Retro Television: A Journey Through Australia's Golden Age of TV
In the late 1950s, a young Ian Collis found himself perched by the bathroom window, straining to catch a glimpse of his neighbor's television. This was the birth of his fascination with the small screen, which would later inspire him to write Retro Television: What We Watched Back in the Day. Collis takes us on a nostalgic journey through Australia's television history, exploring the iconic shows and cultural shifts that shaped the nation's viewing habits.
The book offers a unique perspective on the early days of television, a time when it was a luxury and a novelty. Collis vividly recalls the excitement of getting his first TV in 1960, a black and white set that cost around 10 times the average weekly wage. He describes the competitive nature of TV viewing in households, where one TV often served multiple family members, and the anticipation of watching shows live, with no recording or streaming options.
Collis highlights the dominance of American content during those early years, with Westerns, detective shows, comedies, and variety programs dominating the airwaves. He argues that Australians eagerly imitated American culture, from dog shows like Rin-Tin-Tin and Lassie to superhero fantasies and heroic adventures like Superman and Zorro. The catchy jingles from shows like Green Acres and Gilligan's Island left a lasting impression, proving that American content was not just popular but also memorable.
However, Collis also celebrates the emergence of Australian-made shows, such as the groundbreaking Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, which allowed viewers to interact with a kangaroo and receive consistent answers. He mentions other iconic Australian programs like The Sullivans, The Paul Hogan Show, Division 4, Matlock Police, Bellbird, Hey Hey It's Saturday, Play School, Graham Kennedy's In Melbourne Tonight, and Countdown, which showcased music videos and launched careers.
The book also delves into the impact of sports on Australian television, with Collis recalling the early 1960s when viewers could watch AFL, rugby league, soccer, and cricket on the ABC. He notes the popularity of cricket in particular, which dominated the airwaves.
Retro Television is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It's a reflection on how television has evolved and how it has influenced popular culture. Collis muses on the contrast between the focused and immersive experience of watching TV in the past and the multi-tasking nature of modern viewing, where viewers often juggle multiple devices while watching.
In an era dominated by streaming services and on-demand content, Collis' book serves as a reminder of the simplicity and joy of live television. It invites readers to reminisce about the golden age of TV and appreciate the cultural significance of the shows that shaped their childhoods. As Collis says, "You watch TV these days and half of us, while we're watching TV, we're fiddling on our phones. We're doing multiple things." This raises a deeper question about the role of television in our lives and how it has evolved over time.
Retro Television is a must-read for anyone who wants to revisit the days when television was a shared experience and a source of collective entertainment. It's a celebration of the small screen's impact on Australian culture and a testament to the enduring power of television as a medium.
