Weird Mob at Wagstaffe

The Bouddi Society will present the classic Australian film "They're a Weird Mob" from 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 25, at Wagstaffe Hall.

Bouddi Society vice president Mr David Dufty said the film was based on a best-selling book by Australian author John O'Grady, writing under the name of Nino Culotta.

"In 1965, it was the first feature film made in Australia for seven years and it helped to put pressure on the Commonwealth Government to fund local feature film production," Mr Dufty said.

"It was directed by leading English producer Michael Powell and starred veteran Italian actor Walter Chiari as Nino, the migrating Italian sport journalist.

"Nino gets a job as a builder's labourer, learns to talk and drink like an Australian, and falls in love with an Australian girl (Clare Dunne).

"He is bemused by this strange new country, where people abuse him on the street and strangers want to buy him a drink, but he is hopeful about the future.

"The film was an enormous hit at the Australian box office, grossing $2 million, on a budget of $600,000.

"It was one of the first feature films to deal openly with questions of prejudice against New Australians.

"This hilariously funny film also features an ensemble cast of Australian acting legends such as Chips Rafferty, John Meillon, Ed Devereaux and Jeanie Drynan, as well as a cameo appearance from Graham Kennedy."

Mr Dufty said the evening would cost $10 for Bouddi Society members, $5 for students and $12 for others.

Wine, nibbles and a presentation by local documentary film maker Mike Rubbo were included in the price.

Press release, 28 Feb 2008 David Dufty, Bouddi Society