Funny by George: The George Wallace Story (1999)
Synopsis
A biography of comedian and actor George Wallace (1895-1960). The documentary traces Wallace’s life from childhood to death. The film shows Wallace starring in many of his films, along with interviews and other archival moving image and stills.
Curator’s notes
The documentary gives us a good sense of Wallace the untrained actor who had a talent for stand up comedy. He played the innocent country bumpkin and delivered a nostalgic image of Australia. The documentary is enriched by the loving commentary by actor Bill Kerr who made his debut film appearance as a young boy with Wallace in Harmony Row (1933).
George Wallace was one of Australia’s most successful comedians. He made many stage appearances over his life particularly as a stand up comedian. He also starred in His Royal Highness (1932), A Ticket in Tatts (1934), Let George Do It (1938), Gone to the Dogs (1939), The Rats of Tobruk (1944) and Wherever She Goes (1953). He was also involved with the writing of many of these titles. As Bill Kerr explains in the clip George on Harmony Row, the dialogue evolved during rehearsal rather than being strictly scripted.
Bill Kerr (1922-) started his acting career with George Wallace in Harmony Row and eventually appeared in 73 films worldwide. Some of his notable roles are in The Lighthorsemen, Anzacs, The Year of Living Dangerously, Gallipoli, The Captain’s Table, The Shiralee, The Dam Busters and The Silence of Dean Maitland.
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