A Book for Kids
by C.J. Dennis (Angus & Robertson, 1921)
audiobook read by Colin Friels (ABC Audio, 2016)
Supposedly unabridged, this audiobook in fact omits the stories, leaving only Dennis’s verse—short, rather dated bush ballads, their rhyme too simple for adults, the language too sophisticated for children. Colin Friels revisits his Play School days but fights a losing battle.
Jack Irish: Bad Debts
by Andrew Knight; dir. Jeffrey Walker (ABC, 2012)
A telemovie crime drama steeped in the seedier aspects of Australian city life (lent verisimilitude by accents and cultural quirks). Guy Pearce is competent but understated in the lead role. Two of the world’s great Colins—Hay and Friels—play bad guys.
Malcolm
dir. Nadia Tass (1986)
A quirky landmark in Australian cinema and independent filmmaking, bittersweet heist-cum-friendship tale Malcolm sees the apparently slow-witted, tram-obsessed titular character (Colin Friels) apply his aptitude for gadgetry to helping recent ex-con Frank (John Hargreaves) and his girlfriend (Lindy Davies) rob a bank.