The Night We Called It a Day (2003)

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.

Director:

Paul Goldman

Writers:

Peter Clifton, Michael Thomas

Stars:

Dennis Hopper, Melanie Griffith, Portia de Rossi

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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

Storyline

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 | heavy drinking | charity event | airport | music industry | 

---

Taglines:

This nobody is about to catch a big somebody.

---

Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Drama | Music

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language

Details

Country:

Australia USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 August 2003 (Australia)

Also Known As:

All the Way

Filming Locations:

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

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$113,686 (Australia) (15 August 2003)

Gross:

$246,964 (Australia) (22 August 2003)

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Night We Called It a Day Pty. Ltd., Icon Entertainment International, Ocean Pictures Pty. Limited

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min 97 min (Filmfest Hamburg)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

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.

---

Connections

References The Godfather (1972)

---

Soundtracks

"That's Life"
Performed by Tom Burlinson

User Reviews

Who knows where the road will lead us?

That song line from "all the way" is emblematic of The Night We Called It A Day, which starts out as a gritty piece of history, but ultimately becomes a testament to the joys of total romantic commitment.

For much of The Night We Called It A Day, I thought I had the movie completely pegged: Frank Sinatra, representing US Cultural Imperialism, running roughshod over the Australian locals. I'm not thin-skinned, and not uncritical of the US myself, so I thought, okay...that along with the voyeur's pleasure of seeing the crude reality of Sinatra's private life portrayed on screen is sufficient for 90 minutes entertainment.

But what starts out seeming like a poison pen letter turns out to be more of a Valentine, and the switch from one to the other makes the conclusion especially satisfying and exhilarating. The filmmakers play fast and loose with the facts toward the end, but the result is worth the artistic license.

I doubt anyone could play Sinatra and come out on top; in his own films Sinatra had a singular presence that could never be duplicated by any mere actor. Hopper isn't mimicking, however, he is acting, and he does a good job of conveying the essence of his character. I imagine the most difficult part of the role was bringing the audience along in those scenes where Sinatra, without dropping his tough guy act, reveals a tiny glimpse of the sweeter inner man. I bought it.

Maybe I was just in a receptive mood, but I immensely enjoyed it.