Wednesday 30 October 2024

Being an ABBA fan


 A number of years ago I was asked to take part in an interview about being an ABBA fan.  There were a number of emails back and forth but the whole story was eventually shelved.  All this was completed well before Voyage. Here's my answers to the questions.

Q:  Thank you for taking the time to talk with us, a good place to start would be the obvious, when did you first become a fan?

A: In 1974 I heard Waterloo on the radio and was captured by the melody.  I obviously heard it a few times and must have seen the film clip on TV. I remember telling my parents there was four members in the group, my father’s response was that there must have been more than four, “they only showed four on TV” was my reply.  I don’t recall hearing any other songs by ABBA until the Countdown explosion started.  I was with my mother one day before Christmas in 1975 at Target and they were playing the ABBA/ABBA album, I ran to see if Waterloo was on there, it wasn’t, so I put it back and re-joined my mother.  On Christmas Day 1975 the ABBA album was one of my presents.  I asked why she chose that album and she mentioned she saw me run to the album at Target and assumed I must have wanted it. She wasn’t wrong and it cemented my love of ABBA.

Q: Why do you think ABBA were so popular in Australia?

A: Right place, right time.  It was something Australia hooked into. They had a freshness about them and a sound that made them easily identifiable.  They were exotic, from a distant land called Sweden, but they sounded English. Having said that, there was a lot of press and talk about ABBA appealing to everyone between 5 to 95.  The teenagers at the time hated ABBA, not because they were bad, but it was so uncool if your baby brother or sister liked them.  Even worse would have been walking into the kitchen and seeing your mother joyfully singing along with Fernando on the radio.  With all the media hype it was pure heaven if you were at an ABBA fan but pure hell if you weren’t.

Q: Can you describe what it felt like during the Australian frenzy of 1976/1977?

A: It was glorious, however with hindsight it was a lot of stress, favours and wheeling and dealing. I had limited pocket money, and you had to strategize your spending. TV Times might have a centrespread poster, TV week have released a fold out poster, you need all four of the sticker sheets and different notepads, Woman’s Day have an article wanting you to make a dress like Agnetha and you had to keep up purchasing the ABBA trading cards because you really wanted a full set.  Birthdays and Christmas you’d ask for big ticket items like the wall scrolls, the mirror etc.  It was hard to keep up as ABBA were literally everywhere.


Q: What are your memories of the media at the time?

A: No wonder we were so confused.  The spelling of Agnetha and the pronunciation was different every time you saw or heard it.  Headlines ran from absurd to attention grabbing.  ‘ABBA dive naked into the snow!’  ‘I had an orgy with Bjorn and Anna!’  (It was a dream a girl had) but it made a sensational headline.  ‘ABBA love Australia and we’ll see them first in concert, no we won’t, yes we will, no its definitely cancelled, now it’s delayed’.   It was confusing being an impressionable kid to know what was real and what was fiction.  With every article there was always a snide comment added in by a journalist for good measure.

Q: ABBA made a television special in Australia in 1976, what are your memories of that?

A: It was big.  ABBA were in Australia, that felt exciting.  Adelaide waited an eternity for it to air.  I remember my teacher announcing we had no homework the night it aired.  It was the first time we’d seen ABBA in their iconic blue and yellow cat dresses.  I remember thinking they made them just for Australia (they didn’t).  The next day every boy in school was talking about the girls removing their long dresses revealing their mini-skirts and being very impressed, even the non-ABBA fans.


Q: Did you attend their Australian concert?  What was memorable about it?

A: I was lucky enough to go.  The wait from buying the ticket to show night felt like forever. I remember the drive to the stadium, we turned onto West Lakes Blvd and I could see the back of the stage roof and promptly let out a flood of tears, like a damn bursting. it was all finally happening.  Maybe there’s something about your first concert, maybe it was my age, but it was truly magical.  We were sitting in the area between the grass and the grandstand.  I remember the crowd’s roar when they drove in to the stadium, I’m sure the people on the grass wouldn’t have known what was going on.  I know cried a lot that night and I remember their 20-minute musical seemed to go for an eternity.  It was during So Long I remember getting angry they hadn’t performed Dancing Queen.  It was the night I learnt what an encore was.

Q: What was/is your favourite song and ABBA period?

A: Song wise it hasn’t changed in all these years.  Money, Money, Money, That’s Me, Lay All Your Love on Me.  I love the up-tempo stuff.  The ballads, as good as they are, I get more enjoyment from something upbeat.  That goes with all musical styles.  As for a favourite timespan, the joy that 1976 brought to me with the ABBA frenzy is pretty hard to beat, Super Trouper was released the year I ended high school, The Visitors in 1981 had me dealing with coming out, there are significant moments in my life that I’ve had to deal with and ABBA have been a constant friend.

Q: After ABBA had lost popularity, how did you deal with their Australian decline?

A: To be honest I didn’t care.  I was still buying their records.  I remember in 1978 seeing the English ABBA Magazine in the magazine section at the newsagent and making sure to keep enough pocket money for the next issue.  I was well aware they were no longer reaching the number one slot, but the Adelaide shops always carried their releases.  In late 1978 I joined the Australian ABBA fanclub and found them to be a great source of news.  It was their newsletter that alerted me to RCA releasing the Spanish version of Chiquitita in Australia (again, easily available in the Adelaide shops).

Q: What was it like for a longtime fan in the early 1980’s when ABBA broke up?

A: There’s the interesting thing, ABBA never officially broke up, rumours sure but nothing official.  There was a lot of confusion and speculation with fans at the time though.  Would Frida’s solo venture be so successful that she’d leave the group, would the others continue as a trio without her?  We had Frida’s solo singles, incessant talk about the Chess musical project.  Agnetha was releasing duets and solo singles.  We all felt the end was surely imminent.  In December 1982 when ABBA The Singles was released, it was captioned The First Ten Years.  Was this the proof we needed that ABBA were solid and returning for more?  Only time would tell.  Around 1985/1986 we were hoping for something, but the only glimmer was that ABBA finally released a live album in 1986.  To be honest by then it felt like it was all too little too late.  In 1987 I purchased my first CD player and the first three CD’s I first purchased were Arrival, The Album and ABBA Live.  Old habits are hard to break.

Q: When the girls released their solo projects how did you feel about them?

A: I was assisting with the ABBA fan club around that time and Graeme (the clubs president) has a 45 second piece of Frida’s new single (I Know There’s Something Going On) on tape from someone in the UK and he made a continuous loop of it.  We put a newsletter together listening to that loop for what seemed an eternity.  We joked that after hearing it 500 times that the song really grows on you.  Frida’s first album I felt was too heavily influenced by producer Phil Collins.  My father commented after hearing the albums opening song, Tell Me That It’s Over, “is she singing about ABBA?”.
Agnetha was a little different, we knew she had Mike Chapman from Blondie fame as her producer and were a little worried she might go rogue and attempt something – let’s just say, out of her comfort level.  We needn’t have worried, it was pure pop in its finest form.  Frida was the one who tried to distance herself from ABBA’s style, Agnetha stayed true to form.

Q: How did you feel when the ABBA revival happened in the 90’s?

A: I was a little peeved to be honest.  All these people that hated ABBA were suddenly fans again, it rubbed me the wrong way.  I remember talking to Ian Bell at Andromeda Records and he showed me the ABBA Gold import from England.  My response was non plussed and with nothing new on the album I had no interest buying it.  It was around this time that I decided to let go of my collection. I was happy to keep the CD’s but everything else was gathering dust.  It’s a decision I regret to this day.  It was only in the mid 2000’s that I decided I wanted everything back.  Luckily, I was able to get my original RCA singles back but everything else has been a slow process.

Q:  Have you ever travelled to Sweden and been lucky to meet the members?

A: Sweden is on my list of must visit places, but it’s not on my radar currently.  I’ve never met anyone closely involved with ABBA but of course have many friends who’ve been lucky enough for a personal encounter.  However, in 2010 I was in Las Vegas walking the strip, oblivious to everything happening, when I noticed a lady in a window seat eating an ice cream with a friend.  I stopped in my tracks and my mind was racing, is that Frida?  I started to get emotional when all I could hear in my head was – Frida from ABBA eating an ice-cream, oh how absurd, get a hold of yourself.  I literally questioned my own sanity.  I slowly walked away honestly believing had just seen Frida.  A few days later I called a friend back in Australia and light-heartedly told him my absurd story.  All I heard was screaming, “there’s been a photo posted this week of Frida in the US, she’s there at the moment”.  Tears ran down my face, proof I had seen a member of ABBA and livid I had completely stuffed up my once in a life time moment.

Q: You must be thrilled with the success that Mamma Mia the musical and movies received and generating a whole new legion of fans.

A: Of course, it’s been incredible for them.  Personally, I haven’t seen the stage musical, I’ve watched the movie once. There has been talk of a sequel, but I haven’t followed that trajectory.

Q: Can I ask why that is?

A: Well, it’s not ABBA.  I’ve been called an ABBA snob by some fans, and I totally understand their point of view.  I like ABBA for ABBA, hearing someone one else perform their music is not my cup of tea.  In fact, I’ll go as far as when I saw a photo of the stage from the West End production I commented the stage set looked like an amateur production by some community players and would fold within 2 weeks.  Clearly, I was very, very wrong.

Q: What do you think the future holds for ABBA?

A: Benny has a fast and hard rule -if we didn’t release it then, we’re not releasing it now.  With that as his mantra all they have is their back catalogue.  They’ve released all they really can.  More compilations, box sets, with new fans catching the ABBA train I guess there will always be a market.  The big question is; does ABBA releases propel Mamma Mia or does Mamma Mia propel ABBA releases?

For the four members, personally, they’ve given me an almost lifetime of happiness, I hope they get to retire, I hope fans respect their privacy and let them live out their lives peacefully and happy.

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.