St Kilda's Rock 'n' Roll Legacy: A Cinematic Journey
Two rarely screened documentaries, Punkline and Last Drinks, offer a captivating glimpse into St Kilda's vibrant music scene and its unique culture. These films, screening at The Astor Cinema as part of the St Kilda Film Festival, showcase the suburb's rock 'n' roll heyday through the eyes of the audience.
Punkline: A Fashionable Snapshot
Filmed in 1980, Punkline is a short but impactful documentary that captures the essence of the post-punk era. Director Tony Stevens and his partner Sue Davis, with their keen eye for fashion and attitude, aimed to showcase the crowds at the Crystal Ballroom. The result is a fascinating look at the era's style, from the smoking indoors to the lack of diversity in the audience.
Stevens reflects on the film's timeless quality, noting the absence of people of color and the reliance on cash registers. He believes that the film's impact was immediate, with its footage appearing in various documentaries, including Mutiny In Heaven and Live It Up. This enduring legacy highlights the film's significance in capturing a specific moment in time.
Last Drinks: A Time Capsule of St Kilda's Past
Fast forward to 1996, and Kate Morrow and Louise Avery's Last Drinks takes us on a journey to the pre-gentrification days of St Kilda. The documentary focuses on the Prince of Wales Hotel, a hub of diverse entertainment, from rock-and-roll wrestling to drag shows. The film captures the essence of the suburb's inclusive community, where drug addiction and marginalization were met with warmth and acceptance.
Morrow emphasizes the unique atmosphere of the Prince, a microcosm of St Kilda's diverse and welcoming nature. The film's raw quality, achieved despite limited resources, adds to its authenticity. The inclusion of interviews with musicians, bar staff, and regulars, including the late Jan Hillier, further enriches the narrative.
A Celebration of St Kilda's Cultural Heritage
The double bill, St Kilda Rocks, is a celebration of the suburb's cultural heritage. It highlights the importance of capturing these moments in time, as they provide a unique perspective on the past. Stevens and Morrow's documentaries offer a rare glimpse into the lives and attitudes of the people who shaped St Kilda's identity.
As the films screen once again, they remind us of the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving cultural moments. These documentaries are not just a trip down memory lane but a testament to the enduring spirit of St Kilda's music scene and its impact on the community.
