Terowie Film Festival: Ron visits the Mid North region of South Australia

The tiny mid-north town of Terowie will come to life over the Easter break, when a couple of legendary South Australians take centre stage at the "Days of Rail and Screen Festival".

Terowie is the birthplace of J P McGowan, a giant of the early American film industry. It was in the once bustling railway community that the young McGowan developed his love of trains which have featured prominently in so many of his movies.

The terrified beauty tied to the railway tracks was one of his favourite stock-in-trades.

JP cut his teeth in the silent era, working as an actor, director, screenwriter and movie producer. But unlike many, he would make the transition from silent movies to the 'talkies'. He starred alongside the likes of Hopalong Cassidy and Gene Autry. This SA born Hollywood icon knew all the big names in the early Westerns and many that came afterwards.

"He gave John Wayne some of his earliest roles," said Film Historian John McGowan. "He also worked with Rita Hayworth, Bing Crosby, Spencer Tracey, Anthony Quinn and Randolph Scott in the westerns. He knew everybody in Hollywood."

Clips from many of JP McGowan's films will be shown over the Easter Holidays at the Terowie Institute Hall. The town's "Days of Rail and Screen Festival" will also pay homage to another great son of the mid-north, legendary explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins. An outback tag-along tour will take enthusiasts along the Dare's Hill Circuit and detour to Sir Hubert Wilkins' Homestead.

Born in 1888, Wilkins grew up in what can be harsh and unpredictable farming country. By his early twenties, he'd stowed away to London to pursue his passion for the film camera and the flying machine.

It was an adventurous life that saw him explore both the north and south poles. Sir Hubert Wilkins was the first to fly over the North Pole and the first to take a submarine under the polar icecap - proving to the world that it could be done.

For details regarding the events planned or Terowie's "Days of Rail and Screen" contact terowiedays@yahoo.com.au

The festival runs from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.

Terowie's Days of Rail & Screen
Terowie Institute Hall & various venues
Contact terowiedays@yahoo.com.au
April 14th, 15th & 16th 2006

Published 31st March 2006