#joff ellen

[petejabara]

A better quality upload of my most popular Graham Kennedy post (I can't believe it got 21.3k notes) because you deserve to see it properly

[plazanorthcote]

The Argus, 27th February, 1950.

Makes reference to Joff Ellen and his comedic antics being 'familiar' and 'overworked'. One is able to conclude from preceding newspapers that Ellen was a regular performer at the Plaza.

[plazanorthcote]

Joff Ellen and Rosie Burgess' stage relationship

Their relationship began in at the Plaza, Northcote during the 1950s, Burgess (1920-2005) meeting regular Ellen (1915-1999). (Source: Rosie Burgess' obituary)

Joff Ellen & Rosie Burgess - "In Melbourne Tonight" 1996. The two reflect on their relationship in this short clip. Though there is no mention of the Plaza, knowing these two met at the Plaza and maintained their relationship for a long span of time is enough.

[plazanorthcote]

Alex Roy Harwood

A significant manager of the Plaza, spanning from 1941-1952. Harwood is notably a person who changed the entertainment mediums from its initial picture screenings to its well respected variety shows.

Harwood was also an independent producer and film maker, spanning a few low budget films such as The Man Who Forgot (1927) and Night Club (1952). His attempt at making Australia's first talking feature resulted in Out of the Shadows (1931).

Night Club had a private preview in Coburg (December 1952) and 'minor releases' before it disappeared at the end of that year. Did the 'minor releases' include the Plaza? This is a question I have not been able to answer with absolute certainty.

The above from The Argus, 25 October 1952, p14.