Book Review - The Silent Showman
July 5th 2008 01:58
The Silent Showman
This highly entertaining history of George Tallis, the ‘silent showman’ of the title provides a richly detailed account of the entertainment industry in Australia. Theatre historian and long time publisher Katherine Brisbane’s brief Foreword rightly claims it to be “one of the most important books on Australian theatre yet to have been produced.”, and no one could possibly argue otherwise.
Given his pivotal involvement in the growth of theatre, radio and film-making in Australia, Tallis’ story illuminates a myriad of dim crossings and corners hitherto unclear if known at all. Managing a mighty picture palace in the day when it may host vaudeville acts or concerts requiring an orchestra was no easy feat. Tallis was involved in the management of no less than forty such venues over Australia and New Zealand in the 1920’s.
Many seasoned theatre lovers have heard of James Cassius Williamson. They have likely seen a production presented by JC Williamson, but how many realize what a global empire JC Williamson Ltd grew into over the years? George Tallis started his extraordinary life journey as a mere lad working for JC Williamson in 1886. The running order of shows in Melbourne theatres between 1886 and 1931 is in itself a fascinating read. The photographs and illustrations are wonderful and include Adelaide’s Regent Theatre long before Rundle Street became Rundle Mall.
Culture and social identity are informed by the art that accompanies it, when one is enabled to trace a journey from ‘point A’ to ‘point B’ there is wealth of valuable information available along the way. Upon reading this book it is easier to understand why the modern theatre in Australia is what it is.
David Jobling
ISBN: 9781862547353
Subtitle: Sir George Tallis, the Man Behind the Worlds Largest Entertainment Organisation of the 1920s
Format: Hardback Book
Pages: 384
Author: Michael Tallis & Joan Tallis
Imprint:
Publisher: Wakefield Press
Published: 15/11/2006
This highly entertaining history of George Tallis, the ‘silent showman’ of the title provides a richly detailed account of the entertainment industry in Australia. Theatre historian and long time publisher Katherine Brisbane’s brief Foreword rightly claims it to be “one of the most important books on Australian theatre yet to have been produced.”, and no one could possibly argue otherwise.
Given his pivotal involvement in the growth of theatre, radio and film-making in Australia, Tallis’ story illuminates a myriad of dim crossings and corners hitherto unclear if known at all. Managing a mighty picture palace in the day when it may host vaudeville acts or concerts requiring an orchestra was no easy feat. Tallis was involved in the management of no less than forty such venues over Australia and New Zealand in the 1920’s.
Many seasoned theatre lovers have heard of James Cassius Williamson. They have likely seen a production presented by JC Williamson, but how many realize what a global empire JC Williamson Ltd grew into over the years? George Tallis started his extraordinary life journey as a mere lad working for JC Williamson in 1886. The running order of shows in Melbourne theatres between 1886 and 1931 is in itself a fascinating read. The photographs and illustrations are wonderful and include Adelaide’s Regent Theatre long before Rundle Street became Rundle Mall.
Culture and social identity are informed by the art that accompanies it, when one is enabled to trace a journey from ‘point A’ to ‘point B’ there is wealth of valuable information available along the way. Upon reading this book it is easier to understand why the modern theatre in Australia is what it is.
David Jobling
ISBN: 9781862547353
Subtitle: Sir George Tallis, the Man Behind the Worlds Largest Entertainment Organisation of the 1920s
Format: Hardback Book
Pages: 384
Author: Michael Tallis & Joan Tallis
Imprint:
Publisher: Wakefield Press
Published: 15/11/2006
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