Many films set in the past don't really work for me because they put a modern-day spin on the attitudes and dialogue. Case in point - "Titanic". "Newsfront" is authentic not only because the characters wear the clothes or drive the cars of Australians from pre-1960, but because they move and speak like them. The writers of "Newsfront" didn't shy away from having characters say things that sound a bit daggy by today's standards. The problems and issues dealt with are also genuinely of the time. The language is authentic without the pandering to or the overuse of the stereotypical."I ought to knock your bloody block off" is used but at the absolutely right time and place and by the right character. Better still,Bruce Spence delivers it with the perfect intonation. It is Australia of the 1950's in a single sentence. There is humour and drama and there is warmth and sadness but never melodrama. There is Wendy Hughes who is surely the classiest actress Australia ever produced. What a face and voice! And there is a friendly rivalry that is by turns humorous and touching between Bill Hunter and John Ewart that could only be portrayed by two such fine actors.There is a wonderful score that is reminiscent of the soundtracks used on radio and early Australian TV. Lastly, there is great use of old footage from the newreels that were watched prior to the cartoons, the second feature and then the feature film. You got your money's worth in those days at the flicks. If you want intelligence and authenticity, this is the film for you.
Review of Newsfront
