JACK DAVEY

Australia, 1988, 45 minutes, Colour.
Rhys Mc Connaughey, Loene Carmen, Martin Vaughan, John Derum.
Directed by George Whalley.

Jack Davey is one of the Willesee's Australians series, fifty-minute films devised by Mike Willesee, they were part of a Bicentenary project focusing on significant Australians and some incidents in their careers. Rhys Mc Connaughey is good as Jack Davey. There is a fine supporting cast including Loene Carmen, Martin Vaughan and John Derum. Direction is by actor George Whaley (who appeared as the Bishop in the film, Mary, of the series). Screenplay is by Geoffrey Atherden of Mother and Son writing fame.

Jack Davey represents the golden years of Australian radio, especially the radio contests. He had a strong media personality and presence in the '40s and, '50s. The film focuses on his participation in the famous car rally, the Redex Trial, round Australia in l954.

1 . Jack Davey as one of Willesee's Australians? his qualities for being in the series?

2. Brief running-time? focusing on particular incidents? Quality of cast, writing and direction?

3. Audience knowledge of Jack Davey, his personality and career? The supplying of information and attitudes?

4. Radio days, their style, the studio, the personalities, the audiences, applause, participation, entrants in competitions, big prizes? Everyone listening?

5. The 1954 Redex Trial, the cars, the management, newspaper coverage? The personalities involved? The focus on the towns, Western Australia, the Mayor and his rehearsals, the treatment of the celebrity, the newsreels, hotel, autograph-seekers, the drinks in the bar, the show, helping the car, the entry into the town? Life in a Western Australian country town in the 1950s?

7. Davey: ace, success, the local references and period references, his shows and contests, prizes, his decision to drive in the trial, his being disqualified, coming in unexpectedly, the reasons for the stress and his health?

8. Friendship with the crew? Dressing up, sacking them? Bargaining for the car? The show and his style? His eye for Betty? The collapse, the talk with the doctor? His wanting to go on? newspaper reports? The reporters?
the return to Sydney and his success?

9. His character, push, impact, effect on people? The sketch of his team, their mechanical skills, driving, concern
about Jack, being sacked, coming back again? Participation in the shows?

10. Betty and her interest, autographs, help, towards Davey, his being helped by her? The little boy and the children in the show?

11. The contribution of radio in the 1940s and 1950s to Australia? A tribute?