Norman Gunston

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Norman Gunston was a satirical TV character performed by Australian actor Garry McDonald. Norman Gunston was primarily well known in Australia, and to a lesser extent, the United States during the mid to late 1970s.

Contents

[edit] Early years

Norman Gunston was originally conceived by comedy writer Wendy Skelcher and first appeared as a minor character in the second series of the cult Australian TV comedy series The Aunty Jack Show in 1973, in which he was portrayed as a gormless TV reporter from the NSW regional city of Wollongong. The Gunston character made enough of an impression for him to be revived in a subsequent comedy mini-series made by the Aunty Jack team, Wollongong the Brave (1974), in which he starred in a satirical mock documentary Norman Gunston: The Golden Weeks. His segments as Norman in What's On In Wollongong became one of the most popular parts of the Aunty Jack Show, and Norman appeared on the Aunty Jack Sings Wollongong album along with McDonald's other character, Kid Eager.

[edit] National Fame

In his later and most famous incarnation, Gunston had evolved to become the unlikely host of his own national TV variety show, The Norman Gunston Show, which premiered with a live broadcast on Australian Broadcasting Corporation on May 18, 1975. Dubbed "the little Aussie bleeder", (a play on the term "Aussie battler"), he satirised parochial Australian culture, media "personalities", and egocentric talk show hosts.

After a faltering start, the Norman Gunston show rapidly gained a huge national audience and the series became the pre-eminent Australian TV comedy program of its day, with McDonald winning a Gold Logie scoring several pop hits. He is, notably, the only Logie recipient who has received the award in the name of his character, rather than in his own name.

According to McDonald, the Gunston character and his show were initially devised as a parody of an (unintentionally bad) late-night Sydney TV variety show of the early 1970s hosted by expatriate American club entertainer Tommy Leonetti.

Satirising club performers and TV interviewers of the time, Gunston dressed in an ill-fitting blue lurex tuxedo jacket (wrongly buttoned); the fly on his trousers was habitually left undone, with the shirt-tail poking out of the zip. Gunston also adopted a comb over hairstyle to partially cover his bald head. He also had small pieces of tissue paper applied to his pasty-pale white face to cover supposed shaving cuts. This comic device led to one hilarious exchange with visiting American actress Sally Struthers - noting Norman's apparent shaving cuts, she kindly suggested that perhaps Gunston should use an electric razor; the nonplussed Norman replied "Uh, I do" - at which point Struthers collapsed in a fit of laughter.

Gunston performed subversive TV interviews with many celebrities including Paul McCartney where he said to Linda McCartney: 'That's funny, you don't look Japanese.' (referencing Yoko Ono)[1], Mick Jagger, Warren Beatty, Charlton Heston, and Muhammad Ali. Perhaps Norman's most well known interview was with Keith Moon at Charlton stadium in 1976. Moon famously ended his brief encounter with Norman by tipping Vodka over his head.

The "ambush" interview technique was pioneered by McDonald - founded on McDonald's considerable improvisational skills and precise comic timing wherein the actor creates a fully-rounded and often highly plausible character who is pretending to be stupid to throw their otherwise media-savvy subjects off guard. This technique has recently been revived with considerable success by the British comic Sasha Baron Cohen with his characters Ali G and Borat.

Through sheer good luck, Gunston was immortalised in Australian political history when, on the morning of 11 November 1975, McDonald and his film crew - who happened to be in Canberra at the time - found out that the Labor government led by Gough Whitlam had just been dismissed by the Governor-General Sir John Kerr. On hearing the news, McDonald and his crew raced to Parliament House, where they were able to film McDonald (as Gunston) briefly addressing the assembled crowd, only moments before Whitlam and the Governor-General's Official Secretary David Smith appeared for the reading of the now-famous proclamation announcing Whitlam's dismissal.[2]

In 1976, ABC television aired a third season of The Norman Gunston Show. By this stage, increased production budgets afforded Gunston more opportunities for overseas interviews, including Malcolm Muggeridge, Michael Caine, John Sturges, Glenda Jackson, John Stonehouse, and Rudolph Nureyev. One memorable encounter with Frank Zappa ended with Zappa and Norman duetting respectively on guitar and harmonica in a spontaneous blues jam (McDonald is in fact a proficient harmonica player). As the jam concluded, McDonald threw in a witty musical quote from the well-known ABC news theme, an action which also gave a clever nod to Zappa's well-known proclivity for inserting musical quotes such as TV themes into his work.

In November 1976, a specially prepared 45 minute UK Gunston TV special was screened on BBC2 TV. Some of Gunston's guests on the show included Diana Dors and Tony Greig.

After the third and final ABC TV season finished in late 1976, Gunston was popular enough to approach commercial TV networks. In particular, the Seven Network showed interest in producing another Norman Gunston series. Because of McDonald's other commitments, the series did not commence production until early 1978.

Between July-September 1977, Norman Gunston was included in the 8-episode ABC TV series, The Garry McDonald Show. Other characters were also played by McDonald, including Harry Butler (Harry Butler in the wild), and Mo McCackie.

[edit] Channel 7 years

In 1978, the Australian Seven Network aired another Norman Gunston series, which continued over an 18 month period till 1979. Ten 60 minute episodes were produced by John Eastway and ATN7. Highlights of this series were also screened on UK Channel 4 TV from November to December, 1982. [3]

In February and March 1981, Channel 7 aired a program called Gunston's Australia, which intended to show the Gunston character approaching the end of his shelf life. Wearing a safari jacket and shorts, Gunston travelled around outback Australia, interfering and adventuring in high and low places in his usual cack-handed manner. This series was later screened from February to March 1983 on UK Channel 4 TV.

In 1985, a 2-hour video was released titled, The Gunston Tapes. This was a compilation of interviews and comic sketches from the first, second and third 1975-1976 ABC TV series. McDonald also temporarily revived the Gunston character for the purpose of narrating the video. [4]

In February and March 1993, McDonald revived the Gunston character for the Channel 7 network. However, by the time the series premiered he was suffering from severe depression, hence the series was prematurely cut short. After leaving the series, Garry McDonald suffered a much-publicized nervous breakdown. A 3-set DVD compilation of the 1993 series was subsequently released in 2003.

During the late 1990s, Foxtel cable TV screened all 24 episodes from the first, second, and third 1975-1976 ABC Norman Gunston Show. This was the first time the series had been aired since the late 1970s.

[edit] Recording career

Gunston's single record releases sold sufficiently well to enter the Australian top 40 charts. Parody tributes included Punk rock (I might be a Punk but I love ya baby), Sherbet (Howzat), ABBA (Salute to ABBA), KISS (KISS Army), Boz Scaggs (Nylon Degrees), and Billy Ray Cyrus (Achy Breaky Heart).

In 1976, Gunston released an album titled The Popular Ballad Animal, which covered both contemporary and classic era compositions, several of which Norman had performed on his show, including his theme song, "I Who Have Nothing". In particular, notable tracks include Gunston's bizarre but inspired interpretations of Liza Minnelli's "Liza With a Z", David Gates' "If", Tom Jones' "Delilah", Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns", "Jailhouse Rock", "Piano Man", "Vesti La Giubba", "A little love and understanding", "Daddy what if?", and the Judy Garland classic "Over the Rainbow".

In 1978, Gunston released another covers album titled Nylon Degrees. His next album was released in 1984 with the title of Join The Dots, which included out-takes and previously unreleased rare recordings.

[edit] Program History

  • 1973 The Aunty Jack Show (ABC TV - six B/W episodes).
  • 1974 Wollongong the Brave (ABC TV).
  • 1975 The Norman Gunston Show - season 1 (ABC TV - nine 30 minute colour episodes).
  • 1975 The Norman Gunston Show - season 2 (ABC TV - eight 30 minute colour episodes).
  • 1976 The Norman Gunston Show - season 3 (ABC TV - eight 30 minute colour episodes).
  • 1976 The Norman Gunston Show (UK BBC TV one-off 60 minute special).
  • 1977 The Garry McDonald Show (ABC TV - eight 30 minute colour episodes).
  • 1978-79 The Norman Gunston Show (7 Network - ten 60 minute episodes).
  • 1981 Gunston's Australia (7 Network 1981 - eight 30 minute episodes).
  • 1993 The Norman Gunston Show (7 Network - five 30 minute episodes).

[edit] 1975 season 1 ABC TV Episodes

Series 1 episode 1 (May 18, 1975)

  • Premier Norman Gunston Show episode filmed at ABN2 Gore Hill, Sydney TV studios. Norman Gunston interviews Mary Fairfax, Kerrie Biddell, and Rolf Harris.

Series 1 episode 2 (May, 1975)

Series 1 episode 3 (June, 1975)

Series 1 episode 4 (June, 1975)

  • Norman Gunston interviews Ray Barrett; Edith Dahl, and Jack Thompson. Australian rock group Skyhooks perform "Horror Movie". Norman's dreamtime segment: "Why underpants ride up". Consumer straight talk: Venus flytrap.

Series 1 episode 5 (June, 1975)

Series 1 episode 6 (June, 1975)

Series 1 episode 7 (July, 1975)

  • Norman Gunston interviews Al Grassby; Bobbie Sykes; Little Pattie; and Cheech & Chong. Norman's dreamtime segment: "The beach umbrella finds Mr. Right". Consumer straight talk segment. Gunston closes show by performing "I Got You Babe" with Little Pattie.

Series 1 episode 8 (July, 1975)

Series 1 episode 9 (July, 1975)

  • Norman Gunston interviews Garry Glitter. Norman Gunstan stands outside parliament house Canberra. Gunston performs "Here Come the Jets". Gunston promotional film for "Something or Other" brand cigarette commercial. Norman's nymphette 1975 competition final. Consumer straight talk - Norman's last eight video tapes. ABC chairman, Professor Downing announces new Norman Gunston series due to commence in early September, 1975. Gunston concludes show by performing "Tomorrow Belongs To Me".

[edit] 1975 season 2 ABC TV Episodes

Season Two featured recurring sketch, The Checkout Chicks. This sketch, a send-up of melodramatic soap operas set in a supermarket, mostly featured former cast members of the then-popular serial Number 96: Abigail, Vivienne Garrett, Candy Raymond, Philippa Baker, Judy Lynn, Anne Louise Lambert.

Series 2 episode 1 (September, 1975)

  • Norman Gunston interviews Joe Frazier; Muhammad Ali, Lady Fairfax; and Winifred Atwell. Special report on GI cordial nutrition. Norman's $400,000 slice of the good life competition. Gunston commences show with "Colour my world" and concludes with "Pinball Wizard".

Series 2 episode 2 (September, 1975)

  • Norman Gunston interviews Ray Charles; Juni Morosi; Peter Allen; and Telly Savalas. Episode one of Checkout Chicks. Spaceship Southern Hemisphere incorporating consumer straight talk. Gunston concludes show with "Send in the clowns".

Series 2 episode 3 (September, 1975)

  • Norman Gunston interviews Australian rock group Ayers Rock; Denise Drysdale; and President Nixon's security guard. Special announcement to the nation regarding Norman's false girlfriend. Norman's dreamtime: "Why the orange juice gets swished around in that glass thing". Junior jaws kitchen tidy bin review.

Series 2 episode 4 (September, 1975)

  • Norman Gunston interviews Hugh Hefner, Don Dunston, and Barry Crocker.

Series 2 episode 5 (October, 1975)

  • Norman Gunston interviews Renée Geyer; Paul & Linda McCartney; Denny Laine; and Jim Mclaren. Special report on keeping pets in units.

Series 2 episode 6 (October, 1975)

  • Norman Gunston interviews John Gorton; The Seekers; and Miss Australia 1975; Sally Struthers. Checkout chicks. Special report on LA smog verses Australia smog. Gunston concludes show by performing Vesti La Giubba.

Series 2 episode 7 (December, 1975)

  • Norman Gunston interviews Debbie Byrne; Senator Albert Field; Michael Cole; and Vidal Sassoon. Norman Gunston appears on the steps of Parliament House with Gough Whitlam - November 11, 1975. Gunston concludes show with "Delilah".

Series 2 episode 8 (January, 1976)

  • Norman Gunston interviews Edith Head; and Frank Zappa. Norman's dreamtime: "Why Aunty Pat took the kittens to the vet". Norman look alike awards 1975. Gunston concludes show with "I who have nothing".

[edit] 1976 season 3 ABC TV Episodes

Series 3 episode 1 (September, 1976)

Series 3 episode 2

  • Norman Gunston interviews Julie Ismay, Miss Australia 1976; Michael Cain; Brenda Kristen; Tim Taylor; and Tony Greig (from BBC2 UK special). Norman attempts to speak with UK prime minister. Special report on Cambridge University life. Gunston concludes show with "A taste of water".

Series 3 episode 3

  • Norman Gunston interviews Australian Olympic team; Diana Trask; Margaret Fulton; and John Stonehouse. Norman's dreamtime: "How the garden hose got where it is today". Special report on storing food under the house. Gunston concludes show with "Howzat".

Series 3 episode 4

  • Norman Gunston interviews 1976 ABC chairman; Fred Daley; and Glenda Jackson. 1976 budget report. Royal marines song contest. Norman will do his best segment: "How hundreds and thousands are made". Report on farming in your own flat. Gunston concludes show with "Don't tell me what to say".

Series 3 episode 5

  • Norman Gunston interviews Leyland Brothers; John Sturgess; Donald Smith; and Mary Whitehouse. Gunston concludes show with "Jailhouse Rock".

Series 3 episode 6

  • Norman Gunston interviews Jack Brabham; and Malcolm Fraser. Gunston concludes show with "Piano Man".

Series 3 episode 7

  • Norman Gunston interviews Caroline Jones; Delilah; and Diana Dors (from BBC2 UK special). Marathon telethon 1976. Norman's dreamtime: "How the shaving cream gets in a lather". Gunston concludes show with duet with Delilah.

Series 3 episode 8

  • Norman Gunston interviews Vera Lynn, Margaret Thatcher, and George Davis. Keith Moon pours vodka bottle over Norman's head.

[edit] BBC2 45-minute Norman Gunston special

(November 19, 1976)

  • Michael Caine, Diana Dors, Tony Greig, Glenda Jackson, Malcolm Muggeridge, Diane Solomon.

[edit] 1978-1979 ATN7 Episodes

Series 1 episode 1 (April 5, 1978)

Series 1 episode 2 (1978)

Series 1 episode 3 (1978)

Series 1 episode 4 (October 11, 1978)

Series 1 episode 5 (1978)

Series 2 episode 1 (1979)

Series 2 episode 2 (1979)

Series 2 episode 3 (August 29, 1979)

Series 2 episode 4 (1979)

Series 2 episode 5 Xmas special (December, 1979)

[edit] Gunston's Australia 1981 ATN7 episodes

Series 1 episode 1 (February, 1981)

  • Summary: Gary Mcdonald (Norman Gunston) in a runners starting position under a banner with 'GI book of records' wearing summer clothing and a backpack.

Series 1 episode 2 (1981)

  • Summary: Gary Mcdonald (Norman Gunston) wearing safari jacket and shorts crouching as he uses spakfilla on a red dirt hill. An Ansett-ana bag sits nearby (the same bag appears in the 1993 series).

Series 1 episode 3 (1981)

  • Summary: Gary Mcdonald (Norman Gunston) as Dr. Strange 1981; Grammy awards report.

Series 1 episode 4 (1981)

Series 1 episode 5 (1981)

Series 1 episode 6 (1981)

Series 1 episode 7 (1981)

Series 1 episode 8 (1981)

[edit] The Norman Gunston Show

(Seven Network - February to March 1993)

episode 1

episode 2

episode 3

episode 4 (hosted by Mary Coustas as Effie)

episode 5 (hosted by Maryanne Fahey as Kylie Mole)

episode 6 (Top Gunston part 1)

  • repackaged highlights from previous series

episode 7 (Top Gunston part 2)

  • repackaged highlights from previous series

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://213.87.37.135/oea/millennium/other/Books/Nicky_De_Gree/b08_1975.htm
  2. ^ Video of Norman Gunston at Parliament House on 11-11-1975, Youtube
  3. ^ BBC Guide (dead link)
  4. ^ ABC Shop (dead link)

[edit] External links