Bonus Flea: An Evening with Margaret & David

Attended by Matthew Donlan at Ritz Cinemas

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of attending ‘An Evening with Margaret & David’ at the Ritz Cinemas. This event marked the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton on the Australian Film Walk of Fame by the Randwick Council.

Huddled on the curb with a few metal fences between us and the passing traffic, we arrived just a tad late to get a prime viewing position. Feeling like the boy from ‘The Polar Express’ trying to get a glimpse of Santa through the crowd of bobbing heads, my excitement matched that of children on Christmas Day. It was getting close to 3:30pm and no sighting had occurred.

But then! An usher in his black suit worked his way through the crowd. Could it be? Would they walk amongst us? No. They ended up going the back way through the cinema foyer. But nonetheless. There they were. Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton reunited.

First, the mayor spoke with a speech reaching for the most ordinary of film references (oh I’m sure they HAVE seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to film reviews). The moment was made more interesting though when the roaring engine of a classic red Cadillac drove past while a small dog wearing sunglasses and a hat yapped from the back seat at the crowd. iPhone cameras quickly turned from the podium to the street to get a rare (and frankly better) view of this local marvel.

After each Randwick councillor was thanked with their full name (a list that ran longer than a Tarkovsky film) the microphone was handed over to the duo. Gobsmacked and confused were their reactions. Humble as ever, the two expressed their gratitude and awe to the recognition given to them. After the official unveiling and obligatory photos, we shuffled into Cinema 1, rosé in hand, for the main event. Although I do think it was a bit generous to call it an ‘evening’ when it started at 4pm.

For just over an hour, Margaret and David reminisced on their careers prior to and during their time on ‘The Movie Show’ and ‘At The Movies’. Intercut with photos and clips to prompt the conversation, the main topics were re-hashed. David’s disdain for the Dogme 95 movement, Margaret’s excitement for the Fast and Furious franchise, and their combined passion for cinema in Australia.

It was exciting to see the two duke it out all over again. As quick as ever with snarky comments and choice words, David and Margaret were still in their form. It felt like catching up with old friends. Except they weren’t my friends. They were two of the most influential people in the Australian film industry.

Not only did they champion Australian film from the very beginning but they defended artistic freedom and elevated the conversation about film in this country. They inspired me and countless others to enter this community. For that, I will always be grateful.

Recommendations

David:
Souleymane’s Story / The Story of Souleymane (2024, Boris Lojkine)
Screening 26 June at Palace Cinemas

Margaret:
Nashville (1975, Robert Altman)
Screening 10 July at Ritz Cinemas