Starstruck – Australia (1982)
Comedy, Event, Musical
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Starstruck was the creation of screenwriter Stephen MacLean based on his own experiences of growing up at a struggling pub at which his mother worked as a barmaid, whilst raising her four children. MacLean was a classic film connoisseur and in particular, a lifelong Judy Garland fan. It’s no accident that Starstruck follows the same basic formula of many of the Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney musicals of the 1930s and 40s – two crazy kids decide to ‘put on a show’, usually helping a friend or family member out of calamity and finding fame and fortune at the same time. Themes of stardom, ambition and patronage from other MacLean favourites such as Sunset Boulevarde (1950) and All About Eve (1950) also find their way into the story. Gillian Armstrong’s second film is a playful tribute to those who dream big. With tunes by Phil Judd and Tim Finn of Split Enz.
Nowhere Boy (2009, UK, Canada)
Drama, Event, Musical
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Director: Sam Taylor-Wood
Starring: Aaron Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, David Threlfall, Josh Bolt, Ophelia Lovibond
Genre: Biography, Drama, Music
Duration: 98 mins
Rated: R
Summary: Imagine John Lennon’s childhood. A lonely teenager, curious and sharp, growing up in the shattered city of Liverpool. Two women clash for his love. Mimi (Kristin Scott-Thomas), the formidable aunt who raised him, and Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), the spirited mother who gave him up. Yearning for a normal family, John (Aaron Johnson) escapes into music. His fledgling genius finds a kindred spirit in the young Paul McCartney. But just as John’s new life begins, the truth about his past leads to a tragedy he would never escape. Poignant and powerful, the untold story of the boy who created The Beatles.
One Night the Moon (2001, Australia)
Drama, Musical
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Director: Rachel Perkins
Starring: Paul Kelly, Kaarin Fairfax, Memphis Kelly, Kelton Pell, Ruby Hunter
Genre: Drama/Musical
Duration: 57 mins
Rated: M
Summary: In early 1932, Jim Ryan (Paul Kelly), Rose Ryan (Kaarin Fairfax, Kelly’s then wife) and their only daughter Emily (Memphis Kelly, their real life daughter) settle in outback Australia. On night, Emily steps out of her bedroom window, fascinated by the full moon beaming down on a dramatic landscape. Distraught and terrified, her mother and father call the police to search for her, but when Albert (Kelton Pell) the black tracker police constable turns up to help, the father refuses to let him – or any other blackfella – on his property, despite the Sargeant’s (Chris Haywood) insistence that Albert’s the best tracker around. When the search party fails to find Emily and the days stretch to weeks, her mother seeks out Albert for his help. Based on a true story.
“A truly original work. One Night the Moon is a marvellous achievement for Australian cinema.” (Urban Cinefile)
Heartland Reggae (1982, Jamaica)
Documentary, Musical
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Director: James P. Lewis
Starring: Dennis Brown, Althea Forrest, Marcia Griffiths, Bob Marley, Jacob Miller
Genre: Doco/Musical
Duration: 87 mins
Rated: PG
Summary: Late, great reggae legend Bob Marley is joined by his acclaimed contemporary Peter Tosh and a dozen other reggae stars in one of his finest concert performances. Filmed live in Marley’s homeland, Jamaica in 1977 and 1978, Heartland Reggae is one of the most renowned reggae concert films that exist. Included are several sequences in which the Rastafarian lifestyle and philosophy are discussed.
Calamity Jane (1953, USA)
Musical
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Director: David Butler
Starring: Doris Day, Howard Keel, Allyn Ann McLerie, Philip Carey, Dick Wesson
Genre: Classic/Musical/Western
Duration: 101 mins
Rated: G
Summary: Deadwood, Dakota Territory, is largely the abode of men, where Indian scout Calamity Jane is as hard-riding, boastful, and handy with a gun as any. However, the army lieutenant she favors doesn’t really appreciate her finer qualities. One of Jane’s boasts brings her to Chicago to recruit an actress for the Golden Garter stage. Arrived, the lady in question appears (at first) to be a more feminine rival for the favors of Jane’s male friends…including her friendly enemy Wild Bill Hickock.
“’Calamity Jane’ is pure unadulterated fun, with bags of energy and optimism, and plenty of great songs. Timeless.” (Movie-Gazette)