Remembering David Stratton: A Champion of Australian Cinema

David Stratton, the esteemed Australian film critic and co-host of the iconic television programs *The Movie Show* and *At the Movies*, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in a hospital near his home in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. Born on September 10, 1939, in Trowbridge, England, Stratton's passion for cinema was ignited during his childhood, where he frequently attended films with his grandmother during World War II. This early exposure to the silver screen laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to film.

The GuardianThe GuardianThe GuardianRest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85David Stratton Dead: Renowned Movie Critic Was 85The GuardianDaily MailDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85David Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85Daily MailRevered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85David Stratton, beloved film critic and champion of world and Greek cinema, dies aged 85Iconic Australian film critic David Stratton dies, age 85Sky News AustraliaVeteran film critic David Stratton dies peacefully, aged 85Daily MailLegendary film critic David Stratton has died aged 85

In 1963, Stratton emigrated to Australia under the "ten-pound Pom" migration scheme. His involvement in the local film scene began shortly thereafter, culminating in his appointment as the director of the Sydney Film Festival from 1966 to 1983. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the festival's programming, which included screenings of Soviet films that led to his surveillance by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Stratton's advocacy against censorship and his commitment to showcasing diverse cinematic voices were hallmarks of his career.

The GuardianThe GuardianRest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85David Stratton Dead: Renowned Movie Critic Was 85The GuardianDaily MailDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85David Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85Revered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85David Stratton, beloved film critic and champion of world and Greek cinema, dies aged 85Iconic Australian film critic David Stratton dies, age 85Sky News AustraliaVeteran film critic David Stratton dies peacefully, aged 85Daily Mail

Stratton's television legacy began in 1980 when he joined SBS as a film consultant, eventually co-hosting *The Movie Show* with Margaret Pomeranz from 1986 to 2004. The duo's dynamic chemistry and contrasting tastes in film made them a beloved fixture in Australian households. They later transitioned to the ABC, where they continued their partnership with *At the Movies* until 2014. Their engaging discussions and spirited debates about films resonated with audiences, making them household names.

The GuardianThe GuardianRest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85David Stratton Dead: Renowned Movie Critic Was 85The GuardianDaily MailDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85David Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85Daily MailRevered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85David Stratton, beloved film critic and champion of world and Greek cinema, dies aged 85Iconic Australian film critic David Stratton dies, age 85Sky News AustraliaVeteran film critic David Stratton dies peacefully, aged 85Daily MailLegendary film critic David Stratton has died aged 85

Throughout his career, Stratton was not only a critic but also a prolific writer and educator. He contributed reviews to *The Australian* and *Variety*, and authored several books, including his autobiography *I Peed on Fellini*, which humorously recounts a memorable encounter with the legendary director. Stratton also taught film history at the University of Sydney for 35 years, where he inspired countless students with his encyclopedic knowledge and passion for cinema.

The GuardianThe GuardianThe GuardianRest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85David Stratton Dead: Renowned Movie Critic Was 85The GuardianDaily MailDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85David Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85Revered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85David Stratton, beloved film critic and champion of world and Greek cinema, dies aged 85Veteran film critic David Stratton dies peacefully, aged 85Daily Mail

His influence extended beyond television and academia; Stratton served on juries at major international film festivals, including Cannes and Venice, and received numerous accolades for his contributions to the film industry. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015 and received France's Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his services to cinema.

The GuardianRest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85The GuardianDavid Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85

Stratton's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the film community and public figures alike. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked on Stratton's "dry humour and sharp insight," emphasizing how he shared his love of film with the nation. Arts Minister Tony Burke expressed sadness over Stratton's passing, highlighting the profound impact he had on Australian cinema culture.

The GuardianThe GuardianThe GuardianRest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85David Stratton Dead: Renowned Movie Critic Was 85The GuardianDaily MailDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85David Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85Revered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85David Stratton, beloved film critic and champion of world and Greek cinema, dies aged 85Sky News AustraliaVeteran film critic David Stratton dies peacefully, aged 85Daily Mail

The Sydney Film Festival acknowledged Stratton's "remarkable passion and devotion," stating that the festival and the culture of cinema in Australia would not exist as they do today without his contributions. Actor Rachel Griffiths described him as a "champion of Australian stories," noting his humility and curiosity.

The GuardianThe GuardianThe GuardianRest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85David Stratton Dead: Renowned Movie Critic Was 85The GuardianDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85David Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85Revered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85David Stratton, beloved film critic and champion of world and Greek cinema, dies aged 85Iconic Australian film critic David Stratton dies, age 85Veteran film critic David Stratton dies peacefully, aged 85Legendary film critic David Stratton has died aged 85

Stratton's family has requested privacy during this time but encouraged the public to celebrate his life by watching their favorite films or his all-time favorite, *Singin' in the Rain*. His legacy as a passionate advocate for cinema and a mentor to many will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of film lovers across Australia and beyond.

The GuardianThe GuardianRest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85David Stratton Dead: Renowned Movie Critic Was 85The GuardianDaily MailDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85David Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85Daily MailRevered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85David Stratton, beloved film critic and champion of world and Greek cinema, dies aged 85Daily MailLegendary film critic David Stratton has died aged 85

While many sources agree on the details of Stratton's career and contributions, there are discrepancies regarding specific events, such as the exact nature of his relationship with Margaret Pomeranz. Some sources describe their partnership as deeply collaborative, while others suggest a more complex dynamic. Additionally, the timeline of his health issues leading to retirement varies slightly across reports.

• “With dry humour and sharp insight, David Stratton shared his love of film with our country.” — Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia

The GuardianThe GuardianDaily MailDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85Revered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85Sky News AustraliaVeteran film critic David Stratton dies peacefully, aged 85Daily Mail

• “David’s passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives.” — Family statement

Rest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85David Stratton Dead: Renowned Movie Critic Was 85The GuardianDaily MailDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85David Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85Daily MailRevered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85David Stratton, beloved film critic and champion of world and Greek cinema, dies aged 85Iconic Australian film critic David Stratton dies, age 85Veteran film critic David Stratton dies peacefully, aged 85Daily MailLegendary film critic David Stratton has died aged 85

• “The 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.” — Sydney Film Festival statement

The GuardianThe GuardianThe GuardianRest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85David Stratton Dead: Renowned Movie Critic Was 85The GuardianDaily MailDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85David Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85Revered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85David Stratton, beloved film critic and champion of world and Greek cinema, dies aged 85Iconic Australian film critic David Stratton dies, age 85Sky News AustraliaVeteran film critic David Stratton dies peacefully, aged 85Daily MailLegendary film critic David Stratton has died aged 85

David Stratton's remarkable journey through the world of cinema has left an indelible mark on Australian film culture, inspiring generations of cinephiles and critics alike. His commitment to promoting both local and international cinema will be remembered as a significant chapter in the history of film in Australia.

The GuardianThe GuardianThe GuardianRest in Peace: David Stratton, Renowned Film Critic, Historian, and TV Personality, Dies Aged 85David Stratton Dead: Renowned Movie Critic Was 85The GuardianDaily MailDavid Stratton: Beloved Australian film critic and host of At the Movies with Margaret Pomeranz dies aged 85David Stratton, co-host of The Movie Show and beloved Australian film critic, has died aged 85Daily MailRevered Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85David Stratton, beloved film critic and champion of world and Greek cinema, dies aged 85Iconic Australian film critic David Stratton dies, age 85Sky News AustraliaVeteran film critic David Stratton dies peacefully, aged 85Daily MailLegendary film critic David Stratton has died aged 85