Brisbane

'The R.E. Film' - Brisbane's Royal Exchange Hotel (Circa 1974)

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• published: 09 Sep 2011
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Essential background for viewers: This video, although certainly historic, is more a 'photo album in motion' than any attempt at a real film documentary with intentional entertainment value. It captures a particular set of people (and only those who happened to be drinking on the night) in a particularly popular watering hole in Toowong, a suburb of Brisbane in sub-tropical Queensland, Australia. The R.E. Film was informally shot as simply a largely unedited record of the sizeable 'family' of people who frequented Toowong's Royal Exchange Hotel in the early Seventies. (And almost inevitably partied happily together after closing, until the early hours ... hence that familiar sound of "Where are the parties"? An absolute 'do it yourself' necessity, because back then Brisbane really was a limited and boring place, if you were looking for today's diversity of venues & social options.) Now better known as an equally, highly popular university pub, 'The RE' mystique such as it became, basically originated in the decision of a small bunch of discontents, non-conformists, lefties, alternative thinkers ... and of course unrepentant boozers ... to stop drinking nearby at the then 'rugger bugger' dominated, but still visually appealing Regatta Hotel. (With its great site overlooking the Brisbane River.) As an alternative and welcome escape they gradually transitioned themselves to the then quiet backwater (with beer garden!) that the Royal Exchange - then owned by Percy and nicknamed the 'Grey Ghost' - was found to be. Effectively an interesting blend of existing worker drinkers, University of Queensland students, anti Bjelke-Petersen youth and enlightened UQ staff had come together and changed Toowong and the drinking options for the nearby St Lucia campus forever. Also, building the pub's 'alternative', laid back and rebel reputation in the process. The comparatively intolerant attitudes of competing venues and the need for fake ID's (Queensland's legal drinking age was lowered from 21 to 18 years on 18th Feb 18, 1974) had now been left behind and all comers were welcome to join this freshly established, oasis of free thinkers and cheap drinkers. Not to mention incessant partiers ... Because of the 'binge' drinking habits of the time and the six nights a week refuge the pub represented, it is estimated that at the very least trillions of brain cells came to be mercilessly destroyed as billions of pots and incalculable rounds of shouts were ordered by the regular if not resident 'stayers' . (And ... despite the '10 pm closing' restriction!) Maybe this alone accounts for the relative lack of political correctness ever in evidence. Queensland's own brand of nihilists and anarcho-syndicalists seemed to understand the truly Pythonesque nature of life, once any unnecessary posturing and the campus were all left behind and the amber liquid did its job. So, back to the beginning of this rapidly expanding yarn ... the glaringly obvious lack of editing of this footage was intentional -- as the aim was truly to record and allow as many pub patrons as possible to get to see themselves in action. Which they literally did back then, when the film about the RE and its beer garden was given an exclusive premiere one night ... to a full house in the beer garden itself! (That little touch of surrealism to boost the atmosphere of the screening.) If nothing else, the film as an historic record confirms the shocking truths about 70's hairstyles. It also covers the change of ownership of the pub and the earliest renovation attempts that took place at the time, to what was once a very authentic (hose it down) traditional workers' public bar ... and separate 'saloon bar'. As will be apparent to some, much has certainly happened since 1973-74 when the filming occurred, many sad events amongst them. But hopefully those 'who were there' (and who are still here) will take this opportunity to engage in some justifiable and hopefully enjoyable nostalgia over a pretty magic era. Despite the consumption rates, wonderfully friendly and non-aggressive, as well! (At least that's how it seemed at the time, to those clear headed enough to remember!). At the very least, RSL members (Returned Students League) can celebrate the golden years of a great hotel and its famous original beer garden, let alone its formative and wild, but largely peace loving past... truly a Brisbane institution! For a more contemporary view of the RE, explore the pub's official link here: http://www.rehotel.com.au/ (Thumbnail cover shot: 'Brian the Barman'.)