Posts tagged show
“Now You See Me” Misdirection in Its Own Right
0June 9, 2013
“Misdirection in Its Own Right”
“Hotshots” looks at a movie!
Now You See Me combines the genres of a movie about magicians with a heist movie, and it ends up with an example of more is less.
Even the appearances of Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine can’t pull this movie out of the doldrums.
The story begins when four magicians who each have different specialties are all summoned to a locked apartment in New York City which is full of clues that they have to figure out in order to learn why they were summoned.
The four magicians are Daniel, played by Jesse Eisenberg, who is a master of misdirection; Henley, played by Isla Fisher, who is Daniel’s former assistant; Merritt, played by Woody Harrelson, who is a mentalist; and Jack, played by Dave Franco, who is an expert at card tricks.
Incidentally, Dave Franco is the brother of James Franco.
Then we shift to one year later in Las Vegas, the four now call themselves The Four Horsemen, and they put on a spectacular show in a casino, where Daniel announces, “Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight we are going to rob a bank!”
Well, not only do they rob a bank of 32 million Euros, but the bank is in Paris, France, and the robbery occurs during the show with the assistance of a man pulled at random from out of the audience.
Now the FBI gets involved with Agent Dylan Rhodes, played by Mark Ruffalo, another agent from Interpol, a woman named Alma Dray shows up to assist him, and after an interrogation that is unproductive for the authorities, The Four Horsemen are off to their next big show in New Orleans, which is publicized as the setup for their third show, the “Big Punch,” in New York City.
The thing about magic, however, is that if you know how a trick is done, you lose interest in watching that trick again, and a famous magician tells Agents Rhodes and Dray how The Four Horsemen managed to rob that bank in Paris.
The movie tries to spice things up with races through the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but again The Four Horsemen escape, and they are on to New York City, where a car chase through the streets and over a bridge don’t help much, either.
Now You See Me itself is all misdirection.
I’m Dan Culberson and this is “Hotshots.”
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Jaguar Foundation gives community a summer of free swimming
0June 3, 2013
Surprise announcement made at new pool’s opening
What was planned as a free day of swimming as part of the grand opening for St. Augustine’s Willie Galimore Center Community Pool 
last Friday turned into a whole summer of free swimming with a surprise gift from the Jaguar Foundation.
Mark Lamping, Jacksonville Jaguars President, and Peter Racine, Jaguars Foundation President, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 24 for the new Galimore Community Pool in Lincolnville as a show of support for the center’s new pool. The Willie Galimore Center is named for the St. Augustine native and Chicago Bears running back Willie Galimore, an NFL Star in the late 50’s and early 60’s.
When invited to offer remarks by St. Augustine City Manager John Regan, Lamping made a surprise announcement that the Jaguars Foundation would underwrite general swimming entrance fees for the entire summer. The city had planned to charge $1 for children and $2 for adults. Additionally, Lamping announced that the foundation would donate additional funds allowing the pool to extend its hours of operation.
First opened a quarter century ago, the pool was originally operated as part of the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department, but in 2009, faced with increasing demands, St. Johns County closed the pool. Last year, using funds provided by St. Johns County, the city removed the old pool and replaced it in just five months of construction. The new pool, which will be open through Labor Day, is operated by the St. Augustine Family YMCA.
Source: City of St. Augustine
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Denver talk show host Peter Boyles strangles his producer: Ooooh Jann Scotts Journal
0May 28, 2013
The world of live call in talk radio and talk TV is a daily gun fight with guests, callers, advertisers and fans. For Peter Boyles it spilled over into the control room last week where he went after his long time producer Greg Hollenback. Generally, that is a bad move but it is not unheard of in “talk”. Hollenback is liked and considered nice where as Boyles is considered to be pretty much of a prick as most talkers are my self included. It is just the nature of the game. We are like cops in a bad neighborhood every day. Some gangster is always looking for trouble and talk hosts are just the ones to dish it up. Some times it is hard to separate the show from personal lives or office politics.
But who knows what happened ?? Maybe Hallenbeck freaked out over Tom Tancredo latest diatribe. Who could blame him.?Tancredo is crazier that a shit house rat and is the last person anyone in Colorado wants in the governors office.
Boyles has taken an unfortunate turn to the right politically and I think this is God’s way of pulling him up short. Saying” what the fuck are you doing ?? ” Jesus does not want you on the right with a bunch of crazy constitutionalist christian tea bagger gun nut fucking domestic terrorist skin headed white supremacists”
Lest Peter forget they killed his best friend talker Alan berg in 1984. No he didn’t forget. He got momentarily lost….
But this is serious. He could permanently lose his job.
KHOW radio has replaced Boyles with an even bigger idiot John Caldera who is not only stupid … He’s just plain mean. He is certainly no Peter boyles. But then again Peter Boyles is no longer Peter Boyles.
I have had run ins with both of these guys. First Caldera when he was hooked up with Boulder Theater. Caldera was the ops guy under a criminal gangster named Dark Cloud. Dark cloud had been arrested for embezzlement the day before. I was hired to come into Boulder theater and produce a TV special for musician Paul Soderman. Caldera was stomping around the theater like a mad man, threatening me and Soderman with physical violence. He was a nightmare. The next day he was fired. It is a damn wonder he didn’t end up in prison with Dark cloud. That’s a little know story.
Boyles and I had it out over the Ramsey case. I was bitching him out nightly on my Boulder TV show for being a vampire and he was going to kick my ass. Now that was pretty much fun. “No, fuck you. No, fuck your mother. no, fuck your mother. Good talk show hosts have the emotions of a 16 year old boy. ” Peter actually apologized to me and it was over. We both apologized and it was one of those “on the field kind of things.”
But this thing with Hollenback is different. He is a producer. He is not part of the act. He is not some clown like me who relishes a good fight.
I saw ken Hamblin tear into a punk 24 year old producer at KNUS one day….. the kid thought his life was about to end. But then Hamblin got charged with sexual harassment by Karen Lindsay. It happened at a drunken KNUS Christmas party. Mike Rosen hated my guts because I called him a Jewish Nazi on the air. He was infuriated. Bill O’Reilly , Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and the Dykes who run NPR have all gotten into trouble for drugs, harassment, sex, you name it.
Just last month I had 1000 NRA wackos after me for things I said about them here and on TV. Now they are a very crazy dangerous group. To date three police departments are involved with charges made and pending.
So yes talk is the original reality show. Talk radio and TV are show business. It is all an act. But talk is organic and you never know where it is going.
Is this the end for Peter Boyles?. Only the corporation knows for sure
Been on Talk TV since 1989 and talk radio since 1987
From Boulder Colorado
Jann Scott
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This Week May 13 – 19
0May 16, 2013
Monday – Sunday: May 13 – 19
Picasso: Art & Arena Exhibit – An exhibition featuring dozens of Picasso originals, including many that have never been seen previously in the United States. Both famous and rare, these pieces were produced in different styles, techniques and media; providing unique insights into one of Picasso’s main themes: bullfighting. The exhibition is at the Visitor Information Center,10 Castillo Dr. in St. Augustine. Admission: Adults $10; Seniors $8; Kids 6 & Under – Free; Kids 7 – 12 – $5; Family of 4 – $20; Military in Uniform – Free; Flagler College Student with ID – Free. The Picasso Exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily. www.picassoartandarena.com 904-825-1000
Picasso: Art & Arena Exhibit – An exhibition featuring dozens of Picasso originals, including many that have never been seen previously in the United States. Both famous and rare, these pieces were produced in different styles, techniques and media; providing unique insights into one of Picasso’s main themes: bullfighting. The exhibition is at the Visitor Information Center,10 Castillo Dr. in St. Augustine. Admission: Adults $10; Seniors $8; Kids 6 & Under – Free; Kids 7 – 12 – $5; Family of 4 – $20; Military in Uniform – Free; Flagler College Student with ID – Free. The Picasso Exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily. www.picassoartandarena.com 904-825-1000
Romanza Week – Celebration of art and music in the Nation’s oldest city features more than 50 productions and presentations by more than 30 organizations to celebrateSt. Augustine’s “anniversary years.” Daily events include music and dance performances, concerts, art shows, fashion show, dramatic productions and much more at various locations throughout St. Augustine. Many events are free. www.RomanzaFL.org
What Flows From Spain Exhibit – In recognition of Florida’s quincentennial, the St. Augustine Art Association features a special exhibit of the works of Cuban-American artist Elio Beltran. The exhibit, titled What Flows From Spain, includes several large-scale narrative paintings emphasizing Florida’s ties to Spain. The St. Augustine Art Association is located at 22 Marine Street. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org
The American Glass Guild Presents American Glass Now: 2013 – The St. Augustine Art Association will host the second juried American Glass Guild exhibition featuring works by acclaimed stained glass artists. Admission is free. The gallery is located at 22 Marine St. and is open Tuesday – Saturday from noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday from 2 – 5 p.m. www.staaa.org 904-824-2310
St. Augustine Art Association Canvas, Clay, Collage & Cutting Edge – The St. Augustine Art Association combines four exciting themes into one juried exhibit. Cutting Edge is defined as work that pushes the boundaries of ideas and/or materials. The gallery is located at 22 Marine St. and is open Tuesday – Saturday from noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday from 2 – 5 p.m. Admission is free. www.staaa.org 904-824-2310
“Deeper-New Works Art Exhibit to Benefit Rikki” – Space:Eight Gallery exhibit opens with all new works by Chip Southworth produced for benefit of Rikke Southworth to aid in her ongoing battle with breast cancer. The exhibit is at the Space Eight Gallery, 228 W. King St., St. Augustine. The show will run through May 24 with all proceeds from art sales presented to Rikki. www.spaceeight.com 904-829-2838
Monday and Tuesday: May 13 & 14
The Secret – The Spanish Inquisition in Old St. Augustine – Could Jews, fleeing for their lives from Spain, have arrived with Pedro Menendez in 1565 when he founded the City of St. Augustine? This stunning new play by Lee Weaver features this possibility, along with the drama of an ocean crossing, Indian and pirate attacks, religious intolerance and an unforgettable love story. This one-person show covers 50 years in St. Augustine as one family struggles with both survival in the New World and the betrayal, secrecy and bigotry of the Spanish Inquisition. Performances times at the Pioneer Barn at Fort Menendez, 259 San Marco Ave. in St. Augustine are 7:30 p.m. General admission is $20, $15 for students and groups. www.OldFloridaMuseum.com 904-824-8874
Monday – Friday: May 13 – 17
Chosen Pathways Art Exhibit – The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, hosts an exhibit of works by Sherrie Pettigrew and John Tilton. Admission is free. Gallery Monday – Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org
Tuesday: May 14
Benny Goodman Tribute – Dave Bennett Quartet performs a tribute to Benny Goodman at 7:30 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. Advance tickets are $50 for reserved VIP seating and $30 for general admission seating. There is a $5 discount for tickets purchased before the day of the event. A meet the artists “Afterglow” is offered for VIP ticket holders. www.RomanzaFestivale.com
Lives & Wives of Henry Flagler – The Romanza Festivale and Raintree Restaurant present a special dinner theatre production of “The Lives and Wives of Henry Flagler.” This exciting show relives the romance and achievements of Henry Flagler “the Founder of Florida Tourism.” Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. (suggested arrival time 5:30 p.m.) and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39.95 per person all inclusive (adult beverages served separately) and may be purchased in advance from 2 p.m. daily at The Raintree, 102 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. 904-824-7211 www.romanzafestivale.com
Wednesday – Sunday: May 15 – 19
StarTrek Into Darkness: An IMAX 3D Experience – Sneak Peek of Star Trek Into the Darkness starts at 8 p.m. at World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theatre, One World Golf Place, St. Augustine on Wednesday. The film will be shown till June 13 at the IMAX Theatre.
904-840-4133 www.worldgolfimax.com
Wednesday: May 15
Music by the Sea Concert Series 2013 – A free seaside concert featuring Leisure Man playing classic rock & roll from 7-9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd. LaStrada Italian Restaurant will offer signature dinners for $10. For comfortable seating, bring a folding chair. 904-347-8007 www.thecivicassociation.org
100 Years of Mark Twain – The Romanza Festivale and Raintree Restaurant present a special dinner theatre production of “100 Years of Mark Twain” starring Robert Gill. Gill captures America’s favorite humorist and his wit and wisdom. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. (suggested arrival time 5:30 p.m.) and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39.95 per person all inclusive (adult beverages served separately) and may be purchased in advance from 2 p.m. daily at The Raintree, 102 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine.
904-824-7211 www.romanzafestivale.com
Pig Roast at the Fountain of Youth – The St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation will host a pig roast at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, 11 Magnolia Ave at 6 p.m. The menu is roast pig, rice and beans, salad, dessert, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Advance tickets are $22; day of the event $25. A cash bar with wine and beer will be available. www.staugmaritimeheritage.org
Thursday: May 16
The Evolution of Dolphin Care and Training – The future of caring for and training of bottlenose dolphins, and how today’s Marineland is advancing scientific learning about dolphins in human care will be presented at 6 p.m. at the Whitney Auditorium, 9505 Oceanshore Blvd. Admission is free. Guest speakers are William Hurley, VP and Chief Zoological Officer; Michael Hunt, Director of Animal Training, Georgia Aquarium; and Kevin Roberts, Curator of Marine Mammals, Marineland Dolphin Adventure. 904-471-1111 www.marineland.net
Twin Sister Concert at The Standard – The Standard will host Twin Sister and their buzzy hypnotic pop cut with Tusk-era Fleetwood Mac thump, and a shot of Lynchian weirdness for good measure. Tickets are $10 – $12. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Standard is located at 200 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine. www.thestandardfl.com
First Coast Opera Performs A Gilbert & Sullivan Evening – Features Gilbert & Sullivan favorite songs in a cabaret setting at The Riverview Club, 790 Christina Dr., St. Augustine Shores. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets $25, $30 at door. Students with ID $10. 904-417-5555; www.FirstCoastOpera.com
FrIday & Saturday: May 17 & 18
Sea Your History Weekend: The Art of Boatbuilding in the Oldest Port – The Art of Boatbuilding is the theme of a special weekend presentation at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, 81 Lighthouse Ave. Friday from 3-6 p.m. visitors can help Lighthouse archaeologists unlock the secrets of long-lost shipwrecks. Saturday at 9 a.m., visitors can meet and work with boat builders as they build a wooden boat from centuries gone by. At 11 a.m., a Smithsonian presentation gives visitors an opportunity to meet some of the people who make the Smithsonian the world’s leader in research and exploration. Weekend value pack which includes all 3 events and 2 days at the Lighthouse is $25. 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighhouse.org
Riding into History Motorcycle Concours d’Elegance – Riding Into History, one of America’s premier motorcycle events, returns to World Golf Village in St. Augustine. On Friday at 10 a.m. there will be a Grand Marshal Historic Ride led by National Champion Racer and Motorcycle Hall of Famer, Kevin Scwantz. On Saturday the gates to the Concours d’Elegance open at 10 a.m. Admission is $10. The event will feature hundreds of classic American motorcycles along the Village’s Walk of Champions. Vendors, exhibitors and entertainment will be included. All proceeds will benefit Wounded Warrior Project. World Golf Village is located at I-95 Exit 323 in St. Augustine. www.ridingintohistory.org
Friday – Sunday: May 17 – 19
Wine and Golf Fest – The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, located at I-95, exit 323 in St. Augustine, will host a full weekend of great food, outstanding wine and challenging golf. On Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. an elegant 5-course wine dinner ($75 per person) is featured. Saturday features morning golf on the Slammer & Squire Course and a 1 – 4 p.m. Wine & Food Tasting showcases more than 100 wines. A Sip and Play package including golf and the Wine & Food Tasting is available for $119. Tickets to just the wine event are $40 in advance, $45 at the door. There will be a special $39.95 per person Champagne Brunch on Sunday from 8 – 10 a.m. A portion of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. 904-342-6251 www.wgvwgf.eventbrite.com
Florida’s Historic Trust 35th Annual Statewide Preservation Conference – In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s discovery of La Florida and the 125th anniversary of the opening of Henry Flagler’s Hotel Ponce de Leon, Florida’s Trust for Historic Preservation will hold its 35th Annual Preservation Conference in St. Augustine. www.FloridaTrust.org
Friday: May 17
Meet and Greet with Spider-Man and Iron Man – Adventure Landing hosts a free meet and greet with photo opportunities with 2 super heroes. Spider-Man will be at 2780 State Road 16, St. Augustine from 5 – 6:15 p.m. and Iron-Man from 6:45 – 8 p.m. 904-827-9400 www.adventurelanding.com
Hotel Ponce de Leon Anniversary Lecture – Leslee Keys presents a lecture titled “The Modern Wonder of the Ancient City: The Myth and the Marvel of the Hotel Ponce de Leon.” The presentation is part of the commemorative events celebrating The 125th Anniversary of the opening of Henry Flagler’s Ponce de Leon Hotel and takes place at 10 a.m. in the Flagler Room of the former Hotel Ponce De Leon, 74 King St., St. Augustine. Tickets are $5 per person. Active military personnel may attend at no charge. The lecture will be followed by a coffee and pastry reception. 904-819-6282 www.ponce125.com
The Original Wailers, SouLo Lyon & Beat Ivibes and De Lions of Jah Concert – The Standard hosts a reggae spectacular featuring The Original Wailers, De Lions of Jah, SouLo Lyon & Beat Vibes. Doors open at 6 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15-20. The Standard is located at 200 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine. www.thestandardfl.com
Alan Jackson Concert – Country music legend and two-time Grammy Award winner Alan Jackson returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A, for a special performance at 8 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets range from $60.50 to $86. 904-471-1965 www.staugamphitheatre.com
Saturday: May 18
Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tour – The Tolomato Cemetery is the oldest extant planned cemetery in the State of Florida, with burials from the First Spanish Period (1565-1763). Visitor access is limited to the 3rd Saturday of each month when docents provide guided tours. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. The cemetery will be open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and is located at 16 Cordova St. in St. Augustine. board@tolomatocemetery.com www.tolomatocemetery.com
Murder Mystery Authors Book Signing at Lighthouse – Ponte Vedra Beach artist and writer Sharon Goldman and her sister, author Marilyn Baron, of Palm Coast, have collaborated again on a new comedic mystery called “Murder at the Outlet Mall.” The St. Augustine Lighthouse hosts their book signing from 1 – 4 p.m. The event is free to the public, plus attendees can register to win fabulous prizes (including Coach, Le Creuset products, Lighthouse prints and more) 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighthouse.org
Beach Fitness Workshop – Anastasia State Park hosts a fitness workshop from 8 – 9:30 a.m. The series of workshops includes one session each of Tai Chi, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Personal Trainer, and an Alternative Health/Naturalist Nutritionist to close out the series. Six weeks, six individual classes, all for sixty dollars or $15 per class. Registration fees will be used for playground restorations and upgrades in the park. The park is located at 1340A A1A South in St, Augustine. 904-461-2033 www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Classic Patric – The Pioneer Barn hosts Patric Robinson as he croons his way through some of the finest standards and show tunes ever written. The show starts at 7 p.m. and will include such favorites as Java Jive, That Lucky Old Sun, Night and Day, Summer Place and many more. The Pioneer Barn at Fort Menendez is located at 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine Tickets are $15 for general admission. www.OldFloridaMuseum.com
904-824-8874
Castillo By Candlelight – Night tours by candlelight will be from 6 -9 p.m. at the Castillo de San Marcos, 1 South Castillo Drive. Revisit the events of the Second Seminole War from the eyes of a United States Army Sergeant. Admission is $8 per adult ages 15 and older; $4 per child 5 – 15; and free for children 4 and younger. www.nps.gov/casa
904-829-6506, ext. 233.
Zoso – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience at The Standard – The Standard will host Zoso – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience. Zoso was formed in 1995 to perform the most accurate and captivating Led Zeppelin live show since the real thing. Tickets are $18 – $20 and the doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. The Standard is located at 200 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine. www.thestandardfl.com
Sunday: May 19
Taste of the Beach – Annual ‘taste-fest’ with the crowd and judges selecting the coveted “Best of the Beach” restaurant at the end of the evening. Admission is free and taste tickets sell for $1 each. The Taste of St. Augustine Beach takes place from noon – 6 p.m. at St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd. 904-347-8007 www.thecivicassociation.org
7th Annual Sea Turtle Festival – Keepers of the Coast host the 7th Annual Sea Turtle Festival from noon – 5 p.m. at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina located at 111 Avenida Menendez. The family-oriented festival will feature live music, conservation and wildlife education tables, arts and craft vendors, a silent auction, food and beverages and “Keeper’s Cove,” an interactive children’s program that includes an obstacle course mimicking the conservation challenges sea turtle face. There is a suggested donation of $2 per person and all proceeds fund annual local beach clean-up efforts and summer education programs. www.keepersofthecoast.org 904-687-7694
The Take Over – Hosted by NFL All-Pro Fullback Leonard Weaver, The Take Over features performances by Canton Jones, Erica Cumbo and Mouthpiece MP3. The Take Over is an outreach created to inspire and motivate youth through music, drama and the arts. The fun will start at 7 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.) at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1030 A1A South. General admission tickets are $15. www.staugamphitheatre.com
www.takeovertour.wix.com/thetakeover 904-471-1965
St. Augustine Community Chorus presents Two Titans of Classicism – Under the direction of Dr. Theodore K. Matthews, the St. Augustine Community Chorus will perform Haydn’s Te Deum and Mozart’s Requiem. The concert begins at 3 p.m. at Ancient City Baptist Church, 27 Sevilla St. in St. Augustine. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $5 for Students. www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org
Local Resident Specials
NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).
For more information on events and activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1-800-653-2489
To submit events to be included on the VCB Events calendar and website, please submit details to FHCeventlist@gmail.com.
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“The Sapphires” a Sweet Story Set During Vietnam War
0April 20, 2013
“Sweet Story Set During Vietnam War”
“Hotshots” looks at a movie!
THE SAPPHIRES is inspired by the unlikely, but true story of four girls from the aboriginal outback of Australia who form a singing group that entertains the American troops in Vietnam during the war.
The movie begins in 1958 in Australia, and we see four little girls who love to sing performing before an audience. Suddenly a group of government officials show up, and one of the little girls, Kay, is taken away from her family by the officials, because she has light skin, and forced to live in a city with a white family.
This was all part of a government program to integrate aborigines into Caucasian society.
Then the movie shifts to 1968, and we meet Dave Lovelace, played by Chris O’Dowd, who is sleeping in his car and arrives late to work in a bar where he is the emcee of a local talent show, and his boss puts him on his last warning.
Dave says to the audience, “I sort of start off slow, and then I slowly peter out.”
Two young aborigine girls, Gail and Cynthia, are singing in the talent show, they announce that they are from “black fella’ country,” and they sing a country song that the audience doesn’t pay much attention to.
But when their younger sister, Julie, suddenly joins them on stage, their singing becomes much better and so does the audience’s appreciation.
After the talent show, the girls approach Dave, show him a newspaper clipping about an audition in Melbourne for singers and dancers to perform for the troops in Vietnam, and ask him to help them go to the audition.
Dave agrees to help, but says they should sing soul music instead of country music and that Julie should sing lead instead of Gail, which doesn’t please Gail one bit.
Also, while they are in Melbourne, they track down their cousin, Kay, who had been abducted 10 years earlier, and she is able to join them for the audition.
Ironically, while Dave is coaching the girls and teaching them choreography, he says that they should sing their soul songs “blacker.”
So, the girls, accompanied by Dave as manager and chaperone, entertain the troops in Vietnam, where there is danger, conflict, and even romance.
The Sapphires is a sweet and mostly true story set during the Vietnam War.
I’m Dan Culberson and this is “Hotshots.”
