At the Movies hosts Maragaret Pomeranz and David Stratton have bid Australia farewell announcing the long-running programme on the ABC will not be returning for 2015.
The pair who started working together on SBSs on The Movie Show and then the ABC for At The Movies will retire from the roles at the end of this year.
For three decades the duo have been a part of the Australian television landscape, bringing their love of cinema around the world to Australian homes each week. Stratton said in a statement, “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.
“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.”
Pomeranz agreed with her on-screen partner.
“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.”
Actor Geoffrey Rush commented,”Their sparkling bickering was always entertaining and informative – their yin-and-yang opinions presented neat snapshots of the uncompromised fearless array they selected from the contemporary and heritage cinema catalogue,” Rush said and named the pair “five-star cineastes”.
Watch Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett impersonate Margaret and David below:
image crediit: Ben Rushton for smh.com.au
