Those familiar with the late-night movie shows of the 1970s and ‘80s will recognise the kindly voice of film critic Ivan Hutchinson. Along with film and TV journalist Jim Murphy, Hutchinson appeared on Channel 7’s Two on the Aisle – one of Australia’s earliest regularly scheduled evening movie review programs – before leading an extensive career delivering movie picks, reviews and throwbacks to viewers in the evening hours.

This clip is drawn from his variety segment Ivan’s Late Night Nostalgia, which aired between late-night news segments on Channel 7. The jaunty opening credits, which show Hutchinson flipping through an album of iconic film and TV stills in his armchair, enhance the cozy movie-club feel. Meanwhile, Hutchinson’s opening monologue captures why he was a beloved TV personality for years: full of friendly, witty and accessible charm, Hutchinson breathlessly updates the audience on the buzziest new Hollywood release in theatres (John Carpenter’s The Thing) before spotlighting the 1950s American sitcom Sgt Bilko (part of The Phil Silvers Show) and its influence on the contemporary hit show M*A*S*H.

From this clip, viewers can see how the show blended film and TV nostalgia and critical insight with up-to-date movie news, aimed at movie buffs seeking both new and old works of cinema. The late-night slot appears to allow for a more casual atmosphere, reflected in Hutchinson’s laidback jabs at what he sees as the declining quality of TV writing in the 1980s.

Explore more of After Dark – a Deep Dive into Australian nightlife that draws on decades of material from the NFSA collection.