A sentimental yet funny celebration of Old age

Press, 1 December 1987, Page 20

A sentimental yet funny celebration of Old age

TRAVELLING NORTH Directed by Carl Schultz Screenplay by David Williamson “Travelling North,” a sentimental yet funny celebration of old age which was well received at this year’s film festival, makes a welcome return to the Regent. Starring Leo McKern as a retired civil engineer who takes his companion, a divorcee (Julia Blake), to northern Queensland while he is grudgingly awaiting death may well have been sub-titled “Rumpole on Golden Pond” — but it is far more than, that. There is a charm and vivacity to “Travelling North” that make “On Golden Pond” seem gloomy by comparison. Let us face it,' the major attraction to “Pond” were the strong, but nostalgic appearances by Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn. The acting in “North,” however, is equally as powerful and captivating. McKern, appearing in his first film in his native country, relishes playing the part of an elderly curmudgeon who is opinionated, outspoken, overweight and looks his age.

“You are a rude, despotic, arrogant old bully and I can’t stand living with you a minute longer,” says Blake, who is just the opposite. Although not married to McKern, the lovely, almost radiant Blake is a lady through and through who somehow manages to graciously bear his churl-

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ish behaviour. Possibly, the film’s only flaw is the difficulty in believing that such a noble creature would even contemplate devoting herself to such a bumptious oaf. Yet, one somehow cannot help but liking the old devil — even when he coaxes Blake into rowing him around the lake behind their bush home on one of his frequent fishing outings. Credit here must go to the intelligent screenplay by David Williamson, who adapted it from his successful stage play. McKern, a staunch Leftist, can be both biting and hilarious in his never-end-ing arguments with his conservative neighbour, amusingly played by Graham Kennedy. He considers the local R.S.L. club to be “a bastion of hidebound conservatism and mindless patriotism” — and that is all there is to be said about that. McKern’s attacks of angina are getting worse, and he must finally face the fact that his heart problem may give him only a few more years to live. Nevertheless, this gives him ample opportunity for argument with his doctor (Henri Szeps) about appropriate treatment.

Of course he is also* concerned whether the! sexual act may overstressi his heart. In this case, he; heeds the advice of Well-« ington: ’’A strategic with-J drawal is the first step of; a forward thrust with re- 5 newed vigour.” i As McKern’s condition* worsens, so do his moods,? until Blake is drawn to? return to. Melbourne to; visit her two married* daughters ■( (Michele' Fawdon and Diane Craig),? who are also leading; unhappy lives and are* chilling in their scorn for; the old man who has; whisked their mother* away. “ Williamson manages to: bring the familial friction; to a head in an argument* between a daughter and! husband at a restaurant,to which the mother has; also been invited. « > “Travelling North” , makes few concessions to ; youth, and the touching; 1 ending should leave few; dry eyes among the older members of the audience. c The director, Charles? Schultz, uses a crisper,; less melodramatic style* than in his earlier “Care-* ful He Might Hear You,”? that serves the material; very well. Julian Penny’s, beautiful, bright photo-; graphy leaves many : memorable images, andthe soundtrack is liberally? sprinkled with selections* from Mozart and Beet-J hoven. « One of McKern’s fav--ourite retreats from real-; ity had always been? music, and the doctor fin-; ally remarks, “Mozart’s G; Minor Quintet is a won--derful way to go.” ?