The Real Graham Kennedy

Absolutely. For anyone with an interest in the evolution of Australian television and its iconic figures, this documentary is essential viewing. It promises to uncover new dimensions of a national treasure, Graham Kennedy, through his own words and the recollections of those who knew him best. The inclusion of rare footage further enhances its value for enthusiasts of our broadcast history.

The tone appears to be that of a heartfelt tribute, aiming to celebrate and understand the man behind the persona. While acknowledging his controversial on-screen presence, the documentary seems to focus on a more intimate and reflective exploration of his life, childhood, and personal philosophies. The involvement of friends and colleagues suggests a warm and personal approach to remembering him.

The documentary explicitly draws a distinction between the 'funny, somewhat irreverent & controversial' entertainer seen on living room screens and the 'intensely private, shy but affable' man. By featuring Kennedy's own reflections for the first time, alongside personal testimonies from his inner circle, it seeks to bridge the gap between the public icon and the private individual, offering a more comprehensive understanding of his life.

The film boasts the inclusion of rare footage that has not previously been broadcast on Australian television. While the specific nature of this footage isn't detailed, it's presented as a key element in revealing the more private aspects of Graham Kennedy's life. This unseen material is intended to offer fresh perspectives and enrich the personal narratives shared within the documentary.

The documentary features a range of familiar faces from Australian entertainment who knew Graham Kennedy personally. Among those sharing their memories are Denise Drysdale, Rosemary Margan, and Philip Brady. The film also includes insights from Stephen Curry and Mike McColl-Jones, alongside personal accounts from his housekeeper and driver, providing a multifaceted view of the man.

Yes, a significant draw of this documentary is that Graham Kennedy speaks for the first time in this tribute. The film focuses on his personal accounts of his childhood, his beginnings in radio and early television, and his candid thoughts on life, marriage, and mortality. This offers viewers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the man himself about his experiences.

This documentary aims to go beyond the familiar on-screen persona of Graham Kennedy. It delves into the intensely private man behind the irreverent humour, offering his first spoken reflections on his personal life. The film promises rare footage, previously unseen on Australian television, and personal anecdotes from those closest to him, including friends, colleagues, and even his housekeeper and driver, to paint a more intimate portrait.