Sick of Hollywood blockbusters? Yes, it’s possible. Had enough of the Marvel Universe? I know I have. Time to watch some good old-fashioned Australian films – what do ya reckon?
Whenever Australian classics pop up on various channels on Foxtel, I record and savour them. In recent years I have rewatched Peter Weir’s classic The Last Wave a couple of times – and it still stands up. It’s a terrific film with elements of Aboriginal mysticism and prophecy that make it quite intriguing.
So I will be keeping an eye on Foxtel’s new Aussie Classics channel to see if it pops up so I can watch it again.
In partnership with Brollie, Foxtel has launched Aussie Classics to showcase the very best of Australia’s cinematic and television heritage. You can find Aussie Classics on Foxtel Channel 414, an exciting new destination offering audiences a curated selection of timeless Australian stories – from coming-of-age tales to gripping dramas and thrilling adventures.
The channel offers an extensive collection of films and TV series spanning the 1940s to the 2010s, with a strong focus on the golden era of Australian cinema between 1979 and 1990.
Viewers can rediscover the stories that shaped Australia’s entertainment landscape and see early performances from some of today’s biggest international stars, including Nicole Kidman (BMX Bandits, Windrider), Hugo Weaving (The Right Hand Man), Mel Gibson (Attack Force Z, Tim), Sam Neill (Attack Force Z, Death in Brunswick), Hugh Jackman (Erskineville Kings), Ben Mendelsohn (The Big Steal) and Russell Crowe (Heaven’s Burning, Spotswood).
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Walkabout
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Storm Boy
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Death in Brunswick
The line-up will include Aussie favourites such as Walkabout, Storm Boy, Don’s Party, Puberty Blues, Dating the Enemy and TV classics Heartbreak High and Skippy.
Brollie founder Ari Harrison says Aussie Classics “is a chance to revisit the legends of Australian film and television while introducing a new generation to the classics that shaped our cultural identity and defined generations”. “We’re excited to bring these iconic stories to audiences on Foxtel Channel 414,” says Harrison.
Brollie is an Australian streaming platform, powered by Umbrella Entertainment, dedicated to showcasing the best in classic, cult and indie Australian film and television. It provides a home for forgotten gems and beloved favourites, making Australia’s rich screen history available to audiences everywhere.
I find this so exciting and I am already recording stuff to watch later, including The Adventures of Barry McKenzie and Sir Les Patterson Saves the World. You can’t imagine how excited I was when I scrolled through the fare available and found these two satirical gems written and starring Barry Humphries, of course.
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This film is a perfect antidote to the age of political correctness and offensive in all the best ways. And hilarious
The Adventures of Barry McKenzie shocked everyone when it came out in 1972. It was sacrilege. Aussies weren’t really that uncouth, were they? This film is a perfect antidote to the age of political correctness and it is offensive in all the best possible ways. And hilarious.
My favourite scene would have to be when Bazza (Barry Crocker in the role of his life) pours a can of curry paste down his underpants in an effort to simulate his libido after reading the Kama Sutra. So funny.
Dame Edna’s in the movie, of course. It involves our mate Bazza heading off to England to give the Poms a bit of a touch up. If you look carefully at the small crowd seeing him off at Mascot, you’ll notice a young Ross Fitzgerald (later Professor Ross Fitzgerald of Griffith University, who happens to be a friend) in the little throng. What a hoot.
Sir Les Patterson Saves the World came out many years later in 1987 and it’s much understated. I think it’s hilarious and I recall interviewing Barry Humphries – and Sir Les (that was an experience) – at the Hilton Brisbane during the publicity tour. Sir Les spat all over us during the interview.
Okay, maybe this isn’t high culture but, still, these are Aussie classics. That first Bazza film was directed by Bruce Beresford, now a Hollywood legend.
Classic fare that is coming includes Razorback (a creature feature and Outback horror flick), Hotel Sorrento, The Club (based on David Williamson’s classic play), Breaker Morant, Travelling North (Williamson again), The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith and many others.
Not just movies, though – there will also be TV series including Skippy. I spent my childhood in Hong Kong and luckily the TV station there imported Skippy – a lifeline to our homeland. Who doesn’t love Skippy? Talented kangaroo that one.
This new channel is like a course in Australian television and film history and it’s much appreciated. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to enjoy a guilty pleasure and watch The Adventures of Barry McKenzie again.
Aussie Classics is on Foxtel Channel 414 and as a linear stream on BINGE. Video-on-demand (VOD) access to the film library will be available to Foxtel customers.