Retro Television: A Journey Through Australia's Golden Age of TV
In the late 1950s, a young Ian Collis found himself perched by the bathroom window, straining to catch a glimpse of his neighbor's television. This was the birth of his fascination with the small screen, which would later inspire him to write Retro Television: What We Watched Back in the Day. Collis takes us on a nostalgic journey through Australia's television history, exploring the iconic shows that shaped the nation's popular culture.
A New Medium, A New Culture
The book arrives at a time when artificial intelligence is a hot topic, reminding us of the transformative power of new media. Collis highlights the arrival of television in Australia, a "new medium" that changed the way people interacted with entertainment forever. He describes the excitement of getting his family's first TV in 1960, a significant purchase in a time when a black-and-white television set cost around 10 times the average weekly wage. This made owning a TV a status symbol, attracting neighbors and fostering a sense of community.
American Influence and Local Flavor
Collis reveals that during the 1950s and 60s, Australians were primarily exposed to American content, from Westerns and detective shows to comedies and variety programs. This American influence was a result of Australia's status as an "outside culture" at the time. Collis notes that Australians imitated American characters and shows, from Rin-Tin-Tin to Lassie, Superman to Zorro, and cheered for the underdog in shows like The Adventures of Robin Hood. The catchy jingles from American shows like Green Acres and Gilligan's Island also left a lasting impression on the Australian public.
Local Talent and Groundbreaking Shows
Despite the dominance of American content, Collis celebrates the emergence of Australian-made shows that left their mark on the nation. Skippy the Bush Kangaroo stands out as a groundbreaking production, allowing viewers to interact with a kangaroo and receive consistent answers. Other notable Australian shows mentioned in the book include The Sullivans, The Paul Hogan Show, Division 4, Matlock Police, Bellbird, Hey Hey It's Saturday, Play School, Graham Kennedy's In Melbourne Tonight, and Countdown. Collis highlights Countdown's role in showcasing early music videos and launching careers, thanks to Molly Meldrum's influence.
Sports and Social Interaction
Collis also reminisces about the integration of sports into the living room. Starting in the early 1960s, Australians could tune in to watch AFL, rugby league, soccer, and cricket on the ABC. Cricket, in particular, was incredibly popular. The author reflects on the social aspect of television, noting that in a time when streaming and multiple screens were not yet a reality, families gathered around the TV, creating a shared experience and fostering a sense of community.
A Nostalgic Journey
As Collis concludes his journey through Australia's retro television era, he invites readers to reminisce and appreciate the simplicity and joy of those times. He contrasts the current TV-viewing experience, where people often multitask with their phones, with the dedicated focus and community-building power of the past. Retro Television serves as a window to a bygone era, offering both nostalgia and a unique perspective on the evolution of television and popular culture.
Retro Television by Ian Collis, published by New Holland Publishers, is now available, inviting readers to embark on a nostalgic journey through Australia's television history.
