A movie made by Australians for Australians in Australia makes it's way to the CINEMAX cable channel! However, as I finally got into the movie, I found many pleasing aspects. First, as I have never been to Australia, the on-location settings in the Sydney streets was interesting to observe as well as the assumed daily activities of the "normal" Australian society.
There were a few early parts where I could not understand the local intent due to the accent barrier. However, once the music started, the story plot of a middle-aged small club singer became apparent. Max Cullen is portrayed as Billy Apples. He's divorced from his also singer-mother of his teenage daughter. Billy is raising his high school daughter, Casey Appleby, played by the cute as a button Rachel Coopes. Billy dreams of his never found musical fame, while his ex-wife is still out there in music land pursuing hers. Billy has a "girlfriend-lover" (Kris McQuade) who is a beauty salon operator. She and her friends show up at the walk-down bar, O'Hara's, and sits around admiring Billy as he sings on stage and plays the trombone.
Well, Billy's idol is the swing-era singer, Billie Holliday, played by Briget Glover in a non-speaking cameo role. Through kismet Billy received a magical voice -- the ability to sing in falsetto exactly like Billie Holliday. He becomes famous signing her swing-ballot songs.
The rest of the story is like you would expect. How does fame affect Billy Apples and his friendship with his former band members and his relationship between his teenage daughter and ex-wife (Tina Bursill) whom pops up on the scene just as Billy signs a record contract and wants to get back into the act.
It's refreshing to see the major players whom are between 50 - 60 years old starring in this film. It proves that a good writer can find a vehicle for actors spanning all age groups. Get that Hollywood? Every leading star does not have to be "exceptionally beautiful and under 30" and they don't always have to be "clone babes."
It's a shame that it had to take Australia to "jump the gun" and do "one-up-manship" on Hollywood. Maybe if I saw more Australian films I could come to understand the local lingo and accents.
The musical numbers were all well done as was the dancing and costumes. They made for a believable fantasy which helped to tell the story.
Although this film was made in 1995, the major actors are all seasoned veterans. Mr. Cullen has 50 film and TV projects under his matured belt. His adult supporting cast have upwards of 25+ completed acting projects, themselves. So, these actors are not -- unknowns! Maybe to U.S. audiences. But, I imagine the "Aussies" love them all! Bless their hearts. Thanks for this glimpse of "down under."
