1 review
I wonder if this film will ever be seen again? I saw it when I was very young where it screened at the Rapallo cinema next to the Forum here in Melbourne. I remember the cinema well because where ever you sat you could see the screen, even if a lady with a large hat sat in front of you. The film was cast strangely. The casting made little sense then but today it appears absurd. The great Ed Devereaux was one of this country's most respected and talented actors. He must have been embarrassed by the film as he rarely discussed it and no one else did. Indigenous actors were rarely cast and in this odd film Ed is cast as an aborigine. It was a bit like Al Jolson in the out back. Kamahl, the much loved crooner is cast as an aboriginal. The Indian/Pakistani performer was very sexy in the movie and actually very good. I remember so little about the film but I am sure I enjoyed it more than the critics. The scenery was wonderful and the plot quite predictable. It would be very interesting to see the film again however I am afraid we might be embarrassed by it today. This is one of those movies made at the darkest time of Australian film making. Little money and little support, the meager efforts deserve more respect than they got or even get today. Perhaps the film deserves another screening... perhaps it deserves to be buried and forgotten. Kamahl survived it and went on to remain a much loved, gently sent up entertainer. He still has a legion of loyal fans. The late Ed Devereux survived and gave many fine performances including the short lived series Kings. A series which deserved better success, it was actually very good but ahead of its time.