Calypso Cricket doco (LONG)
mic...@my-deja.com
recommend you don't miss it. One of the best cricket docos ever made.
If you're in aus, next wednesday night 22nd & the following wednesday
29th the series is in 2x1 hr installments.
What follows is preview and synopsis from the ABC website...
http://www.abc.net.au/calypso/default.htm
dougie.
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Preview
At the end of the 1950's, cricket was at a crossroad.
Slow over rates, negative tactics and dour play (with England the main
culprit) had seen Test matches develop into wars of attrition. As a
result crowds were down; cricket had become boring. The public was
crying out for some bright, attractive cricket that would provide
entertainment for the paying spectator.
After victories over New Zealand, South Africa, England, India and
Pakistan, Australia was once again the power of world cricket. In the
summer of 1960-61, the West Indies was due to tour Australia. The West
Indies had only toured Australia on two previous occasions, in 1930-31,
when Don Bradman was at the peak of his batting prowess, and then again
in 1951-52. Australia had toured the West Indies, once, in 1955. Of the
fifteen Test matches that had been played, the West Indies had only won
two and had never won a series against Australia.
In the past, the West Indies were known to have some brilliant
individual cricketers, but the diverse nature and insularity of the
many islands, that only come under the banner of the 'West Indies' to
compete in cricket, had, to this time, prevented them from performing
well as a team. This was about to change.
As part of the various Islands struggle for self determination and
freedom from Colonial Rule, C.L.R. JAMES, a writer and political
activist from Trinidad, began a campaign to have 36 year old FRANK
WORRELL, a gifted all round cricketer, appointed as the first black man
to captain the West Indies on tour. As captain, Worrell transformed a
group of talented young cricketers, into a cohesive force, players such
as GARFIELD SOBERS, WESLEY HALL, ROHAN KANHAI, CONRAD HUNTE and LANCE
GIBBS became household names.
The West Indies took the series right up to the strong Australian side,
who were captained by the charismatic RICHIE BENAUD and included many
great names; HARVEY, O'NEILL, DAVIDSON, SIMPSON, McDONALD, MACKAY and
GROUT.
Following on from the remarkable success of the 1998 documentary
feature, "THE INVINCIBLES", ABC Producer, LINCOLN TYNER has once again
teamed up with respected cricket writer and author, MIKE COWARD, for a
two part documentary special entitled, "CALYPSO SUMMER", a fortieth
anniversary celebration of what became known as; 'The Greatest Test
Series Ever Played'. The 1960-61 series produced the first ever tie in
Test match history in Brisbane, and a nail biting draw in Adelaide,
when Australia's last wicket pair 'Slasher' Mackay and Lindsay Kline
defied the West Indian bowlers for nearly two hours to stave off
certain defeat. In Melbourne, a world record Test match crowd of 90,800
turned up to watch a single day's play of the heart-stopping and
deciding Fifth Test. The 1960-61 series revitalised Test Cricket and
brought people back to the game. The type of positive cricket played by
the two sides, it was exciting for both the players and the spectators.
Tyner says, "As with the members of 'The Invincibles', the Australian
and West Indian players from the 1960-61 series have shown themselves
to be wonderful raconteurs. Without exception, they recall with great
clarity (and often with great humour) all the drama and excitement of
the 'Tied Test', the tension of that last session in Adelaide and the
emotion of the inaugural presentation of 'The Frank Worrell Trophy' at
the conclusion of the Fifth Test."
The visiting West Indians were embraced by the Australian Public in a
manner and with such affection like no other team before or since. They
came as underdogs, but left, as the most loved sporting team to ever
visit Australia. Even though they eventually lost the series 2-1, the
players were accorded the unprecedented honour of a tickertape
farewell. Over a half a million people crammed into Melbourne's city
streets to say 'Thank you'. One newspaper headline read; "They Lost The
Series, But They Won Australia." The West Indian players recall with a
mixture of pride and amazement, 'a reception normally reserved for
Presidents and film stars'.
The adoration of this team of predominantly black cricketers takes on
even greater social significance, given that it occurred in an era when
the 'WHITE AUSTRALIA POLICY' was still in existence. Some of the
opponents to this Policy saw in the reaction of the Australian Public,
proof that the time was ripe to push for more enlightened National
Policies dealing with issues of race and immigration.
Tyner concludes, "The players from both sides agree that the 1960-61
series was the best ever, not only because of the type of cricket
played but the fact that every match was played right out to a finish.
What made it unique was the special bond that formed between the
Australian and West Indian players, a bond of friendship that has
endured for forty years." "The 1960-61 series was played at a time when
sportsmanship and good fellowship was paramount. The good spirit in
which the series was played is a tribute to the players of both teams
and a shining example of how the game of cricket can be a great
unifying influence."
The 1960-61 series was the first time all Five Test matches were
covered by ABC Television, in glorious black and white! "CALYPSO
SUMMER" is an enthralling mixture of wonderful archive footage,
humorous anecdotes and poignant reflections by the people that
participated in a remarkable series that has become the benchmark
against which all great Test Series are judged and compared. "CALYPSO
SUMMER" takes the viewer on a sentimental journey back to a time that
in its own special way, captured the essence of what became known
as, 'The spirit of the Sixties'.
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Program 1
Initially, the documentary provides some background to the nature of
the West Indies, a geographical name given to a number of diverse,
independent islands in the Caribbean who only come together as
the 'West Indies' to play cricket.
Some historical background is provided to how CLR James, a writer and
political activist from Trinidad began a campaign to have Frank Worrell
appointed as the first black man to lead the West Indies on tour. This
appointment unified the players and Worrell's leadership qualities had
this talented team playing as a cohesive force for the first time.
There was not as much Test Cricket played in the 1950's and early '60's
as there is these days, so a tour of Australia was, for the West Indies
players, a great adventure, or as Cammie Smith says; "... it was like
going to the moon!"
The 1960-61 tour of Australia by the West Indies came at a time when
Test Cricket was in the doldrums as a spectacle. Australia had scored
victories over New Zealand, South Africa, England, India and Pakistan,
but the cricket, particularly when England was involved, had been dull.
Matches against England had developed into wars of attrition. Sir
Donald Bradman, then a Test Selector and Chairman of the Australian
Board of Control, asked the Australian Captain, Richie Benaud, if he
could address the Australian Players at their team meeting on the eve
of the First Test in Brisbane. Bradman stressed the need to play
bright, attractive cricket, to bring spectators through the turnstiles.
He said that the selectors would look kindly on those players who
played to win by playing positive cricket.
The First Test in Brisbane became known as 'The Greatest Test Match
Ever Played'. There is some great film and wonderful comments from the
players involved. Garfield Sobers set the series alight on the first
day with a blistering 132, an innings rated by Sir Donald Bradman as
one of the best ever in Test Cricket. The next day saw the giant West
Indian fast bowler Wesley Hall delight the crowd with some big hitting
and hilarious on field antics. He then followed this by bowling a
blistering opening spell, reaching speeds over 90mph. Courageous
Australian opening batsman Colin McDonald bore the brunt of the Hall
barrage, describing in graphic detail the various colours of the
bruises on his rib cage!
Australia's new batting star, Norm O'Neill, the man that was being
hailed as 'the next Bradman', scored a magnificent 181 and put
Australia back into the game. Set 233 to win on the final day,
Australia was reeling at 6-92, thanks mainly to an inspired spell of
fast bowling by Hall. This brought the two great Australian all
rounders, Alan Davidson and Richie Benaud together. After having bowled
55 overs, taken 11 wickets and scoring 44 in Australia's first innings,
Davidson describes with tongue in cheek, his 'displeasure' at finding
himself once again out in the middle!
At the tea interval, Australia required 124 runs to win in 120 minutes
with just four wickets in hand. Sir Donald Bradman asked Richie Benaud
if he was going for a win or a draw. "We're going for a win". replied
the Australian Captain. "I'm very pleased to hear it." said The Don.
Davidson recalls as they walked back onto the ground after tea, Benaud
turned to him and said, "Let's give it a go." Their partnership in that
final session of the last day, was described by Neil Harvey, as one of
the best ever in the history of Test Cricket, given the situation of
the match, at that stage. With Australia on the brink of victory,
Davidson was run out for 80, by a brilliant throw from side on by Joe
Solomon.
The stage was set for the most dramatic over in Test Cricket, bowled by
Wes Hall. The players recount with great clarity, the catches, the
dropped catches, the run outs, the tension, the confusion and drama of
the hectic final over. When Joe Solomon's second throw from side on in
as many minutes, hit the stumps, Ian Meckiff was run out and history
had been created, it was the first ever tie in the 83 years of Test
Cricket.
As this had never happened before, some of the players recount their
confusion as to who had won, who had lost. When the dust had settled,
and the realization dawned on everyone that it had been a tie, the
players from both sides celebrated together in the dressing rooms,
drinking champagne, beer, and singing songs well into the night. They
players describe how the bond that was formed that night between the
members of both teams, set the tone for the rest of the series.
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Program 2
The drama and excitement of the 'Tied Test had captivated cricket
lovers around the country. The Australian public embraced the visiting
West Indian cricketers and took them to their hearts. This was
exemplified by the crowd reaction during the Second Test in Melbourne,
to what became known as 'The Joe Solomon Cap Incident'.
In the process of playing back to a Benaud top spinner, Solomon's cap
fell onto the wicket, dislodging the bail. The players appealed to the
umpire at square leg, and Solomon was correctly adjudged to be out 'Hit
wicket', in accordance with the laws of the game. Players from both
sides knew, and accepted that although unfortunate, Solomon was
definitely out, and could not be recalled.
However, the crowd reacted to what they deemed to be an unsportsmanlike
appeal by the Australian Captain and continued to boo Benaud for the
rest of the afternoon. The reaction was unique in that, for the first
time, the Australian public appeared to be barracking for the
opposition against our National team. This did not go unnoticed by the
players of both teams. It went further than the Australian trait of
showing sympathy and support for the underdog. The public were
enamoured with the West Indian players, their relaxed carefree
disposition and their exciting brand of cricket.
The social significance of this reaction, is that this support and
affection for a team of predominantly black cricketers, occurred in an
era when the 'White Australia Policy' was still in existence. Under
this policy, people with coloured skin were only permitted to visit
Australia, to work or study, for a period not exceeding five years. The
West Indian players speak about their experiences in Australia and the
fact that they were accepted and loved wherever they went, and that the
colour of their skin was never an issue. Opponents of the White
Australia Policy used the Australian Public's adoration of the West
Indian cricketers as a signal that the time was ripe for change and
more enlightened national policies dealing with issues of race and
immigration.
Australia won the Second Test by the comfortable margin of seven
wickets, but the West Indies turned the tables in the Third Test in
Sydney. Sobers scored another blazing century and the spin of veteran
Alf Valentine and newcomer Lance Gibbs, turned the game in favour of
the West Indies, taking eight wickets apiece. Australia was hampered by
injuries sustained by star batsman Neil Harvey, the spearhead of the
Australian attack, Alan Davidson and his new ball partner, Ian Meckiff.
The win in Sydney made the West Indies players feel that they had a
real chance of beating Australia for the first time in a series. They
went to Adelaide with an unchanged side. Rohan Kanhai scored a century
in each innings (117 & 115) and Lance Gibbs took a hat trick,
dismissing Mackay (LBW), Grout (c. Sobers at leg slip), and Misson
(clean bowled) off successive deliveries. At the end of the fourth day,
Australia was in a seemingly hopeless position, 3/31, chasing 460 to
win. The West Indies looked poised to take a 2-1 lead in the series,
with only one Test left to play.
Gerry Alexander and Jackie Hendriks recount their memories of being
invited to dinner at Sir Donald Bradman's house that evening. As they
were leaving, at the end of a wonderful night, Alexander said, "Well,
it looks like we've got you tomorrow, Sir Don !" To which Bradman
replied, "Yes it looks that way, but if ever there is a situation for
Mackay, it's tomorrow." The dour, gum chewing Ken 'Slasher' Mackay
joined his captain, Benaud, when Australia was 5/129 and there was over
three and a half hours left to play. When last man in, Lindsay Kline
walked down the stairs of the member's stand, to cheers and laughter
and calls of "It's all up to you now!" Australia was 9/207, with 110
minutes left to play. Somehow, Kline survived until drinks at 5
o'clock. Earlier, Mackay had survived a confident appeal for a catch at
silly mid off by Sobers. To the amazement and frustration of the West
Indies, Umpire Colin Egar ruled that it was a bump ball. Everyone's
heart was in their throats when Hall took the new ball, but Kline
played straight and the idea of forcing a draw, started to become a
real possibility.
Crowds streamed down from the Adelaide CBD to watch the last nail
biting minutes, the Australian players in the dressing room sat on the
edge of their seats, the normally staid Adelaide Oval Members Stand
gave way to wild cheering and loud barracking. As the clock on the
scoreboard slowly inched its way up towards six o'clock, things became
frantic. Frank Worrell bowled the second last over to Lindsay Kline,
with every player crowded around the bat. Kline survived, and at one
minute to six, Worrell threw the ball to his lion hearted fast bowler,
Wes Hall and prayed for a miracle. Mackay survived the first seven
deliveries without much difficulty, but as Hall steamed in to bowl the
final delivery, he missed his step and threw the ball onto the ground
in disgust. Hall charged in again, the cry of 'no ball' was ignored by
thousands of small children who ran onto the ground.
When order was eventually restored, Hall gave it all he had, an extra
fast delivery. Rather then offer a shot and risk getting an
edge, 'Slasher' Mackay allowed the ball to crash into his ribcage, an
act of great courage. The match had ended in a draw and the players
headed to Melbourne for the series deciding Fifth Test.
On the Saturday, a world record Test Match crowd of 90,800 turned up to
cheer on these two great sides. The players recount their memories of
playing in front of such a large vocal, crowd. Cammie Smith described
it, "...like Lions roaring! ". Once again, the result of the match went
right down to the wire. When Australia required just four runs for
victory with three wickets in hand, Grout appeared to bottom edge a
late cut off Valentine. As the players ran through for two runs,
wicketkeeper Gerry Alexander pointed to a bail on the ground in front
of the wicket, indicating that Grout must have disturbed it while
playing his shot. The two umpires conferred and eventually ruled 'not
out'.
The players theorise on how they think the 'Fallen Bail' incident
occurred. (Slow motion replays of the film tend to suggest that the
bail was dislodged in the process of Grout playing his shot, which
would mean Grout was out 'hit wicket' or 'bowled'.) The two runs scored
during the disputed dismissal proved to be critical to the outcome of
the series. Sensing a possible injustice, Grout appeared to throw his
wicket away soon after.
The crowd held their breath when next man in Johnny Martin skied the
ball in the direction of mid on. The ball appeared to hang in the air
before falling just short of a slow moving Wes Hall. The batsmen
scampered through for a single and the scores were level. The long
fingered Alf Valentine, of whom it was said that he could turn a ball
on glass, spun one past Mackay, the stumps, as well as wicketkeeper
Alexander and as the crowd swarmed onto the ground, the relieved
batsmen ran through for a bye. Australia won the series 2-1, a result
that could well have been 3-1 in favour of the West Indies, if a couple
of controversial umpiring decisions had gone their way.
The good fellowship that had been so obvious between the two teams,
continued through the emotional after match celebrations with the
inaugural presentation of the Frank Worrell Trophy in front of a large
crowd in the Members Stand. As Worrell commenced his speech, the crowd
broke into '... for he's a jolly good fellow'. Two days later, over
500,000 people crammed into the city streets of Melbourne to farewell
the West Indies team. The honour of such a tickertape farewell was
unprecedented.
The social significance of the public affection towards the West
Indians was noted, and public comments were made, by the then Dean of
Melbourne Dr Barton Babbage, a strong advocate for the abolition of the
White Australia Policy. Here we had a team of predominantly black
cricketers, in a country whose laws at the time would not permit them
to be accepted as citizens, the team that actually lost the series,
being accorded a hero's farewell, a parade "... fit for Presidents,
Prime Ministers and Film stars". One newspaper headline boldly
read; 'THEY LOST THE SERIES BUT THEY WON AUSTRALIA'.
The program concludes with a small tribute to the players from the 1960-
61 series that have passed away, with particular poignant reference to
the legacy of the late Sir Frank Worrell.
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