The Picture Show Man Poster Original Daybill 1977 John Meillon
Daybill Poster Country Of Origin.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 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 herself and as such 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 commenced on 17 October 1976 and went until 4 December, a total of seven weeks. It took place in and around Tamworth. 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. The film also starred Garry McDonald and Judy Morris. 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).
