Suitcased Memorabilia: Sussanah York

In 1976 or 1977 (as a ‘starting out’ young director) I was really fortunate to be invited by Hexagon to see the preview of a new Australian film and chat with the gentle star of 1960’s British film, stage and television actress Susannah York (1939–2011). She was in Melbourne to promote the Australian bawdy adventure ‘Eliza Fraser’ (1976).

York was once described as “the blue-eyed English rose with the china-white skin and cupid lips who epitomised the sensuality of the swinging 60's.

At the time it wasn’t known publicly that there were rumours of an alleged affair between her and director Tim Burstall.

The film, with a screenplay by playwright David Williamson, was liked publicly and the film was very successful, but struggled to recoup its large cost.

It returned $600,000 to the producers, representing only half the budget.with a big-budget, costing A$1.2m to make. Unfortunately, it flopped badly.