Marina, The movie

In its first week of selected release to an exclusive circle of critics it is already winning plaudits and being hailed as a likely Palme de Merde winner at Cannes. A thrilling, violent story of a family torn by secret desires and the fangs of hunger, Born-in-the-First-Half-of-the-last-Century’s Happy da Birfday is a classic mix of Tarantino and Hitchcock.
Director Martin Fridgemagnet makes a guest appearance with his wife, Kelly Bacon, as a food-obsessed couple in a land of plenty, and there are fine supporting roles from the usual suspects the sinister Markso Wingma-Sheen, curvaceous Caro Linedancer, dogged Samantha Houndstooth, hounded George Doggo, colourful Wendy Fangspotter and the blundering Chris Juggler.
But it’s the young stars, the restless River Jorden, rugged Kevin de Cline, beguiling Tammy Ayke, smoldering Xavier Silent, twinkle-toed Saskie Shoeshine and the amazing method actor Arkie Napper, who steal the show.
Members of the first night audience were unstinting in their praise. “I couldn’t stop laughing,” said Ron Knowles, clinging to his wife, Marina, for support outside the Chequers Inn.
“It was wonderful,” said Mrs Knowles. “I’ve always loved Lassie films, and that steamy love scene with Bean was beautifully done.”
The Marina birthday DVD from the family in Australia has been rapturously received, and Jonathan played his part too, in talking Dad through the computer program to get his laptop operating.
We have had other delights, too . . . we have come across the best pub we have yet to find in France. It is just a 15-minute drive away at Agens-Minervois and we are already making friends with the landlord, Gilbert. (When it’s pronounced “jeel-bear” the name doesn’t sound so daggy.) The pub, which lies under the shadow of a massive, ancient, hilltop chateau, has a wonderful feel of history and friendliness about it and we’ll definitely be going back. It’s one drawback is that it opens only after 7pm, though that is when it catches the evening sun slowly falling in the west.
Our stay this year is drawing to a close, though we have managed to extend it for a few days. We will then go to England for about five days before flying to Hong Kong, where we will have a two-day stopover.
We are due to arrive in Sydney on flight CX101 at 10.55am on October 14.
Initially we will be looking for a place to stay for a couple of weeks. We shall also need use of a car for two weeks. Do you know of any possibilities? A borrowed car would be nice, but a cheap rental will do. We are confident we can find a motorhome to buy in that time.
Any advice (preferably constructive) will be welcome.

Dad