This month, the Phillip Island Movie Club presents “Summerfield” on November 30. Filmed on Churchill Island and Phillip Island in the 1970s, it featured a line up of Australian stars, including John Waters and Charles “Bud” Tingwell.
This month’s film from the Phillip Island Movie Club is “Summerfield”, screening on Thursday November 30 at St Philip’s in Cowes.
The film, released in 1977 was directed by Ken Hannam and filmed on Churchill Island and Phillip Island.
The film stars Nick Tate, John Waters, Elizabeth Alexander, Michelle Jarman, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell and Geraldine Turner, with some local talent also on screen.
The film is the story of a teacher appointed to a small-town school, who becomes curious about the unexplained disappearance of his predecessor.
While investigating, he is drawn into the strange world of a reclusive family whose daughter lives on Churchill Island.
At the time, the Australian Women’s Weekly wrote: “Pat Lovell says it is not a thriller in the Hitchcock sense, but describes it as having an underlying uneasiness building up the horror in the realisation that what appears as normal is not really so at all.”
The Movie Club screening kicks off with a special introduction from John Waters and guests on the night include those who were in the film or had contact with the filmmakers.
“They will share their experiences with us,” said Movie Club secretary Margaret Byrne.
“We will also have a copy of a book made by the students at Newhaven Primary School about the making of the film.
“All in all, it will be a night to remember.”
This screening is for 2023 members only and the film will start at 7.30pm, instead of the usual 8pm.
Doors will open at 6.45pm for drinks and nibbles prior to the film.
“This evening is also a celebration of our club being in operation for 40 years,” Margaret said.
“The Q & A is at the end of the film so as not to disclose the plot of the film.”
The program is as follows:
6.45pm: Welcome Drinks and Nibbles
7.30pm: Welcome from Anne Davie and Elizabeth Mulhern
7.40pm: Short video Introduction from John Waters and Screen Film
9.20pm: Drinks and supper
9.30pm: Q & A. Marg Byrne will lead the session, including a description of the short documentary that was made 28 years later
10pm: Approximate conclusion of evening
“Summerfield” runs for 95 minutes, is rated M, and is categorised as thriller/drama.
Please bring a small plate to share and drinking glasses or cups.
Entrance to this film is by 2023 membership only, not 2024 members.
The Movie Club’s next film “Past Lives” will be on Wednesday December 13 at Berninneit – for 2024 members only.
