I've just seen the DVD reprint (with soundtrack by Jen Anderson) of Raymond Longford's classic silent film The Sentimental Bloke. Normally bored and already squirming in my chair by the very idea of silent film, I was quite taken with it - it really is an engaging movie, capturing the wonderful vernacular of C.J. Dennis' verse novel.
C.J. himself (who had only published it 4 years earlier) appears at the start of the film. The main female lead (Lottie Lyell) was the de facto partner (and reputed co-director) of the credited director Raymond Longford, who you can see interviewed shortly before his death in 1959 on the extras. When a print of the film was rediscovered in the 1950s and re-released, he was found - then in his 80s - working as nightwatchman on the docks.
There's some great footage of Manly and Wolloomoolloo after the war, including a genuine digger in the background on the ferry as Bill and Doreen go on their first date. I really enjoyed it, and partly, if you'll allow the digression, because I once recorded an album at Jen Anderson's studio back in my musician days. A friend and I - both in other bands at the time - recorded a lowly independent CD there as a two-piece with some spare songs our respective outfits weren't using. He suggested Jen Anderson's studio - then in Northcote - where his band had recorded before. We both lived in Brisbane then, and it was a great week down here recording and louching around with muso friends and acquaintances.
Ten years later and I live a few streets away - though Jen herself has moved elsewhere in Melbourne. Suffice to say, she really was a great producer and sound technician - and I am truly blessed - as a part-timer then, and no longer in the game - to have Jen Anderson's violin solos on a song or two of my own. It really lifted the whole thing to another plane - and made it sound like I knew what I was doing. Which, by and large, I didn't.
Coming from Brisbane, I didn't realise then how BIG her band Weddings, Parties, Anything were in Melbourne. We went to a party and met them all - they were really great people. Top memories - thanks Jen! Whatever you're up to now. Anyway, the point is: I think the sound track is beautiful, and works seamlessly.
Oh yeah - and the title of my post. Watching Underbelly this last year, I got to wondering where this "Jacks" slang for coppers had come from, as I 'd never heard it. And lo! They appear as the "Johns" in C.J. Dennis. Mystery solved?
8 comments:
It's a great film, isn't it Lefty E? And Jen is a lovely person. A few things - Lottie Lyell wasn't just Longford's partner, it's thought she actually was the co-director of his work, which went unrecognised at the time. She died in 1925 of TB, when she was 35 years old.
And squirm through silent films - how could you? Can I recommend any Buster Keaton comedy for you, especially 'The General'.
One of my favourite and still greatest films made in Sunrise (FW Murnau). I think you just need to get into a slightly different headspace to enjoy silent film.
But perhaps you've seen them, and squirmed already.
Ah yes, I meant to note that about Lyell, Fine - post amended. The link I provided to her goes into her role in some depth.
Hmmm, yes I guess my aversion to silent was just a predisposition from childhood that Ive never questioned.
I almost put it on the 'about' page of the blog I used to post at, Izquierdista.
'Wot's jist plain stoush wiv us, right 'ere to-day,
Is "valler" if yer fur enough away...'
And Modern Times is fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-UiCnxARJY
I actually thought of you as I posted the line, Liamista. what stoush from yonder window breaks!
Used to, you say? Pray tell, where posteth thou, hence and to-day?
Modern Times y say?
Not at all, alas, at the moment, anywhere.
I'm like the Flying Dutchman of stoush, always seen where people are behaving badly, forever ready for battle, or am I a dead mirage of past glory?
Well, any homeless posts of yours would always find a share-room bunk here at BmL, squire!
Well, I haven't seen The Sentimental Bloke, actually, so this is a good reason to do so. But I do know what you mean about squirming through silent film. Metropolis is a shocker on that count, in spite of its historical cred!
I'm with you MB. Metropolis bored a hole in my bucket. However, I think you'll find 'The Sentimental Bloke' bewitching. Perhaps even more than I did - I have this idea you're originally a Sydneysider? In which case it would be quite a treat.
Ive bought the soundtrack since posting. And its great!
Post a Comment