Watch The Picture Show Man

The Picture Show Man is a 1977 Australian film that tells the story of a traveling cinema showman named Maurice Pym, played by John Meillon. Maurice is a veteran of the Australian Motion Picture industry, who has spent his whole adult life traveling through the country with his wife Sally (played by Garry McDonald) and a team of projectionists, showing films to the masses in small towns and rural areas.

The story is set in the early 1920s, a time when cinema was still in its infancy, and Australia was still a rugged and isolated place compared to the rest of the world. The film captures the spirit of those times, as we see how Maurice's passion for film has driven him to push the boundaries of what was possible. Maurice was a man of his time, and he understood that Australians needed to see themselves on the big screen, so he focused on showcasing local content, a risky but ultimately successful move.

The Picture Show Man is a classic tale of how one man's passion and vision can have a profound impact on others. The film is both a drama and comedy, with plenty of moments that will make you laugh and cry. One of the funniest characters is Frank, played by John Ewart, who is Maurice's right-hand man, projectionist, and chronic drinker. Frank's comedic timing is incredible, and his antics will have you in stitches.

Another standout performance is from Rod Taylor, who plays Palmer, the villain of the story. Palmer is a local businessman who sees Maurice as a threat to his power, and he'll stop at nothing to try and shut down Maurice's cinema show. Rod Taylor plays the role of the villain perfectly, and he's a great counterpoint to John Meillon's Maurice.

In addition to the spectacular acting, one of the most remarkable things about The Picture Show Man is the way the film captures the beauty of the Australian landscape. The movie was shot on location across New South Wales, and the scenery is breathtaking. Every new town that Maurice visits is like a new canvas, with the wide-open spaces of the Australian bush forming the backdrop for the drama that unfolds.

The movie is directed by John Power, who had a long career as a film critic before moving into filmmaking. Power uses his vast knowledge of cinema to bring the story to life, and the film is full of nods to classic Hollywood movies. Maurice is a man who loves cinema, and throughout the film, he draws inspiration from the great directors of his time, such as John Ford and DW Griffith.

The Picture Show Man is a celebration of the magic of cinema, and it captures the spirit and excitement of the early days of movie-making. The film is a tribute to the unsung heroes like Maurice Pym, who brought the magic of the movies to remote corners of the world, and helped to shape the culture of Australia.

In conclusion, The Picture Show Man is a classic Australian film that deserves to be better known. It's a funny, touching, and inspiring movie that captures a moment in time when movies were still a new and exciting art form. John Meillon, Rod Taylor, and John Ewart all give great performances, and the film is a fantastic showcase for the beauty of the Australian landscape. If you're a fan of classic cinema, or just looking for a great movie to watch, The Picture Show Man is a must-see.