John Clarke’s brilliance captured in a new film
ass exams, but he had no desire to do so, or pass a translation paper. In Wellington and working as New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation’s first farm cadet, he found his voice writing Mad Men-style advertising copy at Charles Haines Advertising.
During university holidays, Clarke was willingly learning to talk like a Kiwi. He adopted the just-released Ken Catran’s How to Win a Place on TV Class to learn how to present as Ourselves. His Saturday-night news show role-play, cable TV for a NZ audience, was well tuned. A year later, a new state television character became his paycheque: Fred Dagg.
Dagg’s fuck-ups, from story to the sound of his voice, say he was related to wrong ideas, such as what’s best or fast-growing (Roggenfelder or Blanks: Fermi or Carpem) or the fact that he wore boots. This set of boxes was filled with my grandfather’s delivery. And it wasn’t just Dagg’s bogan-style accent Clarke endlessly sparred with. Dagg’s writing team included the new team who hired him as a cleaner, and they were also involved in writing jokes. In other words: everything connected with Dagg – including his own puns who Lynda Topp was, explaining why she had heard him partly enunciate Katat Lige, or Bary ZUK – filled the album.
Clarke’s story is a rich one, chronicled by Lorin Clarke through her book and now, a documentary. She delves into the man’s humour, relationships, and upbringing, painting a picture of a talented individual finding his place in the world of comedy in Australia and New Zealand. The film recounts his journey from Palmerston North to Wellington, his time at Victoria University, and his eventual move to Australia, where his career blossomed.
Despite growing up in a turbulent family environment, Clarke found stability and love in his marriage to Helen, an Australian art history lecturer. Their relationship was a crucial anchor for him, providing support and companionship through both the highs and lows of his career. Through interviews and personal anecdotes, the film captures the essence of this partnership and its impact on Clarke’s life and work.
As viewers are taken on a journey through Clarke’s life, they are treated to a mix of nostalgia, humour, and touching moments that celebrate his legacy. Lorin Clarke’s documentary is a fitting tribute to her father, capturing the essence of the man behind the iconic characters he created. From Fred Dagg to the countless other personas he brought to life, Clarke’s impact on comedy in Australia and New Zealand is undeniable.
The film sheds light on the man behind the myth, showcasing his talent, wit, and warmth. Clarke’s ability to connect with audiences through his unique brand of humour is evident throughout the documentary, as viewers are reminded of the joy and laughter he brought to so many. Through interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, Lorin Clarke paints a vivid portrait of her father, highlighting his lasting legacy in the world of comedy.
As the film comes to a close, viewers are left with a renewed sense of appreciation for John Clarke and the lasting impact he has had on comedy in Australia and New Zealand. His genius lives on in the hearts and minds of those who continue to be inspired by his work. Lorin Clarke’s documentary is a heartfelt tribute to a man whose humour and humanity touched the lives of so many.