Vale: Frank Howson

Australian director, songwriter and producer Frank Howson, has died, aged 72.

Frank Howson and Peter Boyle established Boulevard Films in 1981. Frank wrote the script and produced the 1988 movie ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ starring John Waters, Kim Gyngell and Andrew McFarlane and ‘Heaven Tonight’ starring Guy Pearce, John Waters and Rebecca Gilling.

In 1989, he was presented with the Producer of the Year Award from Film Victoria.

Howson was born in Melbourne. He entered show-business at the age of 7 as a tap dancer, singer and child actor, and had starred in 21 major theatrical productions by his 21st birthday.

He produced the films Backstage, Hunting, What the Moon Saw, and Friday on My Mind, wrote for Prisoner, which he also acted in, and appeared in Skyways, Homicide, A Wild Ass of a Man, and The Pirate Movie. He was invited to be President of the Jury for the Melbourne Underground Film Festival in 2005.

Frank was also involved in the early days of Pseudo Echo. He signed the band was co-wrote their songs ‘Autumnal Park’ and ‘Destination Unknown’ on their debut album. He co-wrote ‘Suicide Boulevard’ with Beeb Birtles for the 1981 Little River Band album ‘Time Exposure’ and ‘The Danger Sign’ for the 1983 LRB album ‘The Net’. Frank also co-wrote four songs on John Paul Young’s 1984 album ‘One Foot In The Door’ and co-Executive Produced the album.

His compositions were recorded by such acts as Richie Havens, Dan Hill, Marc Jordan, Eric Idle, Kate Ceberano, Venetta Fields, Guy Pearce, amongst others.

He also wrote the stage musical ‘Dream Lover, about the life of Bobby Darin, with his cousin John Michael Howson.

His life will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in St Kilda, 1pm Thursday February 29.

Source: Noise11, IMDb Toorak Times