Everyone’s favourite film-critiquing duo and national beacon of film culture Margaret Stratton and David Pomeranz, have announced that after 28 years of film reviewing, are set to film the last episode of ‘At the Movies’ on December 9.
Marget and David hosted ‘The Movie Show’ on SBS for 18 years, before shifting to the ABC with ‘At the Movies’.
The pair have a reputation as a stalwarts of the Australian screen industry and are respected both nationally and abroad for their knowledge and passion for films.
Their onscreen banter was legendary, with viewers thoroughly enjoying their passionate discussions and occasional vehement disagreements. Devoted fans had even set up a Facebook page entitled ‘The sexual tension between Margaret and David’, which has attracted 3,760 likes.
The pair shared their thoughts on their 28 years of film reviewing:
“After 28 years reviewing films on television with Margaret, ten of them at the ABC, I feel it’s time to go. We’ve had a wonderful time, thanks to very supportive and encouraging audiences, throughout that period. And we’ve worked with wonderful teams, both at SBS and at the ABC, people who discovered movies alongside us, helped and assisted us, and in the process became valued friends. We couldn’t have done it without them.” said David.
“Most of all, working with Margaret, whose enthusiasm, commitment and passion has been amazing (and only occasionally irritating) has been a joy for over a quarter of a century. But, since I turned 75 last week, I look forward to less pressure and more opportunities to enjoy the movies I love, in the years ahead.”
Margaret added her thoughts:
“As David says, it’s time to go from the small screen after a great innings, thanks to all our viewers and the fabulous teams we’ve worked with over the years. And thank you to the ABC and SBS. We’ve been lucky to work for two great public broadcasters, and long may they prosper.
“My gratitude goes to David who gave me credibility just by being prepared to sit by me and discuss film when I am just a film enthusiast, not the great walking encyclopedia of film that he is. He’s a grand person, a most generous, decent man, even if a little stubborn at times.
“We’ve seen Australian films continue to mature over nearly three decades on air and I look forward to a continued involvement in this wonderful industry of ours which explores and reflects our culture and our peccadilloes. It’s been such a privilege to have been on the sidelines, witnessing the talent that this country produces in all areas of film production.
“I’m very sad to have to call an end to our show, it started out as a very fragile thing and only survived because there are enough lovers of film in this country to support a specific program about cinema. Thank you all.”
ABC’s Managing Director Mark Scott spoke of the pair’s extraordinary place in the hearts of Australian viewers.
“The fact that everybody knows them as Margaret and David demonstrates how much they are loved by the Australian publicTheir passionate and enthusiastic championing of the cinema art form, their articulate and always entertaining reviews and their personal rapport on stage (not to mention those earrings) have defined them. Their contribution to the ABC and to the wider arts community has been enormous. We are so proud to have worked with them for over a decade at the ABC and we will miss them. I give them five stars.”
You can watch the official announcement below.
Sophie Joske
