Retro Television: A Journey Through Australia's Golden Age of TV
In the late 1950s, a young Ian Collis found himself perched by a bathroom window, straining to catch a glimpse of his neighbor's television. This was the birth of his fascination with the small screen, which eventually led to the creation of Retro Television: What We Watched Back in the Day, a captivating book that takes readers on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Collis, a rugby league historian and vintage photo collector, delves into the early days of television in Australia, a time when the medium was new and the content was a mix of American imports and local gems. The book is a treasure trove of archival photography, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and insights into the cultural impact of television during its formative years.
The Golden Age of TV
Mainstream television arrived in Australia in September 1956, with Bruce Gyngell's iconic opening line, "Good evening, and welcome to television." The ABC launched its services in November of the same year, and the nation was hooked. Collis highlights the dominance of American content during this period, with Westerns, detective shows, comedies, and variety programs dominating the airwaves. Australians embraced these shows, imitating the characters and styles, and even adopting American pets and superheroes.
The book showcases iconic Australian programs like Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, The Sullivans, The Paul Hogan Show, and Division 4, as well as beloved variety shows such as Hey Hey It's Saturday and Countdown. Collis emphasizes the significance of these local productions, particularly Countdown, which introduced music videos and launched the careers of many Australian artists.
A Social Hub
Television in the 1950s and 1960s was more than just entertainment; it was a social hub. Collis recalls the excitement of getting a television, the competitive nature of choosing what to watch, and the communal experience of gathering around the TV. He notes that a black-and-white television set was a luxury, costing around 10 times the average weekly wage. Owning a TV made one a popular figure in the neighborhood, attracting neighbors for social gatherings.
However, the technology had its quirks. Remote controls were rare and often unreliable, and the aerial needed to be perfectly positioned. Collis humorously recalls the challenges of watching television, from the limited channels to the competitive nature of choosing what to watch as a family.
A Cultural Impact
Collis argues that television had a profound impact on popular culture, shaping our tastes in music, fashion, and entertainment. He highlights the power of jingles and catchy tunes, citing shows like Green Acres and Gilligan's Island as examples. The book also explores the influence of American singers and actors, such as Frank Sinatra and Johnny O'Keefe, who became household names in Australia.
Looking Back
As Collis reflects on the past, he notes the contrast between the focused TV-watching experience of his youth and the multi-tasking nature of modern television. He believes that Retro Television will appeal to both nostalgic adults and younger readers who want to understand the cultural significance of the medium's early days.
Retro Television is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of television, the cultural impact of media, and the evolution of popular entertainment. It's a trip down memory lane that will leave readers reminiscing about the good old days of television, when the small screen was a source of wonder and community.
