Ralph Edward Filmer (1914–1987) was a prominent Australian bass player and double bassist based in Western Australia, often heard performing over the radio network alongside his wife, pianist Greta Young.
1948
AFFIANCED
MISS GRETA YOUNG, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Young, who has announced her engagement to Mr Ralph Filmer, eldest son of Mrs. C. Filmer and the late Mr. G. Filmer. (Photo by MAURICE, Town Hall Midland)
Swan Express (Midland Junction, WA), Thursday 2 September 1948, page 5
1948 Jazz Jamboree – Big Jazz Mystery
Perth’s hep-cats are properly mystified. No one will tell them the identity of a mystery band which will play at the big jazz jamboree at the Capitol on Sunday night, Oct. 31. Anyone who solves this Top Swing Secret gets a prize— 6 swing records, no less! Eight bands will play, led by Merv Rowston, Jackie Harrison, Chris Gosper, Ken Murdoch, Sammy Sharp, Ron Jenkins, Bill Kirkham and Harry Bluck.
The Mirror Saturday 23 October 1948 page 4
JAZZ CONCERT
At the Capitol Theatre on Sunday night the professional dance-band musicians of Perth will present a jazz concert. The programme, it is stated, has been planned to cover every style of modern Jazz idiom. Eight bands will be conducted by the following: Merv Rowston, Jack Harrison, Sammy Sharp, Harry Bluck, Ron Jenkins, Chris Gosper, Bill Kirkham and Ken Murdoch. The proceeds will be for charity.
The West Australian Thursday 28 October 1948 page 24
CAPACITY HOUSE FOR SECOND JAZZ JAMBOREE
The second annual W.A. Jazz Jamboree drew a capacity crowd at the Capitol Theatre last Sunday.
Broadcaster Perth Saturday November 6 1948 Vol 15 No 762
According to The Broadcaster Saturday November 6 1948 Vol 15. No 762, “The mystery band of the evening, a two piece unit consisting of Bill Hendrie on the guitar and Ralph Filmer on the bass gave an unusual rendition of “Waltzing Matilda””.
Left: Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Filmer leaving St. Mary’s Church, West Perth. Both are well-known musicians, often heard over the radio. She was Greta Young, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Young, of Barker-road, Subiaco.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), Thursday 25 November 1948, page 37
MEMBERS of Dave Howard’s “Mirth and Music Show” met last week and extended best wishes to Miss Betty Bahen, one of its members, prior to her marriage to Mr. Geoff Hammond. On behalf of the troupe, Miss Nell Shortland-Jones presented Miss Bahen with a wedding gift. Those present were Miss Betty Whittaker, Miss Olwyn Thomas, Miss Rhoda Allen, Miss Sylvia Caporn, Mr. Ernest Paulasto, Mr. Fred Paulasto, Mr. Albert Chappelle, Mr. Harry Bluck, Mr. Dave Howard, Mr. Geoff Wilbur, Mr. Ralph Filmer, Mr. Bill Hendrie, Mr. Harold Malcolm, Mr. James Congdon, Mr. Jack Harrison, Mr. Billy Edwards and Mr. Harry Graham.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), Thursday 9 December 1948, page 37
1949
HAROLD TAYLOR
Drummer Harold Taylor (32) of Mt. Lawley, one of our most experienced percussionists, has had the distinction of playing with famous Eastern States bandleader Frank Coughlan. Harold commenced skin beating at 19 under the very capable and attentive George Watson, and remained under his tutelage until George finally went East. Towards the close of the thirties, Harold had been doing casuals for some time. He got his break when he replaced Colin D’Arcy in a 6 piece outfit at Anzac House. Later stage this group played for the Movie Club at the YAL and many other leading spots around the town. Line up was as follows: Skippy Alexander (alto sax and clarinet), Elmore Nylander (trumpet and trom.), Ralph Filmer (bass), Frank Ryan (piano) and Harold Taylor. In 1942 Harold joined the army with one of the brass bands and finally wound himself in with the 4th Division Entertainment Unit which toured Australia. Band was led by Stan Bourne and was later taken over by WA trombonist Les Dixon, now with the Frank Coughlan’s Sydney band. During 1943 all entertainment units were taken over by Jim Davidson and Harold continued in various outfits until the show was disbanded in 1945. He then joined musical comedy ‘Maid of the Mountains,’ all pit work. Harold was not happy in this combination, so he teamed up with Frank Coughlan’s 8piece Troubadour Dixieland outfit, which toured the Bougainville area. After his discharge Harold returned to the West and did casuals until he went to Harry Bluck at the Pagoda.— ‘QUAIL.’
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 21 May 1949, page 14
Swing Show Thursday 23 June 1949
Organised by A.B.C.’s Dave Howard on Thursday evening at the Burt Memorial Hall from 7.15 to 7.45 p.m. was attended by a mixed crowd of more than 300, who thoroughly appreciated the program broadcast over WF. The four bands which took part were as follows: WA Jazz Group (a Dixieland outfit), the Jack Harrison Quartet, Harry Bluck’s ABC Rhythmettes and Sammy Sharp’s 10 piece outfit. Among the dance band fans saw Dorothy McMeikan, of Nedlands and Joan Bullmore also of the Nedlands district. A family group was present in Judy Grace and brothers Don and Doug of Mt. Lawley, who were discussing the show with Barbara Swift of Nedlands. Visitor Margaret Jacobs of Narrogin noticed chatting with Betty and Bill Clowes of Perth and Yvonne Bell of Bassendean. Ardent swing fan and record collector Ann Poynton, of Nedlands was one of many who thought that there should be more of this type of show. This is the first occasion in which a program has been presented by local bands over the air in this State, and it should be a forerunner to others along the same lines. The Mirror Saturday 25 June 1949 page 15
(photo) The Rhythmettes: A combination regularly featured in “Mirth and Music” from 6WF on Tuesday nights. Left to right: Harry Bluck (leader, piano accordionist and arranger), Jack Harrison (clarinet), Sylvia Caporn (pianist), Ralph Filmer (bass), George Hay (guitar) and Bill Hendrie (guitar).
The Broadcaster Saturday July 2 1949 Vol. 16. No. 796
1950
Sunday 30th July 1950
Jack Harrison: Cheque to: Ralph Filmer £3/8/6
1951
SQUARE DANCE BROADCASTS
Regional Half-Hour COUNTRY LISTENERS’ REQUEST
Listeners from more than 30 country centres have written to the Australian Broadcasting Commission asking for more square-dance broadcasts, a demand so great that the A.B.C. has decided to introduce a second half-hour regional programme. This will start on Monday night. Under the new arrangement country listener will be able to hear a re-broadcast of the A.B.C.s square dance at Anzac House. This is at present the most popular dance in Perth, and regularly every week whole families come along to join in the fun. The oldest participant so lar been an 83 year old man whose partner was 72. The youngest is a girl of 5. Country folk are regular attendants, and last week a group of five dropped in after a 280-mile drive into town. Caller’s Variations A 6-piece band known as the A.B.C. Hill-Billy Ramblers provides the music. They consist of Harry Bluck, piano accordeon; Cliff Adams, electric guitar; Ralph Filmer, bass; Laurie Croisette, vocal and guitar, George Caro, violin, and Sylvia Caporn, piano. Caller for the dance is Bob Scudder, who was placed under contract to the A.B.C. immediately he returned from a three month Square Dance course in Sydney.
Much depends on the caller, for, unlike the old-time dances which proceed in a set pattern, the square dance can be varied at any time according to the whim of the caller. This adds variety without the necessity for learning any more than a few essential steps and movements. These are not hard, and so that country listeners to broadcasts will be able to follow the caller easily, the A.B.C. has printed a pamphlet outlining the movements which dancers follow in answer to the caller. These will be posted free to listeners on application to the Australian Broadcasting Commission. Broadcast House, Perth.
Collie Mail (WA : 1908 – 1966), Thursday 8 February 1951, page 7
Jazz Jamboree
10. Ken Murdoch
1952
SHE WAS IN CLASS OF NO OPUS AS A MARITAL MATE
Wife Begins Before Forte, Laments Pianiste’s Husband
I get ideas, so let’s take the long way home. You’re the moment of a lifetime . . . You could write the novel of the century, just from the words which flit across pretty young dance pianiste Greta Marjorie Filmer’s eyes as the band plays on. Come the medley and the anthem and she packs her list of songs up. She’s tired of playing — the piano!
The songs are ended— but the melodies linger on … Greta never seemed to be alone after the ball. And she often homed at 3 o’clock in the morning, her heart beating dancetime — but not for hubby Ralph Edward Filmer. Ralph was relegated to second fiddle on wife Greta’s heart parade. He realised their marriage was quavering so he gave inquiry agent Henry Brankstone the baton and bowed to the inevitable. Often, declared Ralph in Perth Divorce Court this week, when he cut adrift from Greta, he followed her up the street, like a I good guy should. And just as often she led him up a lonely road, or down a shady lane, or somewhere to see some petting in the park. And that’s about as close as Ralph has been to a grapple with Greta for some time— because somebody else has taken his place. And that somebody else is John Burse. Despite all he tried, Ralph told Mr. Justice Walker, Greta wouldn’t budge from Burge. Brankstone came into the picture on June 1. On June 2 Ralph pointed out Greta to the sleuth. And Brankstone opened a dossier which was to become quite, a bulky diary before long. Ralph met Greta after the footy that day. She bade him a cool farewell at the tramstop— and went to meet Burge. Brankstone saw them retire to a vacant block in York st., Subiaco for a quick kiss and a cuddle — in fact, quite a few kisses and cuddles. On June 3 she played in the band at Anzac House. After the dance a party piled into a car and cruised down the road a bit for some steady drinking and cuddling. Greta and Burce parted with a passionate sort n-peck. On June 6 she played at the Karrakatta Club. Brankstone and Ralph Filmer lined, up outside, saw her leave the club at 12.40 a.m.— with Burge. They disappeared into the darkness of a lane, kissing and cuddling on the way. Lane led eventually to the Esplanade where Brankstone and Ralph searched patiently for 2 hours without finding their quarry. Ralph got home late enough— but Greta didn’t arrive till 4 a.m.! On June 7 Greta wasn’t booked — so she took a busman’s holiday at the Pagoda, dancing and drinking with John Burge and others. They left the ballroom after midnight and celebrated the brand new day with a few more drinks. A truck took them back to Perth, where a convenient spot on the Esplanade was occupied for a few for the road. Brankstone saw Greta Filmer and John Burge melt silently into the bushes, arm in arm. About half an hour later they reappeared. Another drink, a few more cuddles and the truck moved off to Barker-rd.. Subiaco, where John gave Greta a real Hollywood goodnight— so close to 3 a.m. it didn’t matter. On June 17, Brankstone followed Greta and John Burge to some flats in Adelaide-tce. but couldn’t locate the flat they entered. They walked arm in arm down the street, he told the judge. Two nights later he saw them go to a movie, but they must have left early because he missed them when the show came out. On June 26 Brankstone saw Greta drive to a house in Stirling-st., where she was greeted lovingly at the door by Burge and they disappeared inside for a couple of hours Just after 11 p.m. they re-emerged— and Greta drove to their favorite little Esplanade niche. A little torchlight on the scene some time, later showed Brankstone and Filmer all they wanted to see. And it was all the judge wanted to hear, too. He gave Filmer an order nisi for which Burge pays. Day after Filmer got his divorce, Mrs Helen Daphne Burge, of Mandurah, got one. too, because Greta Filmer’s boyfriend John was Helen’s hubby. (Lawyer Karl Drake-Brockman for Filmer, lawyer Fred Outran for Mrs. Burge.)
THEIR friendship went something deeper than dance-hall partners! Greta Filmer and John Burge, whose romance was aired in the Divorce Court this week (see story this page) are shown together at a recent ball.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 13 September 1952, page 3
Jazz Jamboree
1953
RANDOM NOTES
ENJOYABLE party-cum-jam-session was held at Colin Youlden’s the other night when a number of local Jazz men and women celebrated the 8th anniversary of Wayne Handrick’s band’s engagement at the now defunct Rainbow Room. Among the participants were Greta Young, who gave out with some nice vocals as well as piano work), Mike Carbone and Hank Collins (guitars), Wayne Handricks, Colin Youlden and George Kirkby (saxes), Ralph Filmer (bass) and Roley Nash (drums). Bryn Gifford pleased with vocals a la Frankie Laine.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 27 June 1953, page 11
PERTH MUSICIANS PLAN BIG WELCOME FOR RAY HARTLEY ON HIT PARADE
Local-boy-made-good Ray Hartley will step off the Strathnaver onto the proverbial red carpet rolled out by WA musicians when he arrives in Fremantle Tuesday week. Busy drawing up plans and specifications for a monster concert featuring local artists at the Capitol is band leader Sammy Sharp. Many other suggestions about ways and means to honor the writer pianist must be shelved until Ray has been consulted, but certain it is that Ray’s rapid rise in the entertainment world will be appropriately recognised. Present vague information about his ‘working holiday’ stay in Perth will not allow the mapping of any schedule. In fact, it’s thought that the concert at the Capitol will have to wait til a week or so after his arrival because of theatre bookings. How polished pianist Ray broke through the formidable barrier to success with his catchy ‘Let’s Do It Again’ soon after his arrival in London is well known. For some weeks the local radio hammered Donald Peers’ rendition of the number, and it was the same in England and America, where the tune topped the hit parade. Ray’s is truly a ‘rags-to-riches’ story— from a laundry hand to a celebrity in a few years, which seem incredibly short. He put his RAAF discharge in his pocket and went to work in a Perth laundry. Seven years ago he was 6 PM’s station pianist and supplemented his income with odd engagements at the ABC and a dancing school. He made steady local progress and moved across to Sydney in early 1948. There his services were in demand on radio and stage, and in his spare time he collected his A.Mus.A. at Sydney Conservatorium. This was the signal for his departure for London, where he quickly got his feet on the ladder of success. It’s almost 4 years now since Ray landed in London full of hopes and ambition, and since then he’s had at least 16 tunes published, including 2 best sellers. BBC and Radio Luxembourg have sought out his services, and he has made the screen with M-G-M and Pathe. Definite it is that Ray will be heard in 4 broadcasts from the ABC while in his home town. A week after his arrival he will appear in ‘What Next?’ ?
This well – known Perth band is heard weekly in Hit Parade all over Australia and by the troops in Korea. It is the noted combination of Harry Bluck and the conductor-arranger himself is shown at the far left, front row, Next to him in front, from left: Sylvia Caporn, Johnny McCaughan, Mario Burlini, George Franklin. Cliff Adam. Back row: Ralph Filmer, George Caro. Jack Pateman, Ted Mc-Mahon. Arch Waddell.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 18 July 1953, page 12
Motive Power
This is one of the combinations that provide the motive power for hundreds of square dancing enthusiasts in Perth. Bob Scudder is calling to Harry Bluck’s Hill Billy Ramblers. Musicians are Ralph Filmer (bass), George Simmons (fiddle), Wally Hadley (banJo) and Harry Bluck (accordion).
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 12 September 1953, page 15
Hartley Farewelled
Preparatory to leaving on Tuesday for the U.S. via Melbourne and Sydney, where he will do a series of recitals for the ABC, popular pianist and composer Ray Hartley was guest of honor at two farewell parties of his aunt, Mrs. A. E. Fletcher, and the second at Mr. and Mrs. Merv Rowston’s. First was held at the North Perth home place at Mt. Lawley. At both functions musical friends entertained and were entertained by Ray. Guests included the Billy Heatons, George Kirkby’s, Keith Whittles, Syd Bannisters, Bill Hendries, Henry Cochrane, Ralph Filmer, Ray’s brother Bill, Dave Howard and many others.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 31 October 1953, page 12
1954
NATION HEARS ‘BARRACK STREET’ BLUES
You’ve probably heard ‘Boogie Blues’ and ‘Memphis Blues.’ You’ve certainly heard ‘St. Louis Blues.’ But have you heard ‘Barrack-st. Blues?’ This is the name of Harry Bluck’s composition heard throughout Australia on the ABC Swing Club this week. Graeme Bell’s ‘Square Dance Rag’ was one of the few standard jazz numbers play ed in the session. Another Bell number, ‘Rockinghorse Rag,’ gave Harry Bluck a chance to feature some impressive key board work as he played the piano solos. Group comprised Harry Bluck (leader and piano), El Nylander (trumpet), Charlie Thompson (trombone), Jack Pateman (tenor sax), George Caro (licorice stick). In the rhythm section were Harold Taylor (tubs), Cliff Adams (guitar and banjo), Ralph Filmer (bass). Program showed just what can be done with skilful arranging. If you wonder why Harold should have picked Barrack-st. for his blues, the answer is simple. His studio overlooks Barrack-st. Harry Bluck WA Jazz Group served up 30 minutes of Australian numbers in the Dixieland style. Some of these compositions were standard jazz compositions. Majority, however, were Australian folk songs, given a new treatment by the local group. All arrangements were by Harry himself. It must have been one of the first times that numbers such as Jack O’Hagen’s ‘Along the Road to Gundagai’ and ‘I’m Gonna Hump My Bluey’ have been heard played in the ‘real razz’ style. But the arrangements were particularly tasteful and these old numbers retained all the appeal which made them a hit for so many years. Even the old bullockies’ classic, ‘Gee Back, Woo Back, Ema,’ was given a new coat of paint by the local boys. They added a little vocal to this number. Even the old ‘When the Dog Sits on the Tuckerbox’ got a jazzing up.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 22 May 1954, page 13
George Watson Show
1955
THE YOUNG AUSTRALIA LEAGUE Presents Another “JAZZ FANTASIA”
with Sammy Sharp and his Orchestra.
35 of the State’s Finest Musicians featuring …
Louise D’Arcy — Jack Harrison — Jimmy Beeson — Horrie King, Jack
Pope — Martin Gischus — Colin Youlden — Lisa Ray — Keith Whittle
— Ralph Filmer — Evelyn Wilson.
SPECIAL FEATURE ATTRACTION – A NOVEL PARADE OF MEN’S FASHIONS By ELWOODS, PAN AMERICAN “STYLE STORE FOR MEN” , CAPITOL THEATRE – SUNDAY, 20TH NOVEMBER
Box Plan Now Open at Nicholsons. Adm. 5/.
The Daily News Wednesday 16 November 1955 page 26