Renowned film critic and presenter dies
Much-loved film critic David Stratton has died in hospital near his home in the Blue Mountains after a life dedicated to educating Australians about cinema.
Veteran film critic David Stratton, whose partnership with Margaret Pomeranz made him a beloved figure on Australian TV screens, has died aged 85.
His family announced his death on Thursday, telling the ABC he died peacefully in hospital near his home in the Blue Mountains.
“David’s passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives,” his family said.
“He was adored as a husband, father, grand and great grandfather and admired friend.”
Stratton retired in 2023 because of ill health, after a celebrated career as a film critic, writer, educator and historian that spanned 57 years.
An English migrant who arrived in Australia as “ten pound Pom” in 1963, Stratton worked for SBS from 1980 as their film consultant and introduced the SBS Cinema Classics on Sunday nights.
His best known role was co-hosting the long-running SBS TV program The Movie Show with Margaret Pomeranz, from 1986 to 2004, when they moved to the ABC to co-host At the Movies with Margaret and David.
They retired from the show in 2014.
He wrote six books and lectured in film history at the University of Sydney’s Centre for Continuing Education until 2023.
He also served as a jury member at many prestigious international film festivals throughout his career.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated Stratton as someone who had shared his love of film with the country “with dry humour and sharp insight”.
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“All of us who tuned in to At the Movies respected him for his deep knowledge and for the gentle and generous way he passed it on,” he posted on social media.
Stratton’s family issued a special request to moviegoers, asking that they celebrate his “remarkable life and legacy” by watching their favourite movie, or David’s favourite movie, Singin’ In the Rain.
“David’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the public recently and across his lifetime,” his family said.
Details of a public memorial service are expected to be announced soon.
