Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, Australia: Back when he was a boy (and played by Daniel Scott), John witnessed the emergency landing of an airplane at his hometown's makeshift airport, and out stepped ace jazz trumpeter Billy Cross (Miles Davis), who promptly gave an impromptu concert with his band - blowing away little John in the process, and encouraging him to become a jazz musician. Some twenty years later, John (now played by Colin Friels) hasn't made much out of himself, he's a dingo trapper by trade - hence his nickname Dingo - and plays trumpet in a local bush band that isn't likely to go anywhere other than play at local functions. He's trying to sell a few songs he has written, but with no success. Also he dreams of one day going to Paris, France to meet up with Billy Cross, but even though he has saved up for this, it's likely to be nothing but a pipe dream. But then things come to a head back home when even his own band makes fun of his musical aspirations, his best friend (Joe Petruzzi) turns out to be in love with his wife (Helen Buday), and even the three legged dingo he has been hunting for weeks remains elusive as ever. So he decides to just fly over to Paris without even telling his wife. However he has but little idea how to track down Billy Cross, and should he find him what to say, he speaks no France and has little idea about the lay of the land, isn't at all equipped for city life having lived in the bush all his life, and before you know it he's thrown into jail for having attacked a police officer. And the only adress he has on him is Billy Cross' - but why would he be interested in helping him ...

Now if you're like me a jazz fan, you'll love this movie for its soundtrack alone, which contains some excellent tunes by Miles Davis - whose late-in-life (he died in the year of this movie's release) was admittedly a bit hit-or-miss (and this is coming from a die-hard fan) - besides other really cool jazz. But even if you're not into jazz, this film has plenty going for it, as its follow-your-dreams message rings true on one hand, and on the other is wrapped into a very likeable and relatable story that spikes its central drama with just the right amount of comedy, and that's carried by a very commendable optimism throughout to make this one entertaining and ultimately also heart-warming experience - with, I have to mention again, a very excellent score.

review © by Mike Haberfelner

 

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