The Night We Called It a Day (2003)

Director:

Paul Goldman

Writers:

Peter Clifton (writer)
Michael Thomas (writer)

Release Date:

14 August 2003 (Australia)

Genre:

Biography | Comedy | Drama | Music

Tagline:

This nobody is about to catch a big somebody.

Plot:

Based on the true events surrounding Frank Sinatra's tour of Australia. When Sinatra calls a local reporter a "two-bit hooker", every union in the country black-bans the star until he issues an apology. |

Plot Keywords:

Apology | Frank Sinatra | Tabloid Journalism | Big Band | Female Reporter

Awards:

1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

Dennis Hopper	...	Frank Sinatra
Melanie Griffith	...	Barbara Marx
Portia de Rossi	...	Hilary Hunter
Joel Edgerton	...	Rod Blue
Rose Byrne	...	Audrey Appleby
David Hemmings	...	Mickey Rudin
David Field	...	Bob Hawke
Victoria Thaine	...	Penny
Stephen O'Rourke	...	Jilly Rizzo
Nicholas Hope	...	Phil
George Vidalis	...	Vinny
Peter Demlakian	...	Ruby
Tony Barry	...	Ralph Blue
Vincent Ball	...	Rex Hooper
Jennifer Hagan	...	Doris

Also Known As:

All the Way (USA) (DVD title)
All the Way: The Kidnapping of a Music Legend (USA) (DVD title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong language.

Runtime:

Germany:97 min (Filmfest Hamburg) | Argentina:97 min

Country:

Australia | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:15 | Argentina:13 | Iceland:16 | Finland:K-11 | Netherlands:AL | Australia:M | Singapore:NC-16 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Fox Studios, Moore Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Company:

The Night We Called It a Day Pty. Ltd.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: There are a number of anachronisms in the Sydney backdrops, ostensibly set in the 1970s. The most obvious is the catamaran harbour ferry that crosses the screen, in an early night-time shot of the harbour bridge. These were not introduced until 15 years later in 1988.

Quotes:

Frank Sinatra: What's your name kid?
Rod Blue: Rod Blue from Wooloomooloo.

Movie Connections:

References The Godfather (1972)

Soundtrack:

That's Life

Blues Eyes vs Bob

A surprisingly entertaining comedy about a young Aussie promoter (Joel Edgerton) who manages to convince Frank Sinatra and his crew to visit Australia for a few shows. All goes well until Frank Sinatra (Dennis Hopper) runs into a TV reporter (played by Ally McBeal's Portia de Rossi) who claims he spat on her at the airport. Frank won't apologise so in steps the ACTU led by a hilariously boof-headed Bob Hawke (wonderfully played by David Field of Two Hands fame) to bring Ol' Blue Eyes' tour to a stand-still, no room service, no phone, no water!

The story follows the usual Hollywood style of story telling with the end of "act 2" being a big downer (everything just goes wrong) and of course it all comes good in the end. The acting is quite good across the board with cheeky Aussie comedy sitting alongside moving drama effortlessly.

Frank Sinatra's music plays a big part in the film so if you're a fan you'll love the film, of course on the other hand if you can't stand his music then this may not be the film for you. The film makers did think to throw in a bit of 70s rock (think Led Zeppelin) and even an Elvis track to add a bit of variety to the mix.

The only time in cringed during the whole film was when Frank's US-based secretary pronounced Australia with a fake American accent and put an "R" on the end, a common mistake made by Australian actors.

3.5/5

See it if:

- you like Frank Sinatra

- you'd like to visit Australia in the 1970s

- you want to see a hilarious portrayal of a young Bob Hawke (Hazel Hawke included)

- you like Rose Byrne (for the guys) or Joel Edgerton (for the girls)

- you like knuckle busting fist fights

- you don't think Melanie Griffith's top lip isn't too big

Don't see it if:

- you don't like Frank Sinatra

- you can't stand the thought of Sydney in 1974

- you think Bob Hawke was the best PM ever

- you wince whenever you hear a meaty punch

- you think Melanie Griffith's top lip should have its own post code