Published: 18 Dec 2023

If Taylor’s confession of his sexuality concerned Alun, it wasn’t obvious and nothing more was spoken on the matter, not even during the drive back to the property in preparation for the recommencement of filming. If anything Alun’s attitude towards Taylor appeared warmer and on a number of occasions Taylor caught his friend’s glance, also Alun had commenced addressing him with Jane’s pet name being Tay.

Not long after returning to the property Alun received a call from Peter, suggesting he should call home. Their parents returned early from their holiday and Sylvia appeared even more stressed than usual. Peter’s actual reason for the call was to borrow money to tie him over until he commenced work in the New Year. Once again Alun was obliging.

Simon let the boys settle for the morning but after lunch he called the cast to a meeting. While waiting for the stragglers to attend, Simon passed around the script for the days shooting.

“What’s this Simon?” Alun asks.

“Scene-274 It is the night before the attack against the miners at the stockade on Eureka Hill by the troopers.”

“I thought we were doing the bushfire scene?”

“It was decided to delay the fire scene until later in the month. The site chosen for shooting has had a lot of rain and we need the grass to brown off, besides after what you and Taylor went through at Lorne, I thought it may remain a little raw.”

“I never felt as if I was in any danger,” Alun admits.

“You two aren’t the only ones on set who were affected by the fire. Kim Reynolds, who is playing Jim Bentley as the owner of the Eureka hotel, was also in Lorne with his family and they lost their holiday home.”

Taylor glances about, seeing Kim he gives a nod of sympathy.

“Are you with us Taylor?” Simon asks.

“Yep.”

“Today’s scene will be inside the Golden Shovel hotel with young Tom in conversation with Logan and Chance about taking his turn guarding the stockade. The set has been made up in the shed then for the stockade scenes we will set up at Sovereign Hill. Are there any Questions?”

While the boys are reading the day’s script, Keith Bradshaw arrives and is handed his script for Tom. The lad passes it back, “I don’t need it; I have a good memory, besides there are only a few lines in this scene and it is my final before you kill me off.”

Although Keith came well recommended with undeniable talent, he soon became full of his own importance and often arrived late for rehearsals.

“That maybe so Keith but you need to read the script to know the prompts when you are to come into scene.”

“I’ve already read it.”

Simon isn’t amused with his cheeky attitude, “you do have one final scene which will be shot at the Stockade.”

“Yes as a corpse after the battle. Anyone can play dead.”

“You fuck it up lad and you’ll feel my boot in your arse.”

“I won’t but dad is on his way up, he would like to see me in my last act before you kill me off.”

“You do realise it is a closed set?” Simon reminds as they advance towards the shed. As Simon speaks there is a vehicle at the gate.

“Seeing it is your last, I suppose he can watch. I hope your father isn’t the type to give advice from the stalls,” Simon warns and approaches the vehicle as it parks. For a moment there appears to be an altercation but it soon cools with Simon giving the intruder directions where to park his vehicle.

Once in costume the cast gathered at the hotel set in the shed, Tom is complaining about the fit of his period shirt, with Ricky from wardrobe attending to the matter.

“It’s too tight under the arms,” Keith protests.

“You must be putting on weight as it’s the same shirt as you’ve been wearing all month.”

“So.”

Ricky soon finds a replacement; “try that for size,” he says then with his usual exaggerated flamboyancy he steps away to view its fit.

“It’s okay,” Keith reluctant agrees while rolling the sleeves in a modern fashion.

“Roll them back down and fasten the cuffs,” Ricky quietly says while showing a rare measure of frustration with the lad.

“Why? Besides it is more comfortable having them rolled.”

“We can’t have a boy from the eighteen-fifties in modern fashion. Can we pet?” Ricky tutts as he attempts to straighten the shoulders.

“Leave off, I can do it,” Keith warns.

“Sweetie, we are touchy today.”

“Dad warned me about people like you,” Keith softly growls.

Simon takes Keith aside. There is a moment of quiet conversation before the lad returns, “sorry Ricky,” Keith apologizes without sincerity.

“Right can we now get on with it – time is money and we are already over budget,” Simon looks about and sees Keith’s father is in view of camera one, “Mr. Bradshaw, could you please move back to where I suggested, as you are in camera.”

The man gives a reluctant nod before moving further behind. Simon then notices Keith fiddling, “Keith what’s the matter now?”

“I don’t like the costume,”

“Put up with it lad, you only have a few lines then you can bugger off for the rest of the day.”

It is obvious Keith’s father is somewhat precious with Simon’s attitude towards his son but remains silent while Keith takes his place for filming.

The set for scene-274 finds Logan seated on the hotel’s front step. Here the script diverts from the story, Simon believes it would give atmosphere for the town’s gaslighter to passby during his duty of lighting the street’s lamps. In doing so he will speak with Logan, therefore a few short lines of dialogue were added to the script.

Simon explains the ambience, “it is night and dark and the sky is alive with stars. Logan is having a quiet drink on the hotel’s front step and he appears somewhat concerned as Tom is about to leave for the stockade – is everyone ready?”

The set lights are dimmed and the cameras fixed with night filters. Simon looks about, “Logan is seated,” he calls.

Alun takes his place with Taylor some distance behind out of camera.

“Ready,” Simon calls but is distracted as someone begins to cough. It is Keith’s father. Simon lifts his hand, “quiet! The next person to cough or speak is out”

The set settles.

“Once again – are you ready Logan?”

“Logan is ready,” Alun assures.

“Are you ready Chance?”

“Yes.”

“Ready Gaslighter?”

“Ready.”

“Camera one – roll.

The clapper board sounds as the scene starting with Logan seated on the step.

“Good evening Logan,” the man greets and lights the lamp by the hotel’s doorway.

“It is at that George,”

“It seems everyone is up at the stockade,” the gaslighter says.

“It seems that way,”

“It’s a nasty business, how do you think it will end?”

“Quietly I hope George.”

“Best I move along, I’m running late tonight.”

“Mind as you go George.”

Logan takes a swig from his beer bottle, which is the queue for Chance to appear at the hotel’s doorway, his figure is washed with gentle lamplight.

“Solitude,” Chance says.

“Yes a quiet night, not many lamps about the camp.”

Chance takes a seat close by Logan.

“The clouds have passed,” Logan says.

“No storm.”

“No storm,” Logan answers.

“The moon isn’t very bright.”

“It hasn’t risen properly as yet.”

Logan softly laughs and offers Chance his bottle.

Chance takes a swig of beer and returns the bottle to Logan; “what is your humour?”

“I was remembering when we were boys and we would lie on the river bank watching the stars until the morning’s sun took them away,” Logan’s thoughts are drifting to a more settled time.

“I remember well.”

“And now there is so much turmoil,” Logan says.

“True,” Chance takes a worried breath.

“Are you thinking of Tom joining the rebellion?” Logan asks.

“I am.”

“Tom is a free spirit, you can’t mother him.”

“Where is Tom?” Chance asks.

“Right cut,” Simon calls and approaches the boys, “that was good and I reckon one take will do it. Take ten and we will do Tom’s last scene.” Simon is about to prepare Keith for his part but discovers the lad is missing. He soon spies Keith talking with his father. “Mr. Bradshaw, your son is being paid good money to do a job and it isn’t to bugger off when he is about to act.”

“Sorry,” the man calls back.

“Keith, get down here and go through your lines with Taylor and Alun.” As the lad returns Simon again speaks with the boys, “that was well executed by the both of you.”

“Thank you Simon,” Alun obliges with Taylor giving a smile and an agreeing nod.

“If I didn’t know better I would think the two of you were an item, there is chemistry between you and as the film progresses it is becoming stronger.”

Both lads ignore Simon’s suggestion.

“Never mind and I will say it again, good work and keep it up, Mr. Barrington will be most pleased.” Simon makes a huffing sound as if he agrees with his own compliment then he goes to speak with first camera. He is pointing towards the lighting over the hotel doorway set, “Do you think it should be more defused?”

“It’s fine through the lens.”

Simon gives a gentle nod as he turns and points towards Keith, “righto’ lad it’s time to show us what you got.”

Keith approaches.

“You all know your places. It is the continuation of scene-274 Logan and Chance are in conversation on the hotel step. Simon looks about and takes a deep worrying breath while remaining unsure of Keith’s commitment especially with his father present.

“Yes I know I’m out of sight until I get the queue,” Keith assures.

“And what is the queue?” Simon asks.

“Where is Tom?” Keith says.

“Correct – everyone to their places.”

“Scene-274 part two, Logan you start from where is Tom.”

Alun gives a nod of agreement.

“Roll.”

Logan remains seated next to Chance. “Where is Tom?” he asks.

“He said he is about to go to the stockade.”

Simon gives a hand signal and Tom approaches.

“Right I’ll be off then,” Tom says as he approaches.

“So you are going to continue with this damn silly game you are playing.”

“It is night watch that’s all.”

“What is the armband you are wearing?”

“It represents Tim’s regiment.”

“Red – isn’t Tim Hayes Irish?”

“He could be.”

“I thought the Irish had preference towards green?”

Simon gives the lad the signal to commence moving out of scene.

“I’ll see you in the morning.”

Firstly it is Chance who speaks, “goodnight.”

Then Logan, “goodnight Tom and be careful.”

“I will.”

“Tom,” Logan calls after the lad while displaying concern in his tone.

“Yes Logan.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Keith then moves out of camera as he finishes his final speaking scene.

“I don’t know,” Logan says.

“What don’t you know?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Simon’s arm drops, “stop filming and can it.” He turns to Keith, “there you go lad you can act when you put your mind to it.”

“When am I playing dead?”

“Most probably it will be Tuesday next week at Sovereign Hill.”

“Then I can go home until Monday, I have a birthday party on Sunday.”

“Can I rely on you to be here?” Simon appears a little unsure of the lad’s reliability.

Keith’s father steps forward, “Keith will be here, I’ll make sure of that.”

“Okay I’ll see you Monday.” Simon appears relieved as he watches Keith and his father depart company, “one more scene and we will be rid of the little bugger.”

“You’re not a fan of young Keith,” Alun predicts.

“He’s worse than some of the divas I’ve had to work with, only I will give it to him, he remembers his lines without prompting and if he can dump his ego then someday he will make a fine actor.”

“He may grow out of his attitude,” Taylor suggests.

“If he doesn’t someone will knock it out of him, did you hear what I said about Tuesday?”

“In part,” Taylor agrees.

“It will be the battle scene, we have the Ballarat reenactment group turning up at Sovereign Hill, there will be miners and troopers and the best part of it is, they supply their own uniforms and know more about the event than most.”

“What will be our part?” Alun asks.

“Nothing with the battle but after it will be both of you looking for Tom’s body on Eureka Hill. Then we will have to start auditioning for another young fellow.”

“Why is that?” Alun asks.

“Haven’t you read the script Alun? It appears our gay friends can’t stop adopting strays and runaways.”

“Yes I remember now, Gilbert Rogers and he will be part of the cast for the rest of the movie, has anyone been considered?”

A couple of names have been suggested but it is up to Mr. Barrington, it’s his money and he has a good eye for talent,” Simon ads a smile towards his admission.

“Then what is the go between now and Tuesday?” Taylor asks.

Simon directs his words to Alun, “a little horse riding, as you still look somewhat wooden in the saddle, you need to move more freely and not appear as if you are about to fall off at any moment.”

“If I appear that way Simon it is because that is how I feel.”

Simon laughs as his mobile sounds off. He holds his hand towards the boys to avoid further conversation as he takes the call. It is Barrington and Simon moves away for privacy. After a few minutes of obvious agreement with Barrington Simon ends the call, “that was Mr. Barrington,” he says.

“I guessed so,” Alun admits while waiting for the news.

“He has found our Gilbert Rogers in the name of Ralph Porter and Ralph will be up for further auditioning later in the week.”

“Ralph is a dog’s name,” Alun growls out the kid’s name, “Ruuurlph.”

“Be nice Alun.”

“I hope he doesn’t come with attitude like Keith,” Taylor says.

“Or have a father who puts more restrictions on what he may, or may not do,” Taylor adds to their desires.

“Not this time as the lad is twenty but looks fifteen and has been in a number of television serials although mostly as an extra.”

“Don’t fret Simon we’ll treat him with respect.”

Late evening and Alun is relaxing on the step to their cottage, Taylor has taken his almost nightly walk to the creek, to watch the platypus at play in the soft moonlight. Beside Alun is a can of beer he takes a glance at its label, he smiles and imagines Logan in that same situation.

‘I believe I would like Logan,’ he thinks.

‘And if Taylor were Chance to my Logan, I may take the spark in me a little further.’ With the thought the last of the cloud cover passes to the north showing the face of the moon. Alun looks up. “Stars,” he smiles, then burst into laughter as he thinks of his part as Logan.

The laughter subsides, his thoughts are on Jillian and where their relationship is heading. The last time they were together she was somewhat cold and only the previous day he received a text message advising she had taken up the offer to join the cast of The Gardener in London, promising they would talk further next time they both were in town. The problem being they were never in town at the same time.

A deep breath, ‘all things must pass.’

A sigh, ‘and others commence.’

Alun’s eyes lift to the stars and his heart jumps, for that moment he is far above and his body below is that of Logan. For one moment he is in love with Chance, or is he in love with Taylor – then it is gone. He releases a second sigh and remembers he had turned off his mobile during filming. He has two messages; one is from his friend Ed Stanley, suggesting it had been a long time since they had, in his friend’s words, chilled out and to call next time Alun was back in town. The second was from his brother Peter begging to reply urgently.

‘It’s funny,’ Alun thinks, ‘how out of a peaceful night when the stars, the moon and all is in happy alignment, from nowhere comes chaos.’

Alun checks the time, it is almost midnight. He decides to leave Peter’s urgency until the morning as Taylor returns from his walk.

“Did you see the platypus?” Alun asked.

“No they were hiding tonight. What have you been up to?”

“Drinking, thinking, not much more.”

“What were your thoughts about?”

“Ha that would be telling. I had a text from Peter.”

“What is Peter up to?”

“He didn’t say, only it was urgent but by the time I checked my messages it was too late to make the call. I’ll call in the morning.”

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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