PAGE 16, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 1981,WHITBY FREE PRESS American movies made 'down under' Australia has brought in some new and very liberal tax laws which have resulted in a rush of movie producers from America, eager to take advantage of this situation. In just two years, there has been an increase from three of four films a year to over 200 applications. Some of the local Australians are not very impressed by Hollywood types and do not hesitate to speak their minds about it. One well known movie star who recently ran into this storm was Kirk Douglas, who faced a wall of critics on his arrival. He handled the situations very well. Someone made the comment that Australia has actors as good or better than Douglas. Another commented, "who says Douglas can even ride a horse." Douglas is on location in Merrijig, which con- sists of a pub, a church hall and a few houses, about two hours drive from Melbourne. The Hollywood com- pany is at Merrijig to film The Man From Snowy River, which is a true story that took place about 90 years ago. It appears this kid was a smart aleck, slight in build, but who could outride the locals as they raced across the Outback to head off a beautiful black killer- colt that was leading a bunch of wild horses. Douglas plays a duo role in this film which was a real challenge for him. He plays the brothers Harrison. The movie is budgeted at $3 million and has Australian actors Jack Thompson and Tom Burlinson with Douglas. The Man From Snowy River was immortalized in a poem by Australia's Banjo Paterson, one of its more enduring heroes. Douglas was ap- proached on several oc- casions to appear in the picture, but expressed concern about the lack of experience on the part of those who were behind the venture. Af- ter carefully reading the poem by Banjo Pater- son, he reconsidered because he liked the op- portunity of playing a dual role. Also, he is not the least bit concerned about what the critics have to say about him, adding, that Americans have not just started in- vading Australia, but were there 100 years ago looking for gold. In his trailer, over a cup of tea, he confides that he holds no grudges. He says he likes Australians because they are rude and outspoken. "They are very direct in what they say, much like Americans." Douglas has four sons, by two marriages, and all of them are connec- ted with show business. He feels each of them has one secret ambition, and that is to beat him. He grins and adds, that he expects there will come a day when that will happen. Meanwhile, filming continues on The Man From Snowy River. Canadian National Exhibition has something for everyone at the Grandstand this year The 1981 line-up at the Canadian National Exhibition is as follows. Wednesday, August 26 at 8:30 p.m. REO Speed- wagon will appear with The Rockets. Tickets range from $9 to $13. On Thursday, August 27 at 8:30 p.m. Richard Nader's Rock 'N' Roll Spectacular will be presehted. Little An- thony, The Del-Vikings, The Skyliners, The Chif- fons and Lou Christie will appear with special guest star Lesley Gore. Tickets from $9 to $12. Burton Cummings will appéar on Friday, August 28 at 8:30 p.m. with Pablo Cruise. Tickets are $9 to $12. On Saturday, August 29 April Wine with Loverboy will be playing at 8:30 p.m. Tickets range from $9 to $12. The Beach Boys will be performing with Ian Thomas on Sunday, August 30 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $9 to $12. The same show will be presented on Monday, August 31. On Tuesday, Septem- ber 1 at 8:30 p.m. An Evening With Anne Murray will be presen- ted. Tickets are $9 to $15. Thursday, September 3 will feature The Rovers at 8:30 p.m. The opening act is still to be announced. Tickets CINEMASHOWCASE STARTS FRIDAY BLOW OUT WITH JOHIN TRAVOLTA Cont. Daily - 2:35, 4:40, 6:50, 9:00 STARTS FRIDAY GAS STARRING DONALD SUTHERLAND Cont. Daily - 2:35,4:40,6:50,9:00 ACCOMPANIMENT 12TH WEEK RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK Waming - Some scenes may be frightening Ontario Theatre Board :AN&'a Cont. DaIly - 2:30, 4:35, 6:45, 9:00 7TH WEEK range from $9 to $12. On Friday, September 4 Labatt's Presents will be featured at 8:30 p.m. Tickets range from $7 to $10. Stetson World's will be presented on Satur- day, September 5 at 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday, September 6 features Toughest Rodeo at 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. On Monday, Septem- ber 7 at 7 p.m. Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band and Juice Newton will perform. Tickets are from $9 to $13. There is a $2 discount available for children 12 and under and for Senior Citizens 65 or over. Tickets are available at al] regular BASS Outlets or by calling 698- BASS for VISA/Master- card orders or C.N.E. Grandstand Box Office. Admission to the C.N.E. grounds is free if tickets are purchased prior to day of performance. For further informa- tion contact Gino Em- pry Public Relations at (416) 977-1153. ARTHUR W1TH DUDLEY MOORE Cont. DalIy - 2:30,4:35,6:45, 9:00 E UANN ieeÀÀ" w 6 *and see ICKI %ÉÜÃ%É OýtvAmb.. isd