Back in Time for Dinner: June 5

Episode 2 of Back in Time for Dinner moves to the 1960s with Chinese Food, Tupperware, turntables, the 6 o’clock swill and an appearance by Denise Drysdale.

In the second episode, the Ferrone family swing into the 60 s. The home has been redesigned to feature clashing, vibrant colours, and a servery window in the kitchen is a welcome change for Carol, who felt extremely isolated the 1950s.

Immigration and convenience are two factors which heavily influence the foods the Ferrones consume. Housewives are experimenting with Chinese flavours and getting culinary hints and recipes from afternoon TV programs that teach women to be better housewives.

Supermarkets have revolutionised the grocery shopping experience, and the accessibility of the frozen chook helped increase consumption fivefold. Packet foods continue to grow in popularity but Carol worries that she’s consistently serving her family fake “astronaut” food.

With massive social change occurring, particularly for young people, the dinner table is a hub of conversation. With many young girls leaving school early, Annabel gives Sienna the experience of saying goodbye to education to join the workforce. Discussion also turns to Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War with many young men being conscripted for a tour of duty.

Carol seriously questions the role society has assigned her, feeling there is more to life than raising children and taking care of the home.

But the social aspect and opportunity of making money from a Tupperware party brighten Carol’s day as the redoubtable Margaret Pink – Tupperware’s super saleswoman of the 60 s arrives at the house. Meanwhile, Annabel meets Peter for a sneaky beer at the 6 o’clock swill, Peter is shocked to learn that women had to fight for the right to legally drink in a public bar.

Sienna is stumped with using the telephone, and can’t believe people had conversations in front of others, and the introduction of decimal currency in 1966 , sees Olivia make her first big purchase … lollies!

And with theatre and dinner shows becoming popular, Peter and Carol meet up with television personality Denise Drysdale, who tells of her time during the era and of her experiences performing for the troops in Vietnam.

8:30pm Tuesday on ABC.