Futterbingers

Apparently this 1982 biopic was a box-office flop. Unless it tried to directly take on "E.T.", it didn't deserve to be. Strong Australian cast, well scripted (satisfying arc), well filmed, impressive period trappings, infectious musical score... On top of all that, it offers a theory on the death of the diminutive gangster, about which the precise details remain unclear to this day. Atkins utterly inhabits the title role, putting his real-life dance skills to good use, and it's wild seeing local acting royalty Weaver play a ditzy "moll" (she nails it). Bisley makes an evil baddie, too. While I generally shy away from media that glorifies criminals, ST's rise to power was so unlikely and his boldness so outrageous - whether addressing a crime boss, copper, reporter or judge - and the film gives such a feel for the time/place, I'd rate this flick as watch-worthy for any Aussies interested in the darker side of our history.