Sunday 11 December 2022

 The John Martin's Christmas Pageant
The John Martin's/State Bank Christmas Pageant
The John Martin's/Bank SA Christmas Pageant
The Credit Union Christmas Pageant
The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant

Whatever name you know it by, 
the Adelaide Christmas Pageant 
turned 90 in 2022.
What began during the Great Depression as a way to lift the spirits of the people of South Australia 
it has now become the biggest parade of the Southern Hemisphere.














Sunday 9 February 2020

Death on the Nile - Secrets from the Script


DEATH ON THE NILE - Secrets from the Script


If ‘The Sound of Music’ is the ultimate movie musical then ‘Death on the Nile’ is the quintessential whodunit.






Death on the Nile was produced by John Brabourne and Richard Goodwin with a screenplay by Anthony Shaffer from the novel by Agatha Christie.

Directed by John Guillerman



DEATH ON THE NILE IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM STUDIO CANAL.

What is not to love about the original film adaption, Death on the Nile?  However, like most film so many pieces end up being film and removed for timing, for continuity or for other many reasons. There are five drafts of the screenplay that I know of, in this case we’ll look at the Third Draft (undated) by Anthony Shaffer, so let’s blow away the dust and sand and play archaeologists and see what we’ve been missing.  

Hopefully, this will inspire a future release deluxe edition with lost footage and outtakes.


*SPOILER WARNING*

The script denotes the year as being 1930.


There were originally more scenes of the village and its occupants as Linette drives through. A scene outside a butcher’s shop where two women discuss Linette being the richest girl in the world with her fortune being made by the chewing gum industry.  Another scene inside a pub where it’s discussed Linette being a strong-willed woman, followed by a husband and wife gardening commentating on Linette.

Following Linette arriving at Wode Hall, Linette requests to see the progress made on the grounds.  The scene is longer (and we know was filmed due to photos on set.)  Linnette is disdained that the topiaries haven’t been cut down and why some small cottages are still on the grounds.  Barnstable tries to reason with her to no avail.  Thraxted (an under Butler) arrives to announce Jacqueline  is waiting inside the hall.

The discussion between Jacqueline and Linette plays as per the film.

Following the introduction scene with Andrew Pennington there was a small scene at William Charmichael’s Law Office in London which introduced the character of Colonel Race and his need to go to Egypt.  Following the Colonel Race scene we have another deleted scene introducing the characters of Salome Otterbourne and her daughter Rosalie. They discuss the “nymphomaniacal baboon” and Rosalie suggests they settle rather than go to court.  Following the Otterbourne's introduction we move to Mrs van Schuyler and Miss Bowers scenes.

Instead of Jacqueline being described by Linette as a “kangaroo in heat” she referred to as a “Redpole cow on roller skates”.

The scene inside the Cataract Hotel is the same as is the talk between Hercule Pirot and Jacqueline.  There are no sweeping differences until everyone boards the Karnak.

There are a few more discussions with Dr Bessner, Mrs Otterbourne and Rosalie discussing
 cabin preferences with the Manager of the Karnak.


With the Karnak underway we now see each of the passengers in their staterooms; Louise is plucking her eyebrows; Mrs (sic) Bowers doing callisthenics; Rosalie lying on her bed in a state of dejection; Dr Bessner gargling; Ferguson drinking tea; Pirot unpacking; Colonel Race ironing; Pennington reading legal documents; Mrs Otterbourne drinking gin; Mrs van Scuyler impatiently pushing a service bell and Linette & Simon's room is empty.


The Karnak approaches the Nile bank and Linette and Simon climb steps to the Tomb of Seti.  The come across Dr Bessner who offers some facts from his guide book.  They then head back to the Karnak.

Mrs van Scuyler has a smaller exchange with Linette over her pearls before Miss Bowers taking her to her cabin. Mrs Otterbourne has her scene with Linette.  The script then follows the events that are seen in the film.

The next change in the script is as follows; at the Temple of Karnak as Dr Bessner exchanges dialogue with Linette she mentions she has to go to the Colossus of Memnon later that afternoon.  Dr Bessner still mentions the vocal statue.
Simon and Linette arrive at the Colossi of Memnon and follow more-or-less the same script from the film.

MORE TO COME

Monday 5 October 2015

Vintage Qualatex Balloons

Everyone remembers the joy of being a kid and playing with a helium filled balloon.  The disappointment when your balloon drifted away and the memory of your mother telling you to "hold the string tightly" was for good reason.  We didn't have Mylar balloons in my day.  Your average latex balloon lasted a few hours before floating to the floor.  Imagine my surprise when the Mylar was still floating a week later.  Kids don't know how lucky they are! Qualatex (quality latex - get it!?) have been around for years.  
Whether it was Qualatex, Ansell, The Eagle Rubber Company - a simple balloon can offer hours of enjoyment to the young.




Thursday 23 April 2015

I've Seen That Before!

When American Horror Story first came to television I tried to watch but completely freaked out after the first few episodes and gave up.  Then, when I heard about season 4 AHS: 'Freak Show', I had to watch.  I became obsessed with it.

Watched it I did.  Read about it on line I did.  Surfed Youtube endlessly.  Absolutely obsessed.  I haven't been this interested in a TV series for a long time.  I loved the premise, the era, the acting, everything was spot on.

So, if you read this blog you'll notice I also have a love of Disney.  How on earth are they these two related? I absolutely enjoyed, 'Saving Mr. Banks'.  It was wonderful.  Recently I was travelling on a plane and the person across the aisle was watching 'Saving Mr. Banks' on his iPad.  Suddenly, from the corner of my eye I noticed something, something I instantly told my friends about, but as usual they didn't care and changed the conversation. Bah!

During the 'Saving Mr Banks' flashbacks to rural Australia they (the family) attend a fair.  There it was!  The Freak Show merry-go-round (or carousel if you prefer).


So if you watch it, you'll notice the exact swan (the one Twisty sits in) ,matches the insert from 'Saving Mr. Banks', it all matches, same horses, same canvas top.  So there.  I'm glad I spotted it.

I wonder if I've seen the Freak Show Ferris Wheel in anything?



Images    
© Disney, AHS Freak Show

Saturday 15 November 2014

Na na na na na Batman!

Holy Home Video Release!



Yes, the Caped Crusader is back!  Released on DVD and Blu-ray this week, everyone is going Bat-crazy again.

While I'm not a true Batman fan, (I did enjoy Batman Returns) it's not really my thing.  I remember the same thing back in the early 70's.  My favourite after school cartoon ended to be replaced by Batman.  I was bummed.  For some reason I gave Batman a chance and ended up loving it.  These two images have stuck with me.



The Penguins gigantic umbrella that stopped traffic and the Jokers giant spring that saw him, catapult over the prison walls.  Fantastic stuff!  I guess I just love over sized props.  Batman had the best villians.  Egghead and King Tut remain absolute favorites.

Most of Batman (ok, nearly all of it) was shot on three different backlots in Hollywood.  Gotham City looked fake and almost deserted most of the time, except for the occasionally passer by walking in the distance.  Batman filmed at 40 Acres the old Desilu Studios, Warner's backlot and 20th Century Fox.  It's fun today spotting the various locations.
 

I'm glad we got the HD transfer and I'm glad Fox and Warner could finally come to an agreement and release this fantastic television series.

Wednesday 24 July 2013

Farewell Moose and Squirrel

For 52 years, yes, FIFTY-TWO years, the statue of Rocky and Bullwinkle have gazed over Sunset Blvd in Hollywood.  A pretty remarkable feat considering the show ended it's original run in 1964.  Not bad for Moose and Squirrel.

The statue was removed earlier this week and has been taken to the Dreamworks Studio for restoration.  Apparently the statue will not be returning to gaze over the Sunset Strip once restoration is completed. 

It's a sad farewell but a 52 year run is pretty impressive. Thanks R& B for the smiles you've given me over the years.

Monday 24 June 2013

Bates Motel from Psycho II





 In 1982, Psycho II, went before the camera’s to capture the sequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s, Psycho.  Agreeing to reprise their roles from the original movie were actors, Anthony Perkins and Vera Miles.  The Bates Motel was a key factor in the original movie and when the Universal Studio backlot was redesigned in the early 80’s the Bates Motel was raised. 


The Motel was not featured heavily in Psycho II, there was no need to rebuild the entire set.  (The Bates Motel seen today was rebuilt for Psycho III in 1986). Albert Whitlock created a matte painting of the entire motel (seen as Norman and Dr Raymond arrive at the Motel).  Here is a very rare continuity photograph showing what was built of the Bates Motel during production of Psycho II in 1982.