Australian film critic David Stratton, who was renowned for sharing the screen with Margaret Pomeranz, has died aged 85.
Australian film critic David Stratton, best known for sharing the screen with Margaret Pomeranz, has died aged 85.
He passed away in hospital near his home in the NSW Blue Mountains this afternoon.
"David's passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives," his family said in a statement to his former employer, the ABC.
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"He was adored as a husband, father, grand- and great-grandfather and admired friend.
"David's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the public recently and across his lifetime."
Stratton's family asked the public to celebrate his memory by either watching their favourite movie or his favourite movie — the iconic 1952 Gene Kelly musical Singin' In The Rain.
Stratton was born in the United Kingdom in 1939.
He was an esteemed actor, writer, educator and critic with a legendary career that spanned almost six decades.
He worked as the Sydney Film Festival director from 1966 until 1983.
It wasn't until he appeared on the screens with Pomeranz, though, that the wider Australian public fell in love with him.
The pair started The Movie Show on SBS in 1986, and gained a following through their good-natured bickering and differing tastes in movies.
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They left the SBS and took their concept to the ABC in 2004, where they returned to the screens under At The Movies.
They remained on air for another 10 years.
Their final episode in 2014 attracted more than 700,000 viewers, making it one of the most-watched season finales in the history of the ABC.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in 2019, Stratton shared that his grandmother had first introduced him to film.
"She was a very keen filmgoer, and she was the one who used to take me," he said.
"My mother said the first time I went to the cinema was to see Dumbo in 1941 or 1942."
Stratton most recently appeared at Ritz Cinemas in Sydney's Randwick in June alongside Pomeranz for their inductions into the Australian Film Walk of Fame.
The co-hosts performed for a sold-out crowd, sharing their experiences and stories from their time on The Movie Show and At the Movies.
Stratton retired in December 2023, citing his declining health.
He leaves behind his wife, Susie, and two children.
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Australia pays tribute
As news of Stratton's death broke, heartbroken tributes began to pour in from the film industry and fans alike.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Stratton was widely respected in Australia.
"With dry humour and sharp insight, David Stratton shared his love of film with our country," he said.
"All of us who tuned in to At the Movies respected him for his deep knowledge and for the gentle and generous way he passed it on.
"May he rest in peace."
https://x.com/AlboMP/status/1955874423422247100Former television host and commentator Phillip Adams paid tribute to his old friend and colleague.
"Vale David Stratton. Old friend and colleague now reviewing movies for the Almighty," he said.
Sydney Film Festival said the cinema culture in Australia could not have existed as it does without Stratton.
"Sydney Film Festival, and by extension the very culture of cinema in Australia, would not exist as it does today without the remarkable passion and devotion of David Stratton who was the Festival Director from 1966 until 1983," a spokesperson said.
"His achievements are too innumerable to list in totality.
"Our thoughts are with his family who have released the following statement."
Dendy Cinemas was "deeply saddened".
"David's infectious passion for film and deep commitment to Australian cinema were unrivalled in this country. Vale David Stratton," the cinema chain said.
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