Published: 30 Oct 2023

A minute through the door and Alun begins with his questioning.

“Don’t I even get a hello kiss and greeting?” Jillian says.

“Sorry, I’m too worked up to think straight.”

“What’s got you worried?”

“Your phone call among other things, you know me well enough to realise I always expect there’s trouble.”

“There isn’t anything to concern about, although I do have some news that may not be to your liking.”

“Go on I’m listening.”

“Firstly what I called about, I’ve been offered the lead in a play.”

“Great, what play?”

“The Gardener.”

“That’s a big role; do you think you are up to it?”

“Yes I’m sure I am. Do you doubt my ability?”

“No, only I thought you had other plans.”

“Things can change and I would be silly not to accept. Would you like a drink?”

“Not at the moment.”

Jillian breaks conversation and mixes a gin and tonic, “it has a twelve week run here before going on tour.”

“Nationally?” Alun asks.

“No, and there lays the problem. It will be touring Britain and if that goes well, a further season in America.”

“Oh! What about us?”

“You will be filming until well into next year and the tour should be finished by then but that’s not half your problem.” Jillian gives a wry smile, “lover boy,” she says.

“Why do you say that?”

“I had David on the telephone for almost an hour last night.”

“Oh that – yes Peter called me. What was dad’s mood like?”

“Ranting in the most and threatening to disown you.”

“I hope you convinced him it isn’t true.”

“You can’t convince David on anything, so who have you upset that would do such a thing?”

“That’s showbiz I suppose, there are fans and then there are those who wish to tear you down, I think it was the same fellow that posted the pictures on the internet.”

“The tall poppy syndrome, yes I’ve seen enough of that over the last year or so. What does Taylor think of it all?”

“He simply laughed. I believe there isn’t anything provokes him. Taylor appears to go through life flat-lining; I suggest if you connected him to a cardiograph you wouldn’t even get a blimp.

“Not like you Alun, you do take things to heart more than necessary. I hope you aren’t thinking of pulling out of the film.”

“I can’t, the contract is watertight and two sided protecting me if the film fails and against me dishonouring the contract.”

“Would you pull out if you could?’

“No – this is one argument dad isn’t going to win.”

Once Alun had settled from David contacting Jillian, he returned to their future relationship and couldn’t see it continuing.

Jillian questions his negativity, “is that what you want Alun?”

“Of course it isn’t.”

“Then let’s take it one day at a time. Now what about dinner, as you are being collected in the morning and I have an early start, we’ll eat in – how about chicken schnitzels?”

“Sounds good I love parmigiana.”

“It will be simple schnitzels, nothing fancy, you can do the salad if you like,” Jillian suggests as she adds oil to the pan, “how was your sea voyage?”

“It was somewhat a failure in my opinion.”

“Why so?”

“We ran into a storm and there was equipment damage.”

“How about the filming?”

“We managed some but the most will be done when the ship comes down here earlier in the New Year.”

“Did you get seasick?”

“Once but it was rough and not like the Tasmanian crossing.”

Jillian laughs as she adds the first schnitzel to the sizzling oil, “what about your boyfriend?”

“Taylor was fine. I wish you wouldn’t call him that.”

“I was joking Alun, how is the salad going?”

“Finished,” Alun takes a seat, his eyes are drawn to Jillian’s backside as she attends to the cooking, ‘Nice arse,’ he muses and with the muse his inner sight wanders and he clearly visuals Taylor. “Shit,” he releases in a hurried breath.

“What was that?” Jillian asks as she turns the schnitzel.

“Nothing,”

‘Why did I think of Taylor?’ he thinks.

‘It’s this whole stupid affair with dad and the mystery caller and now Jillian suggesting he’s my boyfriend.’

“Do you want a hand?” Alun offers to break away from his inner thought.

“It’s almost ready you can set the table.”

Alun had only that moment finished dressing when the apartment intercom sounded.

“Is that you Taylor?”

“It is.”

“Come on up.” Alun releases the door.

Moments later Taylor arrives, “are you ready?”

“Almost.”

“Better not keep Alex waiting, you know his moods.”

“I guess I’m ready,” Alun collects his bag but remains gazing about the living room.

“Have you lost something?”

“Just checking, as I always manage to leave something important behind.”

“Yea like that bag of dirty underwear you left in the apartment in Sydney.”

“The bag had my favourite pair; the one’s Jillian gave me for my birthday.”

“The pair with teddy bears.”

“That was them.”

“No worries, luckily I’m anal and did a final look about while you were booking out. I have them in my bag in the car.”

“Ever reliable Taylor, what would we do without you?”

“Or with me,” Taylor laughs, “come on Alex is waiting.”

Alun follows into the lift his eyes are on Taylor bringing back a previous awareness.

Alun hesitates at the lift door.

“What’s the matter?”

“I was having a strange thought,” Alun admits.

“What was it about?”

“I hope I never have to tell you.”

“I won’t ask further.”

The boys had almost reached the property before Alun decided to elaborate further on the mystery call to David, as Taylor was implicated but with Alex driving he spoke somewhat cryptically.

“So you told Jillian?”

“I didn’t have to dad had already done so.”

“Why would your father call Jillian?”

“The usual, suggesting we marry to kill any rumors.”

“So Jillian knows your father?”

“Yes since our schooldays and I believe he has always fancied her.”

“Then you were childhood sweethearts.”

“We didn’t really connect until our last year of high school. During that year Jillian would come over and we would revise together but dad hung about like a lovesick kid. At one time I believed there was something going between them but Jillian assured me there wasn’t.”

“What was Jillian’s news?”

They reach the gate, “which one of you is going to open the gate?” Alex asks.

“I’ll do it,” Alun is quickly out of the vehicle.

“I’ll walk from here Alex,” Taylor says and joins Alun at the gate. Alex drives through and parks the vehicle near the stable.

“So?”

“What do you mean by so?”

“What was Jillian’s news?”

The boys walk towards the main house where Simon is now talking with Alex.

“Jillian has been offered the lead in The Gardener.”

“That’s good news.”

“Not for me, it means curtains for our relationship.”

“Why?”

“There is a high probability the play will be touring England and possible an extended season in America.”

Simon beckons for the boys to join with him and as they approach Taylor speaks, “may I share an observation Alun?”

“Go on.”

“From what you have been saying over the last few weeks, you appear resigned towards breaking with Jillian.”

Simon gives a second hand gesture for the boys to hurry.

“What’s up?” Alun asks as they approach.

“We have to get right into it. This afternoon it will be fossicking with Peter Lalor and James Scobie.”

“What about Tom?” Alun asks as he believed the gold panning scene would be with Scobie and the lad Chance and Logan had befriended during their travelling to Ballarat.

“Unfortunately Cameron Jenkins isn’t with us any more, his parents withdrew their permission.”

“For what reason?”

“They believe Cameron is somewhat impressionable and the part of Tom may influence his fragile nature.”

“Isn’t the kid contracted?” Alun asks.

“He is.’

“Therefore why doesn’t Mr. Barrington enforce the contract?”

“Doing so would waste time in legal action and bring unwanted attention to the movie, besides would you want to work alongside someone whose heart isn’t with the part. I think it would be preferred to find someone a little older and appears younger.”

Both lads give a nod in agreement.

“What will you do with the footage that has already been shot?” Taylor asks.

“No worries, we have already found a replacement and as those scenes are mostly pre Ballarat; they can be reshot at any time.”

“Where will today’s shooting be?”

“It will be at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat and with Chance and Scobie in the main.”

“Then I won’t be in camera?” Alun suggests.

“Only for a few minutes, so off to wardrobe and makeup and be quick about it, as we have only managed the use of the village for a few hours,” a pause, “also be on your best behavour as there will be paying visitors and you will be considered part of the reenactment for the afternoon,” another pause, “has either of you been to Sovereign Hill.”

“No,” Alun admits.

“I know of it but have never been there,” Taylor concurs.

“Then you both will be in for a treat.”

A second surprise is Ruth had permanently left production and Ricky has stepped up from assistant wardrobe and true to character was more than amorous during the fitting.

So you are back from flaunting your sexy bodies about Sin-city?”

“We are back from Sydney yes,” Alun harshly exacts.

“Did you behave yourselves?”

Taylor notices Alun appears uncomfortable, “Ricky you do realise Alun is almost a married man,” he says

“As if,” Alun says and softens his harsh critique of Ricky’s frivolity, “yes Ricky it was most informative.”

“What about the nightlife?”

“We went to a couple of nightclubs,” Taylor informs.

“Get a move on Ricky, we still have makeup and Simon is anxious to get going,” Alun growls.

“Try the pants on for size,” Ricky passes Alun a pair of stained canvas pants, “pre-stained for authenticity,” he gives description of the trousers.

“Grease,” Alun suggests while holding them up for inspection.

“What were you expecting Alun?”

Alun pulls on the pants, “the stain at the crotch looks as if I’ve pissed myself. Is it your doing Ricky/” Alun protests.

Ricky laughs away Alun’s concern while offering a second pair to Taylor, “can’t forget your little bubble-but,” he says.

“Ricky a little less of the gay stuff okay,” Alun snaps.

“Ow, we are a grumpy little bear today.”

“What about the shirt?” Alun questions as a distraction.

Ricky offers up the shirt, “also pre stained,” he smiles widely and turns his attention to Taylor, “now your turn Taylor, let’s get you into your gear.”

The boys had been waiting for some time for the bus to take them to Sovereign Hill when Alun becomes serious, “that Ricky,” he says.

“What about Ricky?”

“I wish he would cut the gay stuff.”

“That’s the way he is,” Taylor explains as the bus arrives.

“I know but it makes me feel uncomfortable. Why do they put on that affected voice and what’s with the flapping wrists, even girls don’t do that.”

“We all have our little foibles.”

“Foibles, what the fuck are foibles.”

“Ways, habits, that sorta’ thing, you know characteristics.”

“I know what the word means Taylor; I just don’t understand where that gay voice comes from.”

Taylor shrugs away the question, “I couldn’t say.”

Sovereign Hill was a breath from the past and if it wasn’t for the wandering of tourists with their cameras and ubiquitous mobile telephones glued to their ears, one would believe they were in Logan and Chances world, with a host of businesses from bygone times, producing trade that no longer could be found on the shelves of modern stores. A visitor could have his likeness produced on a wanted poster, a mug or even a tea towel, or pay for privilege to pan for gold in the small creek, most coming away with a speck of yellow, likely planted to give a feeling of success.

The streets of Sovereign Hill were found to be lined with timber buildings representing colonial Ballaarat and immediately Alun questions the spelling of the name displayed on many of the establishments, that being Ballaarat having an extra ‘a’.

“Didn’t you read the flyer?” Taylor asks.

“I scanned through some of it.”

“That was the way Ballarat was written back in the early days.”

“Why did they change it?”

“It was something to do with the Scot who had a selection close by, he translated the word from native language into English and his accent was so strong no one could understand a word he spoke.”

Alun huffs away Taylor’s persistence to detail.

“You did ask.”

“I did and I must admit I am impressed.”

What further inspired the boys was the number of streets that made up the attraction and the public houses and inns holding colonial names such as United States Hotel and Victoria Theatre. Also they were working establishments with actors and volunteers giving a high level of authenticity and not simply facades along a streetscape. It was as if the attraction was part of a continuous movie.

“Groundhog day;” Taylor softly voices as he is almost run down by a coach with the livery, Cobb and Co. Ballaarat-Clunes Express.

“What do you mean?”

“I was referring to the film Groundhog day.”

“Yes I know the film but I don’t get the connection.”

“Here it is as if the performers are living the same day every day and the tourists are the audience.

“Don’t you like it?”

“Like it! I love it I could live here.”

Without time to enjoy the ambience the boys were soon called to their positions. The shoot would commence with Logan and Chance walking down to their claim along the small creek that ran along one side of the theme park. It was scripted once they meet up with James Scobie Logan would depart leaving Chance on set with John Humphries acting as Scobie.

“What about young Tom. I thought he would be in this scene?” Alun asks.

“Not this scene, he comes in later, this is when Chance tries his hand at panning for gold.”

As they take positions Alun freezes and grabs at Taylors arm.

“What’s the matter?”

Alun remained silent.

“What is it?” Taylor insisted.

“Just something.”

“You are frightening me Alun.”

“No it’s nothing to concern about – my mother would say it is as someone is walking over her grave.”

“Are you two ready or going to chatter all afternoon. Time is money.” Simon calls from his position close by camera one.

“One moment until I get into the right ambience,” Alun answers.

“What is it Alun?” Taylor again asks.

“For a moment I felt I was Logan and as I looked about I was back in his days and on the goldfields.”

“And now?”

“And now I am me playing Logan and you’re playing at being Chance.”

“Alun are you with us?” Simon shouts across the scene.

“Yes Simon.”

“Then concentrate on your small part in the scene, surely it isn’t too difficult as all Logan has to do is walk with Chance until he meets up with James Scobie then depart from scene.”

Logan walks with Chance towards the small creek where a number of fossickers are panning for the elusive metal. Chance spies Scobie working with his partner Peter Martin and waves. Logan gives his few lines for the scene and is soon off set, leaving the limelight to his partner.

Once off camera Simon approaches Alun, “What seems to be your problem today Alun?”

“I drifted for a moment, that’s all.”

“I may have to shoot the first part of that scene again as you were wooden and unresponsive.”

“Sorry Simon, my mind was elsewhere. It won’t happen again.”

“That’s good to hear, we are running way behind schedule as it is.”

The cameras roll as Chance reached the creek and begins his conversation with Scobie.

“So you want to learn how to pan lad?” Scobie asks and offers Chance a battered metal dish.

“That’s about the strength of it,” Chance admits.

“It is simple but frustrating, as you can slush about for most of the day without a speck of yellow, while your neighbour only a few steps away, dips once and comes up with pay dirt. Come and watch what I do.”

Scobie dips his dish into the water and washes away the heaver gravel in the flow. Some of the granules remain but no gold.

“Now you have a go.”

As the actor offers up the dish and with the skill of a magician, he drops a small yellow representation of a nugget into the dish.

Chance dips his dish and follows Scobie’s direction and the improvisation is soon discovered shining in gravel at the bottom of the dish.

“There you go lad – beginners luck!” Scobie cries as Chance holds up the nugget for inspection. He then offers it to Scobie as it was found on his claim.

“No you keep it lad.”

Soon the scene is done and Simon calls, “pan in on Chance and cut.”

Taylor comes away and rejoins Alun.

“What was the matter with you?”

“I don’t know but Simon really roused me out saying my part may have to be reshot, he’ll decide once he has viewed it tonight.”

“I found gold,” Taylor offers up the yellow representation.

“Is it real?”

“No but I think I’ll keep it as a reminder.”

Gary’s stories are about life for gay men in Australia’s past and present. Your emails to him are the only payment he receives. Email Gary to let him know you are reading: Conder 333 at Hotmail dot Com

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