The Picture Show Man

Whimsical and slightly bittersweet tale of competing projectionists (Meillon and Taylor), who traverse the Australian outback, bringing the joy of motion pictures to packed theatres in the 1920's. Their rivalry serves as the backdrop to the surprisingly cut-throat art of picture shows, from the pitfalls of double-acts and faulty equipment, to the looming spectre of talking pictures ("that'll just be a fad" announces Meillon, somewhat cautiously as he rallies his companions for another relentless tour of duty).

It's a peerless homage to the business and its characters, with sympathetic performances from all concerned, Meillon especially well considered in his role of the travelling man, compelled to labour under the extremes for a pittance, resisting the trappings and exploitation in order to preserve the traditions that his business-savvy rival Taylor dismisses as anachronisms, barriers to amassing his fortune.

Great supporting cast includes familiar faces John Ewart as the wily, womanising pianist to Meillon's travelling roadshow, Garry McDonald as Taylor's opportunistic piano-man, Judy Morris, Harold Hopkins and a tremendous sub-plot featuring conniving showman Patrick Cargill and his sultry clairvoyant Jelena Zigon.

The cinematography is pure indulgence of the Australian landscape, its rich colours and textures, wrapping a beautifully crafted tale, a modest, understated and poignant reminder of the way we once were.

Few are better qualified than Joan Long to tell this, a story of the trials and tribulation of early Australian cinema. A renown film historian, she based the film on the recollections of real-life picture show man Lyle Penn, but also draws on the rich knowledge of the era she gained by rediscovering and interviewing many of its leading players.

Travelling picture showmen were once common in Australia. Living out of caravans or even tents, they serviced the rural areas that did not yet have their own permanent cinemas, often providing variety acts as part of the show.

The film's tone is somewhat reminiscent of these early films. The story is delineated (and performed) in the same broad strokes as every Australian classic from 'Dad and Dave' to 'The Castle'. All the usual characters are present - the uneasy young man, the eager young tomboy who can't bear to act like a proper young lady, the shifty villian. Yet the simple, enjoyable story is studded with authentic period details such as how films were presented to country audiences, and ultimately the effect that the coming of sound had on the phenomenon of the travelling showman.

Garry McDonald's performance as an opportunistic, shambolic pianist, is probably the most enjoyable, yet fans of `Muriel's Wedding' would do well to look out for an early appearance from Jeannie Drynan, who played Muriel's mother - and, as can be seen here, could once have given Audrey Hepburn a run for her money.

Though very much a product of its time, the film is still a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to Australia's rich film history - a fascinating story which, without scholars such as Long, might have disappeared forever.