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NZ On Screen’s most requested title – A Haunting We Will Go – has finally arrived.
Count Homogenised – a vampire with a white afro and a lust for milk – made his debut in a TVNZ children’s department pilot, and later won his own series. Wellington actor Russell Smith’s mischievous Count has lodged himself in the hearts of many Kiwis of a certain vintage.
NZ On Screen has cleared the rights for both the pilot episode and episode one of the series – and hopes to add further episodes at a later date.
“It is I – Count Homogenised” – the Count’s memorable catchphrase – lives on!
Kiwi athletics legend Peter Snell will be visiting New Zealand this month to have his knighthood formally bestowed at a ceremony at Old St Paul’s in Wellington on August 14. Sir Peter will also be unveiling a statue of himself at Cook’s Gardens in Wanganui. The 1964 National Film Unit documentary “Peter Snell – Athlete” is one of the most popular titles on the NZ On Screen website.
The documentary tells Snell’s story up to just prior to his triumph at the Tokyo Olympics (he had already won 800m gold in Rome and held the world record for the mile). Snell’s commentary – focused, candid – plays over footage of training and racing. “It always gives a feeling of exhilaration to run in the New Zealand all black singlet.” He offers insight into the methods of coach Arthur Lydiard (15 miles a day, 100 miles a week). The doco also includes great footage of Snell running in the Waiatarua hills, through bush and leaping farm fences.
NZ On Screen also features two classic Pictorial Parade newsreel documentaries from 1962 that feature Peter Snell – Pictorial Parade 123 and Pictorial Parade 124.
The triple Olympian is now 70 and living in Dallas, Texas. Check him out in his running heyday.
