Aussie Group reforms 2 :)

[Alexander's Horse]

There is nothing worse than coming 3rd in a 3 way game. This is like the 3rd time in a row when I've been stuck on a 5 - 10 city sliver land which I've had to work very hard to get anywhere.

[finbar]

I got dragged along to the premiere of "Dirty Deeds" last night. The new Bryan Brown film. It's a bit of fun. Not that I want singlehandedly to sink Kerry, but it's Nine Film & Television's first foray into filmmaking. I leave the rest up to you.

[Alexander's Horse]

Any signs of acting from Bryan Brown?

[finbar]

It's basically the same character he played in "Two Hands" - violent crook-family man. David Caesar - who wrote and directed "Dirty Deeds" - nearly shat himself when "Two Hands" came out a couple of years ago. He'd been quietly developing "Dirty Deeds", only to discover a very similar character in "Two Hands".

Bryan is Bryan is Bryan. He's actually a nice, knockabout chap. What you see is what you get.

[Alexander's Horse]

Originally posted by finbar
Bryan is Bryan is Bryan. He's actually a nice, knockabout chap. What you see is what you get.

Ever seen a film called "Cocktail"

I actually want to see that film - I'm so proud Sydney was one of the few places where the Irish hoods triumphed over the mafia.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Alexander's Horse


Ever seen a film called "Cocktail"

Yeah. Stinker. Bryan's made some stinkers. Who hasn't?

I actually want to see that film - I'm so proud Sydney was one of the few places where the Irish hoods triumphed over the mafia.

I read a couple of versions of the script along the way. One of the problems, I think, is that it never really comes to grips with the reason why you want to see it. You know, of course, that it's based on the real story of the Mafia arriving here to muscle in on Lenny McPherson's poker machines, Lenny taking the Mafia guys pigshooting in the outback, the Mafia returning home and never bothering Lenny again.

No one knows what happened on that pig-shooting trip. The possibilities are endless. And it couldn't have been as simple as Lenny threatening to kill them. Something much more interesting and complex happened out there.

The film goes on the pig-shooting trip. Unfortunately, what happens out there - I think - is a total cop-out.

[Alexander's Horse]

My bet would be Cardinal Gilroy was consulted and maybe asked Ray Kelly to show up with a few of the regular communicants.

If you look at the infamous photo the first thing I thought was a. who is taking the photo and b. why does Testa have that look on his face, like he can't quite believe it.

It looks to me like the deal was already done at that point, "smile boys".

[finbar]

I'm quite sure. You should also be aware - vis a vis Saturday night - that there's a little tension in the house. Mrs finbar has a screen credit on the film because it came under her (as it were) auspices in the Drama Department and she had quite a lot of input. Needless, to say, I've been free with my critical comment.

BTW, while I think of it, did you sign up Mrs Horse for the fish too?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Alexander's Horse
My bet would be Cardinal Gilroy was consulted and maybe asked Ray Kelly to show up with a few of the regular communicants.

Actually, it would have to have been more than that. Those guys wouldn't have scared easily. And, as the film points out, if you simply knock them off, more will come. I also doubt that money - paying them a cut - would have been the solution. I'd really really like to know what happened out there.

[Alexander's Horse]

Of course this all assumes the legend about the shoot is true.

McPherson was a very clever criminal and not averse to putting a story out. He also knew how to keep stum - read Neddy Smith's "memoir" "Catch and kill your own" to see what I mean. Smith was in awe of McPherson.

Subsequent Royal Commissions suggested quite close fraternal relations between the US mafia and our mobsters.

I find it interesting George Freeman made a couple of known visits to Las Vegas after the mob link was allegedly shut down. Also known mafia visited here regularly afterwards as well.

Hmmmm.........

[finbar]

Originally posted by Alexander's Horse
Of course this all assumes the legend about the shoot is true.

Well, yes. The shoot happened, obviously, but it may just be a nicely colourful appendix to the story.

McPherson was a very clever criminal and not averse to putting a story out. He also knew how to keep stum - read Neddy Smith's "memoir" "Catch and kill your own" to see what I mean. Smith was in awe of McPherson.

I've read it. Lenny was a lad, all right. And he gave his occupation on his tax return as "handyman".

It was revealed recently in the HIH Inquiry that fiscal criminal Rodney Adler had (witting or unwitting) contact with the Mafia.

[Alexander's Horse]

Originally posted by finbar


I've read it. Lenny was a lad, all right. And he gave his occupation on his tax return as "handyman".

Well he was handy

That book is a hoot in the light of what we now know. Especially the various missing crims its now pretty well certain that Neddy "offed". He expresses clear irritation about various people now believed to be his victims and then says in each case he doesn't know what happened to them

The car salesman wannabe gangster stands out in my mind - seems Neddy killed him because he just couldn't stand his company anymore

I think the Daniel Chubb (?) murder is good too. Neddy said he wasn't there when it happened, though he was in the area at a different part of the day, but then goes on to give a very detailed description of the assasination

It was revealed recently in the HIH Inquiry that fiscal criminal Rodney Adler had (witting or unwitting) contact with the Mafia.

I believe his father was considered a bit "colourful".

[finbar]

"Fings just ain't wot they usedta be!"

[Alexander's Horse]

Hey Hydey, we need to exchange details and confirm arranegements before Friday, please icq me.

I also need to know what colour hot water bottle you want.

[Hydey]

@finbar:- Mrs finbar did very good , no no great work on that film.

@Horse , what do you want to know ?

I would have thought My Dad would remember I always have a pink Hot water bottle.