ABC scrapping At the Movies as Margaret and David retire
The ABC looks set to scrap long-running show At the Movies after announcing today hosts Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton are set to retire, recording their final episode on December 9.
It is unclear at the moment whether the broadcaster will replace the show, the only dedicated free-to-air movie review show, with a similar offering. A release said At the Movies will not return in 2015.
The announcement also marks the end of one of the longest-running partnerships on Australian TV, with Margaret and David presenting together for 28 years, including 18-years on SBS’ The Movie Show, before moving to ABC in 2004.
In today’s release David said:
Very sad for film lovers but the writing was on the wall when Judith Lucy and Jason Di Rosso, the stand-in hosts, didn’t gel on-screen. They were being touted at the time as eventual replacements for Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton. It was like watching paint dry with Lucy and Di Rosso. No chemistry at all. [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]
What’s the TV-viewer’s equivalent of giving a standing ovation? Thank you, Margaret and David.
One of the few shows worth watching on Aus TV.
I found Judith and Jason great, would welcome the chance to watch them every week as permanent replacements.
You’re both ‘Gems’ Margaret & David; thank you, I’ll miss your insights; I’ll miss you!
(I have to agree with David re: Sex & The City though – d r e a d f u l! – & I mean the show & the movies!).
Sad indeed but porbably overdue, & Pomeranz is a real fire-brand who hopefully finds another platform.
Don’t agree that new hosts wouldn’t work – Judith Lucy seems as much of a fan/punter as Margaret, albeit less enmeshed in the industry; she just needs an equally engaged foil.
Poaching Marc Fennell seems like a good plan, & Aunty has form…
Such a shame the show’s being dumped, would happily have watched Margaret & David for several more years. But agree that Lucy & Di Rosso didn’t cut it. Surely there must be a demand for a quality film review show in Australia? Come on ABC – don’t just abandon it. You can’t be surprised that they’ve quit so you’ve had time.
MARK FENNELL!! MARK FENNELLL!
What will be thier final movie review?… FAT PIZZA V HOUSOS ?.?
Sad, but their contribution is hugely appreciated by viewers.
Not surprising that they weren’t incentivised to stay on – the ABC’s grossly overpaid Managing Director (more than $800,000 a year for a job with no KPIs, no risks, no accountability, a job for life) means there’s no money left for talent who are worthwhile.
Are they really retiring, or were they pushed out?
Having followed Margaret & David for so many years and enjoyed their company every week I will sadly say goodbye in December. I wish them both every happiness and good health. Thanks do much for such an honest appreciation of the movies
Alas my fix of Margret and David will be no more, I don’t always agree with them but I do love to see how I rate movies compared to them. They inspired me to keep a list of each years scores: http://macarthursmutterings.wo.....s-in-2013/ I am a tad more generous than them
Margret and David have given far more than they received and deserve their retirement more than many TV personalities. It is sad that the show will retire with them but who could possibly succeed them?
Absolute madness that the ABC isn’t investing in something new. I think most of us have learned about new upcoming films from M&D that we wouldn’t necessarily have heard of in mainstream media. You can’t replace what Margaret & David have, but surely there’s room & merit for a half hour magazine style movie review show in the calendar, even if it’s once a month like The Book Club.
Come on Zapruder’s Other Films, make it happen!
I worked with both, and have been truly inspired by both, on many, many occasions – – sometimes in the strangest of places!!!!
Margaret really taught me a lot of what I know about working cleverly and creatively in a box, that box; David…well he gave me the one of the greatest moments of my professional journalists career, by nominating me for a seat on the Cannes FRIPESCI Jury in 1992, and the first Australian on the Jury, that’s selfless.
A true Vale…and chookas for the rest…….in the hope also that ABC TV does not abandon the their work to legacy, but keeps the screen alive with their invaluable intent.
🙂
Pete Castaldi
Sad news indeed. But sadder is ABC’s announcement to nit renew the show at all. Australian films need as much profile as possible – and At The Movies at least meant even small Aussie films got some profile. It is imperative that the ABC re-think this decision or at least commission a new movie review show in a new format.
they say “good things come to an end” is quite apt for this story and a final word is do not lose heart in locally produced aussie tv!