Margaret & David's 'At The Movies' Set To Wrap This Year

Renowned film critics and Australian TV cult-like icons Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton — aka Margaret & David — will call 'cut!' on their seminal series At The Movies this December after nearly 30 years on the air.

The pair, who have resided on the ABC for the past decade, confirmed the news in a statement released via the national broadcaster today.

"After 28 years reviewing films on television with Margaret, ten of them at the ABC, I feel it’s time to go," Stratton said. "We’ve had a wonderful time, thanks to very supportive and encouraging audiences, throughout that period. And we’ve worked with wonderful teams, both at SBS and at the ABC, people who discovered movies alongside us, helped and assisted us, and in the process became valued friends. We couldn’t have done it without them.

"Most of all, working with Margaret, whose enthusiasm, commitment and passion has been amazing (and only occasionally irritating) has been a joy for over a quarter of a century. But, since I turned 75 last week, I look forward to less pressure and more opportunities to enjoy the movies I love, in the years ahead."

Margaret and David first teamed up by chance in 1986, making their debut on SBS with the then-so-titled The Movie Show, an arrangement that lasted until their departure for ABC in 2004.

"As David says, it’s time to go from the small screen after a great innings, thanks to all our viewers and the fabulous teams we’ve worked with over the years," Pomeranz said. "And thank you to the ABC and SBS. We’ve been lucky to work for two great public broadcasters, and long may they prosper.

"My gratitude goes to David, who gave me credibility just by being prepared to sit by me and discuss film when I am just a film enthusiast, not the great walking encyclopedia of film that he is. He’s a grand person, a most generous, decent man, even if a little stubborn at times.

"We’ve seen Australian films continue to mature over nearly three decades on air and I look forward to a continued involvement in this wonderful industry of ours which explores and reflects our culture and our peccadilloes. It’s been such a privilege to have been on the sidelines, witnessing the talent that this country produces in all areas of film production. 

"I’m very sad to have to call an end to our show, it started out as a very fragile thing and only survived because there are enough lovers of film in this country to support a specific program about cinema. Thank you all."

ABC managing director Mark Scott offered perhaps the most fitting of send-off tributes for the veteran TV stars, saying in the statement: "The fact that everybody knows them as Margaret and David demonstrates how much they are loved by the Australian public. Their passionate and enthusiastic championing of the cinema art form, their articulate and always entertaining reviews and their personal rapport on stage (not to mention those earrings) have defined them.

"Their contribution to the ABC and to the wider arts community has been enormous. We are so proud to have worked with them for over a decade at the ABC and we will miss them. I give them five stars."

The final episode of At The Movies — which will not return following Margaret & David's retirement — will be recorded on December 9. Airing details are yet to be revealed, but you can bet that it'll be an affair worth making time for.