DVD Review: Final 24: Jim Morrison, His Final Hours

Text © Robert Barry Francos/FFanzeen
Images from the Internet

Final 24: Jim Morrison, His Final Hours
Season 2, Episode 2
Directed by Michael Allcook, Michael McNamara; Chris Bould
Cineflix International, 2007
60 minutes, USD $14.95
MVDvisual.com

This is now the fourth of the two-season Canadian series on famous deaths, shown in the States on the Biography Channel. The shows deal with infamous deaths in modern (1960s and on) times, using a specific formula that has the last 24 hours dramatized, and each historical segment filled with footage (still, film, and music in this case) and modern (2006 or 2007, depending on the shows release date) interviews with some key figures in the subject’s life.

Sometimes in the recreated vignettes, the actor looks nothing like the real person (such as when they did Janis Joplin), though Christian Skott does look a bit like him, but he overdoes Morrision’s slinking style of walk (perhaps it’s the tight leather pants?). British narrator Danny Wallace (as listed on the box, though IMDB still gives credit to Dave McRae) somberly and often reminds the viewer of the time frame until tragedy strikes (e.g., “In just six hours, Morrison will be dead”).

The action jumps back and forth between the dramatized last day and documentary scenes of Morrison’s life up to that moment. Before each commercial break, the story takes us to a different period of Morrison’s life, whether it be childhood, forming the Doors, over-indulgences, girl friends, and the like. Mixed in – and this is one of the parts I like the best – are the real-person interviews, including his high school sweetheart (who explains how he was reading Allen Ginsburg’s Howl in 8th grade), road manager Vince Treanor, ex-Rolling Stone editor and rock historian Ben Fong-Torres, bodyguard (and drinking buddy) Tony Funches, and even one of the firefighters first called to the scene in Paris, Alain Raisson. A former VP at Elektra Records, Steve Harris, has quite a bit to say, and all of it interesting in a sort of smarmy way (such as “He had these masculine traits with the feminine wiles; that’s what made Jim unique”).

But my favorite is (Miss) Pamela Des Barres, who discusses her affair with him while he was still with his girlfriend, Pamela Courson (who would claim to be his wife and go by Pamela Morrison until her death in 1974, though for some reason this controversy and her passing via heroin OD are never mentioned). Des Barres talks more extensively about her relationships (rather than one-night stands) in her wonderful autobiographies; I recommend both I’m With the Band and Take Another Little Piece of My Heart.

There are other interviews I would have liked to have been added. For example, I remember seeing sensationalist (in part) local television show, Good Day New York, where reporter George Ciccarone interviewed actress / stripper Kitten Natividad, who described how Morrison would come into her bar every night and hit on her, but she always refused because, thanks to bad hygiene, he stank. Also, there is a great interview with Melody Patterson ( “Jane,” female lead of F Troop), who discusses why back then she would rather go see Bobby Fuller than Morrison, in an issue of Miriam Linna and Billy Miller’s classic Kicks fanzine.

A central theme through the 60 minute program is that Morrison wanted to be known as a poet more than a musician, which caused him to move to Paris, where he died (I don’t believe I’m giving anything away here). But lots of controversy is what this series craves, so there’s mention of the infamous Miami concert where he allegedly exposed himself (Treanor has a point to make about that here) and the backlash, but they make sure to present the mysteries of his death, such as Courson’s role and the infamous “is he really dead?” theory (Harris makes the best statement concerning that).

In today’s world of Web gossip sites and overexposure of sensationalism on television, I’m surprised this show isn’t revived; I bet it would do a lot better now than just 3 years ago. And there’s always new fodder as stars and starlets veer ever closer to the final darkness.

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Pomp And Splendour

A Taste Of History (Right Here On Our Streets)

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

It’s not often I get to photograph a door that is actually in rapid motion!

I was walking across Princes Bridge, looking across the river, just to ensure I wasn’t missing any great sights, when I heard the familiar rumble of an approaching tram. Normally I wouldn’t have given any form of public transport a second glance, but the unusually dark colour caught my eye.

I immediately realised it was a tram that was specially painted to advertise the Pompeii exhibition that has been extremely popular here in Melbourne for the past few months.

Taking a shot, you might think, was no big deal. But there was traffic on both sides, there were cyclists, there were skateboarders, there were pedestrians. And it seemed as if they had all descended on the scene at precisely the time I wanted to photograph the tram for The Doors meme.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Streets Ahead

A Mud Hut In The Middle Of A City Thoroughfare

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This was shot in Calcutta, India, in October 2006. It might look like a mud hut in the middle of a city street, but allow me to explain.

This was shot during the Pujas, the period of Hindu festivities that is a long celebration of colour and light. This is actually a re-creation of an Adivasi village hut and was merely erected as a temporary attraction in south Calcutta.

By shooting from this vantage point, I was able to shoot through the hut, proving a view of the street on the other side. The two figures in the first image are clay renderings - but if you look through the open doorway on the far side of the second image (below) you actually see real people in the distance.


For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Towers Mahal

This Doorway Is 350 Years Old

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

In 2003, I spotted this ancient, carved archway in the courtyard of the Taj Mahal during a day trip to Agra from New Delhi. I figured it was perfect to frame this spectacular mausoleum, especially since the sky was very hazy.

I took some shots with the pre-digital SLR I was using at the time (it was 2003, after all) and I was walking away when my young son urged me to take one last shot, as a backup, with a little Ricoh Instamatic. Luckily I followed his advice.

When we got home to Melbourne, I handed in all my film to the Kodak store that always processed my work - and where I had bought all my film for the trip.

They called me later to say one roll of film was completely blank - and I was devastated when we worked out (by process of elimination) which one it was. I had lost every SLR shot of the Taj - except what I had shot of the UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Instamatic!

Later, when I checked the spools in the Kodak store, it became apparent that it was a reel of film I had bought as a back-up in New Delhi, a few hours before we went to Agra.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

A New Leash Of Life

It’s All A Matter Of Dogged Determination

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I shot this a year ago, during my week in the Yukon. Obviously, that was several months before I decided to post a "doors" shot every Thursday, but I think this fits the theme rather well.

As a kid I read constantly, and some of the subjects that fascinated me were tales of exploration, frontier spirit and the way in which early settlers coped with harsh conditions. The Yukon is all about that and much more, which is why I reckon it is a photographer’s paradise.

Would I go back there? Yes, in a flash. And not just to knock on doors like this one, but to try and understand what the region’s gold rush heritage says about the human spirit.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Have Faith

Belief Will Open Every Door For You

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

It was just one of those days when I had time on my hands, enough time to soak up the atmosphere, enough time to wander and enough time to look for some images that define steadfast faith.

Religious symbols always beckon when the human mind seeks symbols of constant reassurance, and I just happened to be passing St Paul’s Cathedral. So instead of going to the main entrance on Flinders Street, I walked around to the side.

Here, on the heavy wooden doors that embody the Victorian-era architecture, I found these heavy handles that fascinated me. Of course, a heavy door needs a sizeable handle, so it makes perfect sense that handles of this size would be required to haul open a substantially-sized door.

But I often wonder if the craftsmen who designed and produced these handles ever thought that they would still be in everyday use in the 21st century.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

I Promise To Tell The Tooth

The Whole Tooth - And Nuthin' But The Tooth

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

These shot depicts the entrance (no, I'm not kidding) of Luna Park, in the bayside Melbourne suburb of St Kilda. I shot these images about three years ago, on a late-winter afternoon when the wild breeze carried more of a hint of spring than ever before.

The first image shows the famous open-mouth entrance, through which generations of enthusiasts have walked into the amusement park. So, yes, as an entrance I figure it qualifies for this weekly theme.

And the shot below shows some of the amusement park rides clearly visible through the entrance. The teeth? Yup, they need a bit of attention, I reckon. Maybe the dentist was standing right behind me, waiting to get at them!


For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Supply And Command

You Could Say It's Just Plane Sailing

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

A couple of months ago, I drove through the Riverina to the Outback town of Temora in New South Wales, to do some hands-on research on a World War II-vintage Spitfire for a novel I’m working on at the moment, called "The Jadu Master".

I arrived there on the Friday afternoon and went straight through the town to the Temora Aviation Museum, where I spent of couple of hours in a hangar, putting the finishing touches to my research on the famous fighter plane.

The next day, while I waited for the flying display to begin, I was one of the first people to drive into the car park - which filled up very rapidly. While I waited there and wondered how long it would take for the fog to lift, I saw these two buildings to my left.

I asked permission to take these photographs - which I reckoned would be ideal for the weekly Doors theme.


For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

In The Driver’s Seat

Some People Are So Well Trained

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

So there I was, just standing on the platform about 10 days ago, wondering what I should photograph just to provide a slight variation on this weekly theme.

And while I stood there pondering the possibilities, my gaze moved to a Connex suburban train that stood on a nearby platform. Strong colours. Good light, even though it was fairly cloudy. Then the penny dropped – that’s just what I needed for the theme.

I did have my long lens (a Sigma 70-300mm) with me, but my normal everyday lens, a Sigma 18-125mm, was more than adequate for the tight frame that I wanted.

It was only when I shot this that I realised train drivers have to have doors on both sides of the carriage!

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Which Pokemon Are You?

And Why Are You Guarding This Doorway?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Doesn't this artwork remind you of the famous Pokemons? Remember the pocket monsters that took over the world a few years ago?

This is not really one of them. The image was shot in Hosier Lane, in Melbourne's central business district, about a fortnight ago. It's a narrow thoroughfare dating back to Melbourne's early development, but it has been transformed by urban art into what I call "a street of a million images".

Just when you think you've seen the most striking piece of art, another one forces you to re-evaluate.

If you look really carefully at this image you'll actually notice that this is actually a doorway and you can see a small silvery lock in the dead-centre of my frame. And do you see the lettering that says "CTCV" on the top left?

Interesting story, that .... the graffiti actually says "Sod CTCV". Well, okay, so it doesn't really say "Sod"; it uses a four-letter synonym. And whoever scrawled the message must have meant to write "CCTV" for closed-circuit television, instead.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Playing To The Gallery

Hang Around Any Time - It Works For The Art

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This shot was taken in 2005, when I spent a couple of days in beautiful Quebec City in mid-September. The weather wasn't too flash when I was there, but that minor point didn't deter me from exploring every nook and cranny of the city and photographing everything that caught my eye.

This was taken on my first evening, when I literally sheltered from doorway to doorway in the Lower Town, just so my cameras wouldn't get too wet. Opposite me on the cobbled street was this warm, inviting art gallery. Should I spend five minutes inside? No, I decided instead to take a quick shot and move on.

Why? Five minutes in a gallery could have meant I missed a few photographs as dusk approached. But I did love the fact that the frame of the burgundy door was a perfect match for the frame of the window.

Yep, that's a lot of great frames for a single gallery.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

The Doorway To True Culture

The Soul of Melbourne's Arts Community Is Here

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This is the main entrance to the Arts Centre on St Kilda Road, here in Melbourne. If you're a regular visitor to my blog, you would have seen a few representations of the wonderful spire above this building.

These shots were taken at first light last week. I just happened to be walking past when the rich colours and reflections of the interior caught my eye. The first shot shows the main doors and the foyer, while the image below is a close-up shot through the windows, of the beautiful interior.


For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Roll Up, Roll Up

For All The Fun Of The Fair

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

No, there's no chance of making a grand entrance here - simply because, as the sign says, it's an exit! I shot these two images on Easter Saturday at Luna Park, during our holiday in Sydney this year. We've made several visits to Sydney over the years, but it's the first time we've actually been to Luna Park.

Let's just say a good time was had by all. Three Authorbloglets and three of their closest friends. Two fathers, both having a good time as well - ah, okay, so one of them had a camera around his neck and kept finding lots of quirky images to shoot.

Like this one. I remember thinking at the time, as soon as I saw this sign, that it would be perfect for my regular Thursday post. And just to bring you up to speed, yes, I've had a few queries over the past few weeks about whether I intend to turn "The Doors" into a fully-fledged meme. There is a simple answer. I just don't have enough time to launch and administer a meme.

I do this weekly post because it's fun. But if there's anyone out there who wants to adopt the idea and launch the meme, just let me know.


For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Station Airy

Get On The Straight And Arrow

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

You simply have to have your camera with you at all time, right? And sometimes the most ordinary sights can compel you to lift your camera and shoot, right? And there’s no such thing as a boring image, right?

The first shot was taken at Flinders Street Station in May this year. And as I hit the shutter it reminded me of a similar sight I had shot during a very rushed afternoon at an MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station in Singapore in mid-December 2007.

Life isn’t all about following the arrows, you know. It’s also about finding some breathing space, which in turn spawns creativity. These creative impulses are everywhere. But it’s up to us to pause and recognise them.


For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Open-Door Policy

We'll Drink To That

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

These might look like the bat-wing doors from some Wild West saloon, but this is actually the entrance of the Ettamogah Pub in New South Wales, just across the border from neighbouring Victoria.

Every time we drive down the Hume Highway, we make it a point to stop off here - which in turn means that regular readers of this blog would recall at least three or four pictorial posts on the unique pub that is a real-life depiction of Ken Maynard's cartoons in The Australasian Post.

A couple of weeks ago, I was on a two-day trip into the Outback, up the beautiful Riverina region of New South Wales. Yes, I had the GPS in the car with me, but I didn't plug it in, preferring to operate on the "turn left at the dead gum tree" school of navigation. (And no, I didn't get lost. Not once. Fair dinkum.)

I knew I had to turn onto the Olympic Highway just after the Ettamogah Pub, but it was one of those trips where photography held sway, not the clock. So of course I pulled off the Hume Highway to spend twenty minutes in a familiar part of the country. And yes, each time I photograph this amazing landmark, the light is different.

I had a yarn to Chrissy the barmaid while I was there, but there was one key question I forgot to ask her, regarding the front door. Next time we drop in, I'll ask her this: is it famous for being the easiest door to get in through but the most difficult to get out of?

I’d welcome any thoughts you might have …


For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.