The Picture Show Man

The Picture Show Man is a 1977 Australian film about a travelling film exhibitor (John Meillon) in the 1920s. He has to deal with the rebelliousness of his son (Harold Hopkins) and a rival American exhibitor (Rod Taylor).

The film was Rod Taylor's first role in an Australian film for over twenty years. He was cast as an American because the producer was concerned about his ability to perform in an Australian accent.

Premise
Maurice Pym is a travelling cinema operator in the 1920s who tours country New South Wales with his son Larry and pianist Freddie.

Cast

 * Rod Taylor as Palmer
 * John Meillon as Mr Pym
 * John Ewart as Freddie
 * Harold Hopkins as Larry
 * Patrick Cargill as Fitzwilliam
 * Yelena Zigon as Madame Cavalli
 * Garry McDonald as Lou
 * Sally Conabere as Lucy
 * Judy Morris as Miss Lockhart
 * Gerry Duggan as Hall Secretary

Production
The film was based on the memoirs of Lyle Penn, whose father was a travelling film exhibitor. He saw Joan Long being interviewed on television about her documentary on early Australian cinema, The Pictures That Moved and sent his memoirs to her. She optioned them and adapted it into a screenplay. Long was reluctant to direct the movie, and she hired John Power.

The film was funded by the Australian Film Commission ($250,000), the New South Wales government ($120,000), the Women's Film Fund, private investors and with support from then-Premier of New South Wales Neville Wran.

Shooting began on 17 October 1976 and went until 4 December, a total of seven weeks. It took place in and around Tamworth. Relations between Joan Long and John Power were not always smooth, and the two occasionally clashed over interpretation.

Box office
The film was a medium success at the box office. It won Australian Film Awards for Best Art Direction, Costume Design and Supporting Actor (Rod Taylor).

Home media
The Picture Show Man was released on DVD with a new print by Umbrella Entertainment in July 2005. The DVD is compatible with all region codes and includes special features such as the original theatrical trailer, an interview with Rod Taylor, and audio commentary with Harold Hopkins, Sally Conabere, Judy Morris and Sue Milliken.