'Nine Perfect Strangers': REVIEW

'Nine Perfect Strangers' is engaging, ethereal, strangely unsettling AND addictive all rolled into one relaxing, made for TV joint.

It's also the the biggest series launch of 2021 for Amazon Prime Video.

From the moment Nicole Kidman glides in and utters the words: "I'm Masha" you are drawn into the world of Tranquillum House, an actual health and wellness retreat located in Byron Bay NSW (real name Soma, an breathtaking 10 bedroom luxury estate, set on 22 acres of lush bamboo forest with thousands of varieties of plant species. Find it here).

'Nine Perfect Strangers' is an American drama streaming television miniseries, available on Amazon Prime Video Australia right now, and based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty and created by David E. Kelley who also developed the series alongside John-Henry Butterworth. The series premiered in August 2021.

The story centres around nine people who come to Tranquillum House, for a 10-day wellness retreat.

Stand out 'guests' at the House are Bobby Cannavale who plays Tony Hogburn, a former football star - he's a ball of anxiety wrapped up in a macho, perennially pissed off persona, and every time there's an interaction between Tony and Frances, played by the scene stealing Melissa McCarthy, you lean in a little more.

Melissa's version of Frances is brilliant - the best selling author has real issues, y'all, and as she sweeps in, then breaks down minutes after arriving into her zen room (then greeted by the enigmatic Masha), you know that Frances is tough as nails but super vulnerable, and you want to know more.

The portrayal of privileged young couple Ben (Melvin Gregg) and Jessica (Samara Weaving) is intriguing too...

Samara is FANTASTIC as an entitled woman with all the accoutrements (PE Nation gear, long nails, an attitude), and want to dig a little deeper... why is she perennially angry?

The calm AF assistants Yao (played by Manny Jacinto) and Delilah (played by Tiffany Boone) advise their guests on their arrival they'll take their phones (my worst nightmare on a wellness retreat, TBH) as well as anything that will connect them to the 'outside world, while promising “metabolically bespoke” meals, those deliciously slo-mo smoothies, and treatments and unusual therapies (potato sack race, anyone?) which promise to unite and heal body and soul.

And maybe mess with your brain a tad along the way.

The sweet-as-but-you-know-she's-going-to-lose-it recent divorcee Carmel (Regina Hall), is brilliant as the queen of passive aggressive.

And Asher Keddie positively NAILS her American accent, not wavering on it at all as she packs a punch with her performance of a grieving mum, simultaneously attempting to find freedom around her personal demons, as is the rest of the Marconi family (Grace Van Patten as Zoe with a measured performance, and Michael Shannon as Napoleon who is also dealing with the suicide of his son on his own way. A stellar performance).

The wonderfully jaded Lars (played by Luke Evans) plays brooding to perfection. He's an investigative journalist, but what else is going on...?

Zoe Terakes, the non-binary trans actor known for their work in 'Wentworth', also rounds out the cast as Glory and she's kinda naturally magnetic on screen.

Tyler Bern, Head of Content for Amazon Prime Video Australia and New Zealand said of 'Nine Perfect Strangers': “The runaway success of Nine Perfect Strangers in Australia is testament to the incredibly talented creative teams who worked tirelessly to create this exceptional series.  Amazon Prime Video is proud to share Australian storytelling with audiences across the globe, and is excited for viewers to see how this unique and extraordinary story progresses.”

'Nine Perfect Strangers' is directed and produced by Jonathan Levine and is distributed by Endeavor Content. 

 

'Nine Perfect Strangers' is now available on Amazon Prime Video with new episodes launching weekly. Go HERE to start a 30 day FREE trial!

Sarah Shahi: Who is she? Past roles + photos

So, who is Aahoo Jahansouzshahi?

And where have you seen her before?

She’s the name on everyone’s lips right now and her screen name is: Sarah Shahi. Yes, she plays Billie in cult Netflix series 'Sex/Life'.

The 41 year old was born on January 10, 1980 in Euless, Texas, USA and is the daughter of Abbas Jahansouzshahi and Mahmonir Soroushazar, an interior designer, who divorced when she was ten.

Her father is from Iran, and his family left Iran two years before the Iranian Revolution. Sarah's father was working at the American embassy in Iran, and was slated for execution when the last Shah's regime collapsed in 1979, but was able to flee the country.

Sarah's mother was born in Spain, to an Iranian father and a Spanish mother. She has an older brother, Cyrus, and a younger sister, Samantha, who is a production assistant. 

Sarah is a former NFL cheerleader, and while working as an extra on the set of 'Dr. T and the Women in Texas', Shahi met renowned director Robert Altman, who encouraged her to move to Hollywood, where she received roles in several series, including 'Alias', 'Dawson's Creek', 'Reba', and 'Supernatural'. In 2005 she appeared in the supporting character role of DJ Carmen de la Pica Morales on 'The L Word', which she joined in its second season. Shahi's two-year contract was not renewed after the end of the fourth season, and her character was written out.

She also played Farah in the second season of Sleeper Cell, and also appeared in HBO's 'The Sopranos' in 2007, in the Season 6b episode 'Kennedy and Heidi' as Sonya Aragon, a stripper and college student who spends a weekend with Tony after a death in his family.

In 2007, she secured a small role in 'Rush Hour 3' as Zoe, a scantily clad rich girl who is pursued by Chris Tucker's character, Detective Carter.

In 2007, she took on her first permanent leading role on a TV series, co-starring with Damian Lewis in the NBC series 'Life' as homicide detective Dani Reese. The series ran for two seasons.

In October 2009, Shahi landed the lead role in the USA Network pilot, 'Facing Kate'. Shahi began filming in November 2009.[20] The show followed the life of Kate Reed, a legal mediator who is frustrated with the bureaucracy and injustice she witnesses in the legal system. The series title was later changed to 'Fairly Legal'. The show was cancelled after two seasons in November 2012.

Shahi was cast as a recurring love interest for Taylor Kinney's character Lt. Kelly Severide on NBC's show 'Chicago Fire' in October 2012.

She was cast as the possibly recurring character of Sameen Shaw on 'Person of Interest' and was featured in the sixteenth episode of the second season, ‘Relevance', which aired in February 2013.

In May 2013 CBS President Nina Tassler announced that Shahi would be added as a series regular for its third season. She played the daughter of Sylvester Stallone's character in the action film 'Bullet to the Head' which was also the first time working with co-star Jason Momoa who she would later go on to work with again in his movie 'Road to Paloma' in 2014.

Following the January 7, 2015, episode of Person of Interest, Shahi and the show's producers announced she would be leaving the show for an indefinite period of time because of her pregnancy.

In February 2016, she was cast as iconic detective Nancy Drew in a planned TV series based on the books.

In May 2016, CBS passed on the series, and its producers announced they would continue looking for a network to air the show. Also in May, Shahi resumed her appearances as Shaw on Person of Interest, until June 21, 2016, when the show ended. Shahi starred in the new TV series 'Reverie' in 2018, however it was cancelled after one season.

In 2019, Shahi joined the cast of Showtime's 'City on A Hill' (seen in Australian TV on the Stan streaming service) as recurring character Rachel Behnam, an investigator for the district attorney.

In October 2020, Shahi started filming 'Sex/Life', a Netflix series inspired by BB Easton's book ’44 Chapters About 4’, in Toronto, Canada. This has been arguably her most talked about role to date.

She plays Billie, a housewife struggling to remain a devoted wife and mother when tempted by an old flame and the freer days of her youth.

Shahi was named number 90 on the Maxim magazine "Hot 100 of 2005" list, moving up to number 66 in 2006 and 36 in 2012. She appeared on the cover of Maxim's 2012 'TV's Hottest Girls' Issue in October 2012. She ranked number 5 on the AfterEllen.com hot list in 2007.

Shahi married actor Steve Howey (he is known for his roles as Van Montgomery on The WB/CW television series 'Reba', and Kevin Ball on the Showtime series 'Shameless') on February 7, 2009, in Las Vegas. In July 2009, she gave birth to their first child, a son, during an at-home water birth. In January 2015, she announced that she was pregnant with twins. In March, a daughter and son were born during another home birth. Shahi and Howey filed for divorce in May 2020.

Their divorce was finalised in January 2021.

After meeting during the 2020 filming of Sex/Life, Shahi started dating Australian actor Adam Demos. Yeah, he of THAT shower scene. (He has appeared in 'Falling Inn Love', also on Netflix - more on him in the next post. This is Sarah's moment to shine!).

Demos and Shahi first met in the make-up trailer and had some interests in common. Shahi commented to People magazine; "I said, 'Well, that's a tall drink of water.' When I first met Adam, I was really blown away with him".

Sarah’s birth name, Aahoo (Persian: آهو‎), means ‘gazelle’ in Persian. She is a descendant of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar of the Qajar Dynasty.

Such esteemed roots and a gorgeous connotation to a name.

Watch her star rise and rise from NOW.

'The Family Law': SBS - Facebook Premiere

Now, this is a first!

SBS and Facebook have today announced 'The Family Law' will premiere exclusively on Facebook, with the entire first episode to be pre-released on the social media platform ahead of its TV launch.

This is the first time an Australian scripted and commissioned new series has premiered on Facebook!

The first episode will be published directly to Facebook and available for viewing within the Facebook platform for one weekend only from 5pm Friday 8 January – midnight Sunday 10 January, before 'The Family Law' hits TV screens on Thursday 14 January, 8.30pm on SBS.

This is a six-part series, based on Benjamin Law’s hit memoir of the same name.

Says the blurb:

Through the eyes of 14-year-old Benjamin, and set over the course of a long, hot, Queensland summer, this is a show about sabotaged expectations, growing pains, finding your place in the world, and the strange embarrassment we feel towards the people we’re supposed to love the most: our family.

Watch the trailer below - looks fantastic, right?

SBS Director of TV & Online Content Marshall Heald said, “As audiences move more freely between platforms and devices, we as a broadcaster have to move with them. We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to bring SBS content to all Australians, and Facebook offers such a unique one-to-one viewing experience. The Family Law is one of SBS’s most hotly anticipated programs for 2016, and we’re thrilled to be able to surprise our audience by inviting them to meet The Laws early with this Australian-first Facebook premiere.”     

Jason Juma-Ross, Facebook's Australian Head of Technology, Entertainment and Communications said, “Facebook is fast becoming the place where people discover new video content. Eleven million Australians visit Facebook each day, 91% of these via a mobile phone. We are excited to be partnering with SBS on this first look event and to enable The Family Law to be shown on demand to the broad Facebook audience.”

You can click here for the Facebook event - you can RSVP!

ELLE Australia: Jessica Marais, January 2016

The Australian actress with arguably the best set of eyebrows I have seen - and a mesmerisingly stunning face - is the cover star of Australian ELLE magazine for January 2016: Jessica Marais.

She has spoken exclusively to ELLE Australia about motherhood, shifting boundaries and her next big role in Channel Ten’s new drama 'The Wrong Girl'.

“It’s funny; I think I looked at a lot of my life almost like a script for a long time. Where does this all end up? Instead of realising that the story is just the story and it’s happening and it’s that moment,” Jessica says, in the interview.

The interview, one of Jessica's first after a tumultuous year following her break-up with long- time partner James Stewart, reveals a fresh new start for the very talented actress (did you see her in the TV doc-drama 'Carlotta'? Incredible).

On Jessica, Justine Cullen, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Australia said, “There’s so much to love about our January cover star, she’s super-relatable, down-to-earth and our cover captures an incredible portrait of a woman who is defining what it means to be spirited, stylish and successful in 2016.”

The January issue of ELLE Australia featuring Jessica Marais on the cover is on sale 28 December, 2016.

Robert De Niro: "You're Fucked" - VIDEO

Robert De Niro was this year's keynote speaker at The Tisch School of the Arts and gave the 'Tisch Salute'. The speech also featured remarks by department chairs, a PHD hooding ceremony, student and faculty processionals as well as two live performances. 

He told the 2015 graduating class of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts on Friday. “You made it,” before the Oscar-winning actor added, “and you’re f--ked.”

The majority of the audience roared with laughter.

The crowd of aspiring actors, dancers, writers, directors, photographers, and filmmakers was told by De Niro that the nursing graduates “all have jobs,” the business graduates “are covered,” and the law students they’re employed, ”And if they’re not who cares? They’re lawyers,” added De Niro cheekily.]

Adding that he admired the graduates of the accounting school, he knew the artists didn’t have a choice when it came to their career paths. “You discovered a talent, developed an ambition, and recognized your passion,” he said. “When you feel that you can’t fight it, you just go for it. When it comes to the arts, passion should always trump common sense.”

“Yeah you’re f--ked,” De Niro added. “The good news is, that’s not a bad place to start.” 

As to how to deal with the rejection that populates he added, “I hear that Valium and Vicodin work.” He then recounted some stories of his own rejections, including auditioning to play Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, a part he told the graduates he “could’ve played the hell out of.” WOW.

He ended his speech by telling the crowd that he was there to hand out his photo to the directing and producing graduates.

Watch it in full here.

Logie Awards 2015 Red Carpet: PHOTOS

The 57th TV Week Logie Awards red carpet is underway right now, ahead of the ceremony tonight in Melbourne, at Crown Casino.

The red carpet will be televised by the Nine Network from 7pm, with the ceremony kicking off at 7.30pm.

I am a huge fan of the event. Are you? Will you be watching?

The red carpet fashion can be world class - see some exceptional examples below.

Who is your fave so far?

And photos from Instagram - I think, the best, most natural ones of all:

 For more, click on the official TV Week Logie Awards site here.

'The Sound of Music': Nicholas Hammond Interview + 50th Anniversary DVD Giveaway

'The Sound of Music' fans - get excited!

The revered, iconic movie which has stood the test of time is turning 50 - and Josie's Juice has ten copies of the family favourite on Blu-Ray or DVD (your choice) to enjoy all over again.

And, Josie's Juice spoke to the ever lovely Nicholas Hammond, who true TSOM fans will know as the cute as a button Friedrich. The insightful, fun interview is below.

But first, I know you wanna know about the special, commemorative DVD you can get your hands on.

Twentieth Century Fox proudly honours the 50th anniversary of the 1965 (when you say it that way, it doesn't feel that long ago… but it IS!) box office smash and five-time Academy Award-winning 'The Sound of Music', with an unprecedented year-long company-wide celebration highlighted by theatrical and home entertainment releases, and a slew of promos that will bring one of the world’s most ‘favourite things,’ to millions around the globe.

Announced by the Studio, the unparalleled golden anniversary of the film’s premiere is April 22, 2015 with the release of the 4-disc 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition featuring a limited edition porcelain tea cup. It's a beautifully restored, the 4-disc 50th anniversary collection which features over 15 hours of bonus content highlighted by the all-new documentary “The Sound of a City: Julie Andrews Returns to Salzburg,” detailing Andrews' recent return to the magical city where she filmed her iconic role Maria half a century ago.

The treasured and much loved film will once again proudly shine on the big screen in celebration of this special anniversary. A beautifully restored digital version of the film will be shown on "Mother's Day" May 10th at selected cinemas. Now that is a cute idea.

"'The Sound of Music' is one of the most beloved movies of all time and has become part of the cultural fabric of generations around the world,” said Mary Daily, President of Worldwide Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. "From its very beginning The Sound of Music has brought immense joy to millions. The 50th Anniversary offers us the opportunity to honour this very special film -- the music, scenes and moments that continue to keep it as relevant today as when it first premiered."

A phenomenon upon its debut in 1965, 'The Sound of Music'’s spectacular ‘roadshow’ release spanned over two years in cinemas, inspiring audiences on the way to winning the Best Picture Oscar as well as millions of fans spanning multiple generations.  A testament to its enduring popularity, this timeless classic enjoys nearly 2.5 million Facebook followers (with 50% aged 34 years old or younger! How cool is that?).

'The Sound of Music' 50^th anniversary celebration will feature a global partnership with Princess Cruises, also celebrating their Golden Anniversary in 2015. The acclaimed line will screen the movie on board multiple sailings throughout the year along with themed events, sing-a-long experiences and more. 

The emotional all-new 'The Sound of Music' documentary “The Sound of a City: Julie Andrews Returns to Salzburg” documentary blends personal memories with fascinating history as Ms. Andrews returns to key sites in the story of the von Trapps including Nonnberg Abbey, Mondsee Abbey, and the “Do-Re-Mi” steps at Mirabell Gardens. With the collection, fans can further explore the making of the biggest live-action musical of all time with numerous featurettes highlighting the movie, music, real-life von Trapp family and more. 

Before it was an Academy Award® winning film, 'The Sound of Music' was a Tony Award winning Broadway musical, and productions of the stage musical continue to be presented all over the world.  2015 will see the launch of a major new stage tour across the US and Canada, directed by Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, simultaneous with another stage production touring the UK.

Winner of five Academy Awards®*, including Best Picture and Best Director, Robert Wise’s  inspiring adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music is the most  popular musical of all time and one of the genre's biggest box office hits. Starring Oscar** winners Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, the film follows Maria (Andrews), the warm-hearted young woman who brings joy and music to Captain von Trapp (Plummer) and his seven children. This cinematic treasure is filled with unforgettable songs including “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things” and “The Sound of Music.”

^*1966: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Music

^**1965: Best Actress in a Leading Role; Mary Poppins / 2012: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role; Beginners

For details on how to win a copy, scroll to the bottom.

Nicholas Hammond Interview with Josie's Juice

When we chat with Nicholas Hammond, he's fresh from a stint as co-host Studio 10 - and he says he "loved it." 

"I found it quite an interesting wrap up of everything that's going on in the day," Nicholas said of the program, "I was delighted to stay for the whole show."

Nicholas continues: "Who would have thought all those years ago that we'd still be talking about it and that so many people still love the movie. I think we all feel very honoured that people love it as much as they do."

People have a strong emotional connection to watching the movie, I point out.

Says Nicholas: "It's always wonderful to hear it had a profound impact on so many people's lives.

"The most moving anecdotes I hear are when you feel in some way, even if it's in a small way, that the movie had a significant effect on people's lives for the good."

"People suffering from a terrible bout of depression, who had undergone some kind of sadness in their life, or some kind of trauma or personal tragedy, and watching the film was a way for them to kind of turn the corner and rebuild their lives  - and to think that the movie would have been a part of that is truly meaningful.

"There was a story that I heard which was from a Vietnam vet who had came back from Vietnam really quite shattered, and with very little faith in the world and with humanity and very cynical and very, very depressed. He probably was suffering what we now know as post traumatic stress disorder, and he said his girlfriend at the time, now his wife, would play the film for him every day, and she thinks it saved his life. Because little by little it just restored his faith.

"The other story I have heard on numerous occasions, which is moving for me to hear it, is that people who have had a parent or grandparent, who knew that they were dying, and they said that really, as one of their last requests, that they wanted the whole family to gather together and watch the film. And you just feel such a sense of responsibility.

"Sometimes I am asked, don't you ever get sick of talking about it? And I think, how dare I get sick of talking about it when it's that kind of profound effect, I mean you know, it's still makes me quite emotional to know there are people in the world who for one reason or another actually believe that movie affected their lives for the better. It's a huge thing and a great gift.

"Another thing I am asked is: aren't you cross that actors who make movies now get squillions of dollars and that movie made so much money and you all didn't get paid very much money. And I say but how many actors out there can say that they've been in a movie that's had the effect, for good, like this one has. and you can't out a price tag on that.

"I feel we got paid more than a king's ransom of gold in what we were given by the privilege of  being in that film, and the friendships that we formed with each other and the love that all of us had for each other, the close, close bonds that we have. I've had 50 years of friendship and affection with that entire wonderful group of people. Again you can't put a price on that. It's a gift. I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world. The stories I told are just the tip of the iceberg. So many people, when they find out who you are, get emotional and hold my hand and tell me about a time in their life when that film was important to them. And you just think, boy, I am so privileged to be a part of this extradordimary phenomenon that is 'The Sound Of Music'.

"And it grows, that's the extraordinary thing; you'd think after 50 years of a film, it'd be dwindling and getting smaller and smaller, but it's quite the opposite, it's getting bigger and bigger and bigger. People still love it, even though it's this 50 year old movie. I can't think of another film that's 50 years old, that kids would flock to go and yet, children from almost the age of toddlers all seem to love 'The Sound of Music.'"

And it's something that parents can safely show their kids and the messages are still relevant and quite beautiful for kids today, I say to Nicholas.

"I think you've hit the nail on the head, I think it's the message more than anything else that is the reason for its success. You know, everybody tried to figure out the formula of what it is that has made it such a phenomenon. But I really think it's the fundamental human themes of love and loyalty and loyalty to your country and bravery and cir age in the face of difficulty. And when you think about it, it covers virtually every aspect of love. It covers love of a man for a woman, love of girl for a boy, love of children for a parent, love of children who are missing a mother, for a new mother, and then love of country, your patriotism.

"It doesn't matter what race you are, what ethnic group you're in, where in the world you are, I think those are fundamental themes that we all in our hearts would like to think that if we ere ever put in a situation like the Von Trapps were put in, that we would behave as honourably as they did.

"And then it's all buttoned up in this wonderful package of fantastic Rodgers and Hammerstein music and a wonderful script, and an astonishing performance by Julie Andrews, so it's a wonderful package but I think it's what's under the package that makes people keep coming back.

"It'll be interesting to see with your twins which of the children they most enjoy watching in the movie.

I still have people who communicate with me on social media who were my age when I was fuming, so 13, 14, 15, the same age when they first saw the movie."

"Most kids will identify with the child who was closest in age to them the first time they watched it. Your daughter may say: Marta or Brigitta are her favourites. You could ask a child watching it for the first time: if you could choose a child as your friend, which one would it be?

We then speak about Lady Gaga - who is someone considered so cutting edge as an artist - and her rendition of Julie Andrews's song was very clever and respectful and opened up a whole new world of people who wanted to watch the movie.

"You know you're right because, I was like everyone else in the world sitting at home, watching the Oscars, and when they said 'The Sound of Music' by Lady Gaga, a little thing in the back of my brain thought: please dear God don't let her send it up. Which I thought, maybe being a rock queen, her choice might be to do a sort of send up version, or a punk version, but she came out and sang so respectfully and bless her heart, I think she was actually singing for all she was worth. She was being as good as she could possibly be. And then to see her and Julie Andrews embrace on stage, I just thought, this is like one great musical star passing the torch on to the other one.'

"It was wonderfully symbolic. As you said, Lady Gaga had such respect for the material, it showed that even if you are one of the edgiest, coolest rock chicks in the world it doesn't mean you don't respect and understand the craft and the brilliance behind 'The Sound of Music'".

So many people have been to the set of 'The Sound of Music' in Salzburg, and Nicholas agrees the location is as important as ever.

"It's a huge thing for Austria, for many, many years - hundreds of thousands of people come each year to do the tour.

"To walk through these gardens and to see that nothing has changed. I don't think they're allowed to change it. The gardens where we sang 'Do Re Mi' look exactly the same.


"I did a documentary myself a couple of years ago, about the real Von Trapp family, and then I am going in October with the other six Von Trapp children, a 50th anniversary gala over three days. It will be huge fun. We have great fun. You should come 

"It's sort of funny because when we were making the movie we were children so there were many things we weren't allowed to do. We couldn't go to the bars, we couldn't go the fancy hotels, we couldn't do anything at night because we all had to be in bed so early, so it's kind of like, slightly wicked, to go back now and say, ooh, this is where Chris Plumber used to play piano every night in the bar, and go see the things the grown ups used to see and we never got to see."

I ask Nicholas: what are your lasting memories of what Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews taught him at that time?

"Well, a huge amount. It was like going to the greatest acting school in the world. 
Greatest film school, to have Chris and Julie as kinda role models. they were like the yin and yang: Christopher was a Shakesperean actor and very serous, he was a classically trained acrotr and he hadn't had a lot of film experience but he was enofrmaulsy skilled as a stage acyr[, so he moved beautifully and used his voice and great command and presence. 

"And Julie, who is an absolute musical theatre animal and projected so much warmth, and skill, and professionalism, and because I knew I wanted to be am actor for the rest of my life, I would just sit and like a sponge soak in everything i could get from them and conatslt be trying to manoieve ,my way closer to them so I could eavesdrop on what they were saying. I just wanted to abandon every single word because I thought they were both just so extraordinarily talented. And they are, look at them!

"Christopher Plummer wins Oscars at the age of 84, I mean excuse me, how many people do that?", he laughs. "It's almost to the point of being slightly irritating! He's gotten even better, and you think c'mon Christopher, give someone else a break," he says with a chuckle. But he's a wonderful actor.

"And Julie. Julie's been a star since she was nine years old. It's the most astonishing kind of career of anybody I can think of."

I say the obvious to Nicholas: who doesn't watch 'The Sound Of Music' when it's on TV? Does Nicholas, too?

"I like to watch it on Blu-Ray or DVD. I don't like to watch it when it's on commercial television because of the ads. I love watching it on the big screen. Once every five years I love being invited to a screening somewhere, where it's in a big cinema, state of the art sound, on a huge screen… that's still to me a wonderful experience. If I am at home, I want to watch it on Blu-Ray. The quality of the new one that's just come out (the commermoartuve edition we are giving away, below!) is amazing. It's got interviews with Julie, and a documentary, and that's great, too. But it's just the sheer quality of it.

"Now that everyone's got the home theatre, you truly can recreate it exactly as it was intended when you saw it at the movies. It's kind of great because it's the real experience that the filmmakers wanted you to have. And that's the way I like to see it, too."

So, what's the movie Nicholas never fails to always watch when it's on TV?

"'Casablanca'. I am old softie at heart. I think Ingrid Bergman and Humphery Bogart and Claude Rains in that movie... that to me is kind of the perfect movie. 'The Sound of Music' is the perfect musical movie. But for just a love story, I think 'Casablanca' is superb. I never not watch it if I see it's on TV.

Robyn Nevin - acclaimed Australian actor, director, and former head of Sydney Theatre Company - has been Nicholas's partner since 1987, and I ask him if he's still Sydney residing?

"NSW. We live south of Sydney, in the countryside. We were in Sydney for a long time, and of course we work in Sydney, but we have a private nest in the middle of nowhere in the Southern Highlands. It's lovely down there."

What in all his years with Robyn, what has he found to be the most endearing characteristics about Australians?

"I think there's an honesty about the work. I mean, I love working here in the film business and in the theatre, but especially in the film business because I think there's a kind of no nonsense approach where you just get on with it and just do it. And I really like that. And I really like the Australian sense of humour, and the fact that they don't mind sending themselves up a bit, and they don't take themselves all that seriously. And I think it's a really nice balance, and yet I mean, they do extremely good work - I mean look at the films that are made here, the films are absolutely wonderful. So I think that it's kind of the quality of the personality of the country.

"I also like the fact, and I say this as an American, because I think America has something to learn from Australia, I think Australia is much better than a lot of places, well much better than America anyway, in the kind of socially feeling a sense of responbility of making sure that everybody is looked after, in the sense that everybody's got healthcare, everybody can get a pension when they are elderly, nobody's going to starve, nobody's going to be made bankrupt if they get ill and have to go to hospital, and I just think that those are the signs of a really good society. I think it's a terrific country and I am very happy and proud that I live here and have been welcomed here and that now it's my base."

And with that, Nicholas adds: "Give my best to your twins. Tell them Friedrich says hello, and hopes they enjoy the film the next time they watch it."

What a sweetheart Nicholas is.

And now, how to win a copy of the commemorative DVD, below:

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page

- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter if you are on the social media platforms. Also, share 'The Sound of Music' prize photo on my @josiegags Instagram page by taking a screenshot of it, then using these hashtags: #regram #josiesjuice #competitions #giveaways #prizes #TheSoundOfMusic

- Share this link on your Facebook wall

- Comment below on why you'd like to win this DVD (and which format you'd like - DVD or Blue-Ray) AND email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au so I can contact you in case you are a winner (so many people forget this step and don't enter a valid email address below, and I spend lots of time trying to track you down, or simply give the prize to the next person - not fun for anyone!)

(If you find it hard to comment below because your device won't let you - sometimes that happens on an iPhone, for example - simply send me your entry and address via email at josiegags@optusnet.com.au).

*Competition is open to Australian residents only.

Look! A bonus video right here:

Nicholas as he appeared in 'The Sound Of Music'

Nicholas Hammond today