Anyone into vintage in Australia will already have heard the news the one of locally written cult heroes, the 1920s female detective Phryne Fisher, is about to debut of our TV screens. Written by local Melbournian Kerry Greenwood, Ms. Fisher has been inhabiting our imaginations for a number of years with her adventures on the page, but this season she is to be brought to life by actress Essie Davis.
I will say, I’m holding off with judgement on this (yet another) vintage costume piece to hit our screens, until I see it in full this Friday evening. It’s getting harder and harder to impress T.V audiences with vintage and period dramas these days. The more knowledge we have of fashion history as it becomes more accessible, the more discerning we as viewers become. It is becoming harder and harder to fall into that suspension of disbelief so required to fully love the characters. But according to this fantastic interview with author Kerry Greenwood, the books were strictly adhered to in terms of set design, small touches and even Essie (who plays Ms. Fisher) was her personal selection for the role.
My greatest hope for this series is that is isn’t a stereotypical 1920′s look. A number of recent productions (including Underbelly Razor) have done such a dumbed down job of the costuming and detail in the production that is looses all sense of depth. We all love a bit of “Hollywood”, but variety of style and social status apart from the extremes, seem forgotten. When the Phyrne Fisher novels are so rich, adventurous and addictive in nature, the series will have much to live up to. Being produced by the ABC rather than one of the commercial networks, does give me great hope for its potential. And at the end of the day, if it inspires more glamorous, adventurous moments in your own life; then job well done.
Keep an eye out this Friday night 24th Feb at 8.30pm on the ABC to see the debut episode.
I have high hopes for this series. I’ve been such a huge fan of the books for years. Given Kerry Greenwoods attention to detail in her writing, I do hope that her involvement in the making of the TV series bring richness rather than disappointment.
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I’m having a viewing party with a friend because we are looking forward to the series.
Meanwhile I came across this article of 1920′s mug shots of Sydney women in trouble with the law
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2103393/Womens-mug-shots-1920s-Australia.html
Some fascinating stories go with the pictures, from the woman who dressed as a man and married then killed her wife to the number of abortionists. I was taken by how worn the faces were for women in their early 30s and how many posed for the camera, neatly clasping bags and feet carefully arrayed even if these were mug shots
O
M
G!!!!!!
I had no idea this had been made! I read a couple of the books a few years ago and wondered why noone had done it as a series over all these years!! I hope its good. Essie Davis starring is a good sign, she was great in The Slap. Now I have to google and see who’s playing all the others!!
Really? I just finished watching Boardwalk Empire and thought that Underbelly Razor trumped Boardwalks millions and millions of dollars spent on costuming, sets and props. Anyway that is by the by – love love LOVE the Phryne books and cannot wait to tune in on Friday!
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It really does look fantastic – the actor playing Phryne looks every bit as I imagined her. I hope it’s good!
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Oh I am sooo jealous!!!!! I don’t know when we will be able to watch it ,here in the USA…
Candice, I hope you will write another article and let us know how is it and if you enjoy watching it…
xoxo
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I’m really looking forward to this! Fingers crossed that it is as good as it looks.
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Oh!!! I love the look …stunning beauty!
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