A Tribute to Bill Collins ("Mr Movies") Australian TV's finest film critic

Image: Fox Classics

He has been a part of Australian television for over five decades. Now in his eighties, Bill Collins (OAM) hosts classic movies each week on cable television (Fox Classics) after doing the same gig on free-to-air television in the 70's, 80's and 90's. His passion for movies, particularly from Hollywood's 'golden age', makes his commentaries more interesting than the actually films. 

You can tell he was a former school teacher - the way he speaks to his audience. 

"Have you read .....?"

"You really should read ....."

Collins is a bibliophile. Over the years he has amassed a huge library of novels (particularly out-of print and limited editions), movie related books and soundtracks. He assiduously researches the coming movies he will host - no Wikipedia or IMDB with this guy.

During "Intermission" Bill will wax lyrical about casting choices, camera work, costumes, musical scores (don't get him started on Erich Korngold or Max Steiner!), anecdotes and adapted screenplays vs original novels. It isn't unusual for him to have a book review interlude.

His taste in movies is eclectic. One night he hosted the confronting "Wake in Fright" (1970) back to back with sci-fi"The War of the Worlds" (1953).

Catch Bill on YouTube. There are stacks of clips from the 80's and 90's. Start off with his introduction to "Manhattan Melodrama". It'll knock your socks off.

Love Live Mr Movies. A living legend of the airwaves.

Image: You Tube

Things I really miss...

• my much loved Tin Tin tee-shirts,Thailand circa 1990 (getting a bit ragged around the collar), turned into cushions by my other half. They look good, but ....
• Windows XP (thank God my old laptop still has it, Windows 8 is an acquired taste)
• Watching Bill Collins give his rapturous spiel on "The Golden Years of Hollywood" before each movie.
• When kids brought a box of coloured pencils and building blocks to gran and pop's place (rather than an i-pod or mum's smartphone to play with).
• plastic bags that open easily
• Watching black and white movies on free-to-air television
• Reading to my daughter at bedtime
• W-i-d-e  seats in Business Class
• In Australia, the only bottled water for sale was Mineral, Soda or Tonic Water. Buying drinking water in Australia is a ludicrous waste of money and resources. Don't get me started about the litter.
• Groceries being packed in brown paper bags.
• Going to the cinema when people were considerate and .... silent.

• This is a work in progress....