm at Brighton Theatre, Corner Wilson and Carpenter Streets, Brighton. Director: Peter Newling. Audition bookings: peternewling@gmail.com.

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Glass Menagerie November 24, 25 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Director: Karen Wakeham. Audition bookings: htc@htc.org.ai or www.htc.org.au ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Trap for a Lonely Man November 24 at 2.30pm and November 25 at 7.30pm at 29 Burke Road, Malvern. Director: Kevin Trask. Audition bookings: 0417 517 210.

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Natural Causes (by Eric Chappell) November 24 at 2.00pm, November 25 at 7.00pm at Eltham Little theatre, 1603 Main Road, Research. Director: Mel de Bono. Audition bookings: 9467 1502.

■ Sherbrooke Theatre Company: Sylvia (by A.R. Gurney) November 25 at 7.30pm at The Shed, Factory 4, 22 Jesmond Road, Croydon. Director: Bob Bramble.Audition bookings: 0418 586 273.

■ Fab Nobs Theatre Inc: Xanadu the Musical November 23, 24, 25. Director: Steven Valeri; Musical Director: Simon D'Aquino; Choreographer: Sheona Gregg. See www.fabnobstheatre.com.au for more information.

■ MLOC Productions: Thoroughly Modern Millie Information Evening, Tuesday November 26 at 8.00pm at the Parkdale Church of Christ hall, 174 Como Parade, Parkdale. Director: Lyn Laister.

Auditions: December 5, 6, 7. Audition bookings: 9589 4912.

■ Aspect Theatre: Blood Brothers Information Evening November 29 at 7.30pm at Aspendale Gardens Community Centre, 103105 Kearney Drive, Aspendale Gardens. Auditions December 3, 4, 7 at the same venue. Director: Jane Court. Enquiries and bookings: Trish 0421 604 849.

■ Frankston Theatre Group: The Diary of Anne Frank (dramatized by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett) December 8 from 3.00pm, December 10 from 7.30pm at the Mechanics Hall, Corner Nepean Highway and Plowman's Place, Frankston. Director: Roy Thompson. Audition bookings: 0419 304 650.

● Dan Goronszy in Arabella, at La Mama Courthouse until November 24.

Photo: Adrian Carmody ■ The joy of having the La Mama venues in Melbourne is that they enable us to experience such a diversity of medium in theatre.

Arabella (devised by Malia Walsh, performed by Malia, Rockie Stone, Marianna Joslin and Dan Goronszy) is a performance piece that, without La Mama and one or two other venues, would not be seen.

Puppetry, circus, the sound track and the set, which is basically comprised of dozens of cardboard boxes, depict the struggles Arabella has to keep control of the multitude of memories that make up herself.

Designers Tim Tropp (costumes) and Hamish Fletcher have given the performers the basic materials with which to work (the boxes depict each of Arabella's memories) and have also used them to form a giant puppet that emerges at the climax of the show.

The initial scene, using shadow puppets and voice over, establishes the premise.

Visually this is an interesting work, particularly for those wanting to explore the use of the human body and diverse mediums in expressing emotions and ideas.

It has obviously evolved and developed using the individual skills and talents of the performers, of which there are many. It has a surreal quality that does have appeal. The whole show was certainly appreciated by the enthusiastic opening night audience.

However this writer found some of the scenes somewhat inaccessible and repetitive. I do think the creators want the audience to be involved with Arabella's journey and to take different ideas away as to what is happening for her, but it becomes distracting and tiring to continuously have to try to understand what is meant to be happening or being depicted.

Perhaps the best way to approach this piece is to just sit back, experience and absorb it.

Performance Season: Until November 24 Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St Carlton Time: Wed, Sun 6.30pm, Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm.

Price: $25 Full, $15 Concession Bookings: Online www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6142 - Review by Janine Chugg

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 108 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 35 Across

1. Saved 6. Dental hole 11. Victorious cheer 15. Waterfront worker 20. Module 21. Strangely 22. Horse's neck hair 23. Edition 25. Discuss 26. Arctic sea bird 27. More pleasant 29. Single eyeglass 32. Small duck 34. Uncontrolled slide 36. Green gemstone 39. Hide away 41. Ticked over 43. Crème de la crème 46. Snooped 48. Once the ninth planet 49. Provides with personnel 51. Tiny amount 52. Symbolised 55. Widespread 56. Step 59. Hunter star formation 61. Soft-drink flavour 62. False god 63. Doled (out) 64. Beholden 67. Wander 68. Floor-cleaning liquid 70. Close at hand 71. Scrape together (4,2) 72. Chefs' smocks 73. Cure 74. Park seat 75. Guaranteed 77. Bereaved wife 78. Sends via Internet 79. Sufferer for cause 82. Golf hole scores 86. Scientist, Sir Isaac ...

87. Jacob's Old Testament twin 89. Social expulsion 92. Furtive peek 94. Velvet-like leather 96. Indecent material 98. "No" votes 100. Backless chair 101. Cat's cries 103. Dairy drink 105. Oily fruit 106. Stages of journey 108. Prepare path, ... the way 111. Outlaid money 112. Adopted (policy) 114. Of bone system 116. In proportion, pro ...

119. Actress, ... Thompson 120. Cup edges 121. Greenwich Mean Time (1,1,1) 123. Minuscule particle 124. Crowds 125. Less detailed 126. Hotel check-in desk 127. Experimental models (4-3) 130. Egg cells 131. Street stalls 135. Car smash 138. Gullible folk 139. Prude 141. Dorky youths 144. Bottle stopper 146. Donkey 147. Bring up (kids) 148. Drink daintily 149. Reminder 150. Cut into shape 151. Meat cutlet 152. Tidier 153. Trifling 155. Therefore 157. Shoe lining 158. Follow orders 160. Each year, per ...

161. Incidental comment 162. Sturdy 163. Unrestrained revelry 165. Standards 166. Possess

Across

Down

Down

167. Grow old 168. Come in 169. Conformed, ... the line 171. Oscillate 172. Increased 175. Uses straw 176. Henpecks 179. Made play on words 180. Ready for picking 182. Body fluid lump 184. Glimpses 185. Flog 186. Information 188. Shut loudly 189. Zilch 190. Tennis ace, ... Sampras 191. Commercial breaks 193. Lentil dish 194. Come next 196. Principal 197. Pronto (1,1,1,1) 198. Patron saint of France 200. Disheartens 205. Boxer, Muhammad ...

207. Concentrated flavouring 210. Break from rule 211. Sorrowful 212. Main Indonesian island 213. Brief calm 214. ... the season to be jolly ('3) 216. Verbal exam 218. Fabled whale, ... Dick 219. Cargo 220. Witty remark (3-5) 224. Comprehended 227. Speaks 229. Please reply (1,1,1,1) 230. Friend in war 231. Phantom Of The ...

232. Cycled 233. Valley 235. My Big Fat ... Wedding 237. Active Sicilian volcano 239. Brink 241. Festivities 244. Famed lioness 246. Pretended (4-5) 249. Poems 252. Appliance, ... cleaner 254. Of poor quality 256. Muddled (up) 258. Model for public ridicule 259. Tibet's ... Lama 260. Meatball 263. Hindu land 264. Jewish scholars 265. Swiss cereal 267. Arrested 270. Opponents 271. Become sparser (4,3) 272. Went sour (of milk) 273. Beastlier 274. Rent 277. Dad 279. Red-skinned cheese 281. Devonshire tea item 284. Fortune 286. Off-limits, ... area (2-2) 288. Liver sac (4,7) 292. Chinese gooseberry, ... fruit 294. Author, Leon ...

295. Immature 298. Tribal senior 300. W African nation, Sierra ...

301. Metric length unit 303. Police informers 306. Unspecified person 308. Shallowest of the five Great Lakes 309. Grasp 311. Colonised 314. Hymn, Ave ...

315. Self-love 316. Rope (off) 317. Different 318. Kidney fat 319. US naval port, San ...

320. Stitched 321. Merest 322. Greek island 323. Chatter 324. Charming

1. Windless 2. Naming word 3. Eject from home 4. Flower jars 5. Song for two 6. Drumming insect 7. Circular coral reef 8. Heathen 9. Low-bowled cricket delivery 10. Beautiful youth 11. Dash 12. Cultured 13. Out-of-order 14. Yearn 15. Transmit 16. Do well (at) 17. Kind of heron 18. Killer whale 19. Writer, ... Blyton 24. Reprimand, ... on the wrist 28. Large birds 30. Actor, ... Sharif 31. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco 33. One or the other 35. Local sayings 37. Strong cord 38. Delicate fabric 40. Tropical shrub 42. Wear down 44. 24-hour car race (2,4) 45. Sore to touch 47. Stench 48. Hair bleach 49. Climbed up on 50. Central American republic 53. Spoils rotten 54. Angry outbursts 57. Alertness 58. Swirling 60. Disabled (racehorse) 63. Inflatable life jacket (3,4) 65. Cricketing extras 66. Facts 68. Raise stakes, up the ...

69. Steam press 76. Reactor fuel 79. Tight-lipped 80. Relative sizes 81. Egg yellows 83. Stroll 84. Leap forward 85. I ... with my little eye 88. Insurance estimators 90. Trampled, ... on 91. Frosts (biscuits) 93. Beachfront mall 95. Arabian prince 97. Countless 99. Straddling 100. Coal vein 102. Revises (manuscript) 104. Stagger 107. Flee with lover 109. Formula One car sound 110. Bullets 111. Light industry area, business ...

113. Gourmet 115. Booting (out) 117. Go berserk, run ...

118. Aid in crime 121. Earns before tax 122. Captured 127. Exaggeratedly masculine 128. Chilli con ...

129. Aptly 132. Punctuation marks 133. Early anaesthetic 134. Sentimental 135. Type of pheasant 136. Murderers 137. Pompous

138. Breast x-ray 140. Stiff-legged march (5,4) 141. Left untended 142. Dog, ... ridgeback 143. Haste 145. On edge (5-2) 151. Played the fool 154. Incurred (expenses) (3,2) 156. All set 159. Derisive shout 164. Suppress 169. Hauled 170. Lengthy movies 173. Tapering flag 174. Choux pastries, chocolate ...

177. White-faced 178. Get to the bottom of 181. Mentally picture 183. Sequin 187. Letter sleeves 192. Shook loose 195. Impure 199. Poured forth 201. Iraq's neighbour 202. Breakfast or dinner 203. Skims swiftly 204. ... Fools' Day 206. Pablo Casals' instrument 207. Obliterate 208. Shady trees 209. Square-sided prism 213. Songbird 215. Frozen regions 217. Mining magnate, ... Hancock 221. Peruvian mammal 222. Sprite 223. Staff roster 224. Spellbound 225. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2) 226. Brainwaves 228. Curios (4-1-4) 234. Planner of ship's course 236. Well-read 238. Revenge, tit for ...

240. Deity 242. Matters 243. In general 245. Schooling 247. Romantic & poetic 248. Corrected (text) 250. Physicist, Albert ...

251. Caravan nomads 253. Dish, bangers & ...

255. Crushing defeat 257. Smooth 258. Ireland (Gaelic) 261. Pulsing light 262. Lubricant container 265. Street assailant 266. Actor's platform 268. Trumpet sound 269. Actor, ... MacPherson 275. European currency unit 276. Wiry-haired dog, ... terrier 278. Blocked (blow) 280. Black mark 282. Zodiac crossover 283. Egyptian river 285. Salad fish 287. The Naked Chef, Jamie ...

289. Famous insurance body 290. Encircled 291. Church lay officer 292. Danish monetary units 293. Independent 296. Enthusiasm 297. Courage 299. End of life 302. Neither these nor ...

304. Greenfly 305. Asian republic, South ...

306. Congeals 307. Short skirt 308. Compass point 310. Performed 312. Jeans pioneer, ... Strauss 313. ... dong dell

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - Page 109

Solution on Page 102

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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 110 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Melbourne

Observer

Travellers’Good Buys

with David Ellis

LOSING IT BY THE TRUCKLOAD

■ Back in 1970 an entrepreneurial Doyle Owens borrowed a mate’s utility and $300 and went off to the Trailways Bus Lines depot in Washington DC in America, where they were selling off piles of clothes and books, cameras and backpacks, sportsgoods and jewellery, and even whole suitcases of clothes left unclaimed by passengers from its road coaches and in city terminals.

He bought as much as he could with his $300, advertised a garage sale and sold the lot – for a nice profit. And when another sale came up, he bought-up just about everything they had, resigned from his insurance company job, and started full-time buying and re-selling “lost property” left on trains, planes, coaches and in hotels, across America.

Today his Unclaimed Baggage Centre (UBC) turns-over millions of dollars-worth of unclaimed and lost property every year in its UBC Department Store in the town of Scottsboro in Alabama, and also donates hundreds of thousands of dollars-worth to charities world-wide.

And they’re never short of stuff for replenishing shelves, clothing racks, jewellery and electronics counters: although only a fraction of one-percent of travellers’ luggage, carry-on and other items are never re-united with their owners, that fraction still amounts to hundreds of thousands of items every year.

● Inside the Unclaimed Baggage Centre on an average day: a million bargain-hunters pour through the store annually.

Melbourne

Observer Wines & Liqueurs

with David Ellis

FIANO PROVES FABULOUS FIND ■ Fiano is a very popular white in the Mediterranean, hailing from Italy’s southern Campania region as well as from the island of Sicily, and is now starting to get the attention of grapegrowers and winemakers here – and with consumers, too, discovering it’s enjoyably vibrant and bright fruit flavours and rich palate.

One local maker with a Fiano worth seeking out is McLaren Vale’s Serafino Wines, that was founded by Steve (Serafino) Maglieri in 1968, and who’s now-Chief Winemaker, Charles Whish is a Jimmy Watson Trophy recipient.

Their 2013 Serafino Bellissimo Fiano bursts with citrus and stone fruit aromas, and is crisp and refreshing in the mouth, offering nice hints of honeysuckle and lemon citrus.

Made from fruit handpicked from Serafino’s first Fiano crop, it’s sure to instantly appeal to those who enjoy broadening their wine-tasting experiences.

Particularly enjoyable with seafoods, at $18 match it as we go into our warmer months with whole ovenbaked fish such as snapper, a fresh garden salad and garlic bread – just as they do back in its Mediterranean homeland.

One to note

■ Western Australia’s Ferngrove has launched a new-era Limited Release range from the Frankland River in the State’s famed Great Southern region, including a rewarding 2011 Malbec.

Senior Winemaker, Kim Horton says the range epitomises the best from Frankland River, that’s one of the coolest wine-producing areas in WA. And the 2011 Malbec is one, he says, the whole Ferngrove team is particularly excited about, as while displaying robust tannins and dark plum and spice on the palate, it’s interestingly restrained rather than a smack-in-the-mouth flavour hit.

Pay $20 and match this buy-now, drink-now drop with pork and fennel sausages served with potato mash infused with a good handful of Italian parsley.

Pictured

■ Discover the pleasures of this Fiano, a little-known drop here that’s sure to prove as popular as in its homeland Italy.

■ Nicely flavoursome, yet restrained rather than a smack-in-themouth.

UBC estimates that in the United States 80 to 90 per cent of travellers’ “lost” bags and other items are returned to owners within 24 hours of being reported missing, and 95 to 98 per cent within five days.

After three months the remainder – together with personal items left in seat pockets, overhead racks and bins, under seats or in hotel rooms – and deemed impossible to connect with their owners, are sold to UBC… who guarantee to buy the lot, sight unseen and by the truck-load.

And it’s not just luggage (most of which goes missing through poor or no identification) or thousands of sunglasses, mobile phones, books, laptops, jewellery, DVDs, watches and cameras that forgetful travellers leave behind.

Let UBC start talking and you could wonder if they’re having you on … but the company’s vast Unclaimed Baggage Centre that’s two-thirds the size of a football field, is proof as to just how weird are things that some people travel with.

As well as tens of thousands of “regular” items like those above, others unclaimed have included glass eyes, prosthetic arms and legs, wigs and toupees, false teeth, human medical specimens – and sex toys.

Raunchy female underwear and mens’Y-fronts are regular finds in airline toilets, making one wonder what fellow travellers have either been up to, or have in mind, while single shoes have been found under plenty of seats – and on one flight a single Dutch clog – which again makes one wonder how you could get off a plane wearing one shoe.

Pets too are regularly left unclaimed after being carried either in baggage holds or in pet-carriers in passenger compartments, with caged parrots, an agitated falcon, tortoises, a frog and a live rattlesnake left on baggage carousels… and on one flight, a live monkey dressed-up in a doggy Santa suit was discovered in a pet-carrier left under an aircraft seat.

A hand-written marriage proposal was found in the back of a seat after passengers had left one flight, wedding dresses are regularly left on baggage carousels, and never claimed from one flight was a complete suit of armour… and another a double bass.

Staff found a bag of diamonds in one airline First Class seat, a box of dried fish, a bag of onions and a single boiled egg in other seats… even a portable Missile Guidance System (that was returned to the US Air Force.)

And under a seat in which a star of Charlie’s Angels had flown on yet another flight, a script for an upcoming episode … all clothing found in suitcases and elsewhere is laundered or dry-cleaned before going on sale at UBC’s sprawling Alabama store, technicians erase whatever’s found on unclaimed computers, fine jewellery is professionally cleaned, and slightlydamaged goods are repaired.

Then it all (an amazing 7000 new items a day) goes up for sale at 20 to 80 per cent below retail to UBC’s nearmillion bargain-hunters a year – and what doesn’t sell after a reasonable time is given to charity to make way for more stuff left behind by the for-

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - Page 111

Victoria Pictorial

Melbourne Shops Historic Photo Collection

● Shoppers. Bourke Street, Melbourne. 1950s.

● City shoppers outside Brash’s. 1950s

● Tram passing Roger David store, Melbourne.

● Shops. Elizabeth St, Melbourne. 1930s.

● The Block, Collins St. 1911.

● Bourke St, Melbourne. 1915.

● Melbourne newspaper kiosk. 1991.

● Coles Book Arcade. 1931. Last day of trade.

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Page 112 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

MELB. CUP FOR GREYHOUNDS

■ The four-dog Shootout at Sandown last Thursday night (Nov. 7) proved an outstanding contest, with the $50,000 winner take all prize claimed by local Xylia Allen.

Prepared by Jenny Hunt, XyliaAllen will earn connections a $1 million bonus if she also claims the Melbourne Cup later this month, and the Sapphire Crown, courtesy of a Triple Crown bonus established by the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club.

And that feat could be a likely event based on Xylia Allen's performance last Thursday night. Undoubtedly she is in peak form coming into the Melbourne Cup series.

Overall Xylia Allen has now recorded 19 wins and 17 placings from 46 starts for stakemoney of over $450,000.

Huge return

■ While on Sandown, general grandstand dining packages for the Melbourne Cup Final night on Thursday, November 28 are sold out, and a capacity crowd is expected.

Sandown have a proud history of making a huge success of their big night. In years past, big name celebrity guests from here and abroad were the big drawcards along with the racing.

Names such as Robert Stack, Elke Sommer, Greg Norman and Peter Brock are among those who presented the Cup and mingled with the crowd.

These days, cash and prizes draw

Greyhounds

with Kyle Galley the public to the course, and Sandown again has a massive night planned with some lucky patrons to be selected for a chance to win $500,000 on the spinning wheel.

Overall close to $1.5 million in cash and prizes could go off on the night.

The TAB is also providing $500,000 to start off the Quadrella pool on the night, which could lead to a huge return for punters.

Our future

■ The importance of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams in the racing industry cannot be emphasised enough, as they are the future of the sport.

With this in mind Greyhound Racing Victoria launched the Eric and Jan Wilson Scholarship in 2011. Jan Wilson was a former Chair of Greyhound Racing Victoria and in her will bequeathed an amount of money to be

awarded as a scholarship to applicants aged under 30 on a yearly basis.

This money was matched by GRV and for a 10-year period the Scholarships will enable young industry participants to pursue their dreams.

As a person with a long standing involvement in the sport, I was fortunate enough to be awarded one of the inaugural scholarships, and I can attest to the importance of not only the financial side of the project but also the recognition from all areas of the industry that comes with being a successful applicant.

Young people with an interest in veterinary practices, training, administration and the media from all parts of Victoria have benifitted from the Scholarships.

Nominations are now being taken for the 2014 scholarships, to be announced early next year, and full details are on the Greyhound Racing Victoria website - www.grv.org.au

More expansion

■ An already busy weekly greyhound racing schedule in Victoria is about to expand again.

Following negotiations between Greyhound Racing Victoria and Sky Channel, an extra three race meetings per month will be staged locally, starting in December.

The extra meetings will take place in the early evening timeslot on Sunday's, and will be spread between Bendigo, Ballarat, Cranbourne,

Horses

Sport in the Observer ■ Hunting: Pages 17-18 ■ Horses Trader 79-80, 99-100 ■ Greyhounds: Page 112 ■ Harness Racing Len Baker is on leave ■ Thoroughbred Racing Page 113 Geelong, Shepparton and Warragul.

The meetings will be designed to cater for lower grade greyhounds, which may struggle to gain a start at existing meetings.

As an example, the Warragul club presently races twice weekly, but easily receives enough entries to conduct a third and sometimes a fourth meeting per week if allowed.

Many of the greyhounds that these extra meetings are aimed at would be prepared by hobby trainers, who race dogs in their spare time, so the Sunday timeslot will suit.

The trial of these extra meetings will conclude in March, when GRV will assess their popularity and impact on existing dates, before making any commitment to running them permanently In total, there will now be 87 greyhound race meetings staged in Victoria .

next month alone.

Betting in greyhound racing with the TAB is on the increase, in fact the percentage increase in greyhound betting in recent years have often outperformed the other two codes.

Coming Up

■ Upcoming race meetings: Wednesday: The Meadows (Day), Bendigo (Twilight), Cranbourne (Night), Ballarat (Night); Thursday: Traralgon (D), Shepparton (T), Sandown Park (N), Warrnambool (N); Friday: Warragul (T), Geelong (N); Saturday: Bendigo (T), The Meadows (N); Sunday: Healesville (D), Sandown Park (D), Sale (T); Monday: Ballarat (D), Geelong (T), Shepparton (N); Tuesday: Horsham (T), Warragul (N).

- Kyle Galley

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - Page 113

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

ZOUSTAR SHINES ■ Australia's most outstanding three yearold colt continues to shine with his ability.

Victorian racegoers had their first look at the flying colt when he clashed with the other three- year olds in the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.

The 93,000 crowd really saw something when Zoustar blitzed them in the Group One race.

Victorian fans were very pleased with what they saw.

Zoustar not only bolted in, but gave one of Australia's best and likeable jockey's, Jimmy Cassidy, his 100th Group One win.

One of two Group one winners for leading Sydney trainer, Chris Waller, Zoustar came from near last under a tight hold from Cassidy to win running away; scoring by two lengths, but it could have been a lot more.

Having now established himself as Australia's leading three year-old, and the country's hottest and most exciting galloper, Zoustar could be heading overseas to have a tilt at next year's Royal Ascot Carnival.

After joining Roy Higgins and George Moore in the 100 club of Group One winners, Cassidy described Zoustar as a "machine".

"I have ridden some great colts in the past 30 years, but he is a deadset star".

The win was Zoustar's third straight success for the explosive son of the illfated Northern Meteor, who was bred in Queensland and sold twice by Magic Millions before arriving in Chris Waller's stables.

After his win in the Coolmore his stake winnings have rocketed to $ 1.4 million.

This gave his new connections a multi million dollar deal for the prized colt.

The deal was struck by the Iskader Racing Group, who purchased Zoustar for only $ 140,000, at last year's Magic Millions Yearling Sale, with Widden Stud, one of the country's most historic and successful breeding operations.

Zoustar was bred in Queensland by well known breeder

Ted Ryan

and high ranking administrator, Kevin Dixon, under his Racetree banner, and sold to KP Thoroughbreds for $85,000 at the 2011 yearling sale.

Chloe and Rhys Smith purchased Zoustar as a weanling and prepared him from their Blandford property at Kulani Park, before offering him as a yearling on the Gold Coast, about severn months later.

Zoustar's dam Zozou, is a half-sister to the Group One Placed seven time winner, Crestfallen as well as the Melbourne based Group Two winner, Dusty Star.

Zoustar follows a long line of recent Magic Millions graduates who starred on the track and headed to stud in deals that valued each colt at many millions of dollars each.

Have a look at list following: Sebring, Stratum, Pierro, Casino Prince, Testa Rossa, General Nediym, Savabeel, Delago De Luxe, Snitzel, Shocking and Not A Single Doubt.

Exceed

■ Australia's leading sire, Exceed and Excel, is enhancing his reputation with a big win in the United States.

His son, Outstrip, won the Breeder's Cup Juvenile in great style.

He was recently remated with our great mare, Black Caviar, after she failed to conceive the first time

around. However it was good news all round the second time, with the great mare, found to be in foal.

Parade

■ The Peter Jones Group is to be congratulated with the outstanding success of the Emirates Melbourne Cup held in the City on Cup Eve. I have officiated at each one of the Cup Parades since they first started more than 30 years ago.

Originally they were telecasted live on Channel 10 back then with leading sporting man Phil Gibbs in charge.

Peter and his team under Deborah Stuckey have organised it brilliantly each year which is no mean feat.

In this year alone there were 101 sections of the parade commencing from Bourke St along Swanston St , and finishing at Federation Square where the big show of owners trainers and jockeys present their cases as to why they will win the much sought after Melbourne Cup. The Parade starts off with the Mounted Police and winds up with the riders and their mounts from the high country.

The Melbourne Cup was carried by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Robert Doyle, alongside the Chairman of the Victoria Racing Club, Michael Burn and the trophy.

The trophy is valued at $125,000 and is

made of 18 carat gold.

Noted for its loving cup design, the trophy is one of the most identifiable sporting trophies anywhere in the world.

It is a national icon embedded in Australia's cultural fabric.

Some of the Melbourne Cup winners paraded, they included Doriemus, who won the Cup in 1995, Brew successful in 2000, Might and Power, in 1997, and Rogan Josh who won it for Bart Cummings in 1999.

While the 2007 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient looked in fine fettle.

All runners in this year's Melbourne Cup were represented by owners, trainers or jockeys.

While a number of former Melbourne Cup winning jockeys were there. John Letts who does all the interviews on Channel Seven, aboard his pony Banjo.

John won two Melbourne Cups on Piping Lane in 1972, the first metric Melbourne Cup and then in 1980 on Beldale Ball.

Jim Johnson won aboard Gatum Gatum in 1963, and then two successive wins on Rain Lover in 1968-9.

Greg Hall won on Subzero in 1992 and Wayne Harris in 1994 on Jeune.

Others were Midge Didham on Baghdad Note in 1970 and Bob Skelton in 1976 aboard Van Der Hum, the wettest Cup I have been to. Roy Higgins was there, he saluted on Light Fingers in 1965 and Red Handed in 1967.

On a sad note no Bart Cummings, no runner in the Cup this year, with his only entry Precedence not getting a run.

● Zoustar Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 106

Top 10 Lists

THE ROLLING STONES: Sweet Summer Sun Hyde Park Live.

BANSHEE: Season One. TOP BLU-RAY RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. MAN OF STEEL 3D + Blu-ray [Action/Fantasy/Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon].

2. THE LONE RANGER [Action/Adventure/ Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer].

3. WORLD WAR Z 3D + Blu-Ray [Thriller/Brad Pitt, Daniella Kertesz].

4. THE HANGOVER: Part 3 [Comedy/Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis].

5. DESPICABLE ME 2 [Animated/Family/Adventure/Comedy/Steve Carell, Russell Brand].

6. WE STEAL SECRETS: The Story of Wikileaks [Documentary].

7. THE INTERNSHIP [Comedy/Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne].

8. EPIC [Animated/Adventure/Colin Farrell, Beyonce Knowles].

9. THE GREAT GATSBY 3D + Blu-Ray [Drama/ Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire].

10. STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS 3D + BluRay [Sci-Fi/Action/Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto].

Also: Fast & Furious 6, The Jungle Book, The Wizard of Oz: 75th Anniversary Edition 3D, Mud, The Bling Ring, McCanick, Sharknado, Killing Season, Iron Man 3D + Blu-Ray, The Little Mermaid 3D + Blu-Ray. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: PARKLAND [Drama/Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob Thornton, Jacki Weaver, Zac Efron].

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY [Animated/Billy Crystal, John Goodman].

THIS IS THE END [Comedy/Fantasy/Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill].

AS I LAY DYING [Drama/James Franco, Danny McBride].

THE ROLLING STONES: Sweet Summer Sun Hyde Park Live.

CLIFF RICHARD: Live At The Sydney Opera House.

THE FOLLOWING: Season One. FRINGE: Season 5.

NIKITA: Season 3.

BANSHEE: Season One. - James Sherlock

Len Baker travels

■ Our harness racing columnist, Len Baker, is travelling overseas this week. We expect his column to return next issue (Nov. 20).

Dibs on Damdino

● Jimmy Cassidy Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

■ Making the effort to phone UK-based trainer Marco Botti has paid dividends for Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver.

The man who partnered Fiorente to Emirates Melbourne Cup victory seven days ago was yesterday (Tues.) confirmed as the rider for the Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock-raced Dandino in the A$2 million Hong Kong Vase (2400m) at next month’s Hong Kong International Raceday.

The Dandino mount became one of the prized rides once it was announced connections would be replacing Ryan Moore, who partnered Dandino into fifth position in the Melbourne Cup, and ATB’s Darren Dance said Oliver’s professionalism and form played their part in him winning the ride.

“We had a chat to Marco and decided to go with either a Hong Kong or Australian rider for Hong Kong,” Dance said.

“We had a lot of riders ring, including Damien, but at the end of the end of the day I think Damien was the only one who privately rung Marco."

■ International Spring Racing Carnival visitors Dunaden and Simenon will continue their global racing odyssey in Japan after departing Melbourne yesterday (Tues.).

French veteran Dunaden and Irish stayer Simenon, 11th and fourth respectively in last week’s Emirates Melbourne Cup, have flown out to tackle the Group 1 Japan Cup (2400m) on November 24.

Red Cadeaux, Mount Athos and Dandino – the second, third and fifth placegetters in the Melbourne Cup – will remain in training at Werribee until the day of the Japan Cup.

Page 114 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 13, 2013

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