Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Ab, vel, ‘A Lifetime Between Takes’ is a feature documentary about one of Australia’s most enduring television and theatre personalities, Malcolm Harslett. He is best known for his television appearances with Channel 9 from the 1960s - 90s that included ‘Here’s Humphrey’ and ‘Adelaide Today’, but his contribution to Australian entertainment extends far beyond this. He began entertaining audiences at the age of 3 and secured his first paid television role at 14. By 16, he was performing professionally at Adelaide’s iconic Wonderland Ballroom, beginning a career that would span television, theatre, live performance, writing, directing, and producing more than 100 stage productions. Even now, at 78, Malcolm continues to create, mentor, and inspire emerging artists after a lifetime dedicated to entertainment, storytelling, and community television.
This is a story of personal discovery and endurance. At just 2 weeks old Malcolm was adopted and this set the scene for a life of isolation and loneliness that wasn’t seen publicly. Growing up in the Adelaide Hills, Malcolm was drawn to the stage as the place where he belonged. Having never married, he has lived alone for most of his life, preferring privacy and solitude when not performing for audiences. His relentless drive to perform and encourage others to do the same has not been without hardship. After several financial and professional set backs Malcom chose reinvention over retreat. His community television talk show ‘Our Time’ was recognised in 2025 by the Antenna Awards for Program of the Year and in 2023 he was also the winner of Outstanding Personality in a Seniors Program.
This documentary features interviews with Malcolm and those who have shared his journey as well as an extensive archive of footage and photographs capturing some of the great performances of his career. Many pioneers of Australian community television and theatre are ageing, and their stories risk disappearing forever. This film captures the golden age of television, the rise of community broadcasting, and the resilience required to survive an industry that constantly changes. All donations received will be used to capture and preserve Malcolm's legacy as this feature length documentary, 'A Lifetime Between Takes'.
Yogi Devgan is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, director, and producer based in Australia. Most of his work reflects his multicultural roots and his passion for meaningful, human-centered storytelling. In recognition of his contribution to arts and culture, he received the Governor’s Multicultural Award 2025 and was nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award in 2023 and 2025 for his community contributions. A graduate of the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Film and Television, Yogi founded Mount Lofty Studios, dedicated to bold and authentic storytelling exploring themes of diversity, inclusion, and social impact. His short film I Am OK is a 2026 contender for the AACTA Awards, while A Silent Escape has won multiple international awards and is streaming globally on Chaupal. His documentary Smile, It’s Free also received international recognition. His film Unbreakable Stride won the South Australian Award and the Major Award in Sydney at the Focus on Ability Film Festival, and is streaming on SBS On Demand as part of the festival’s official program.
My connection to Malcolm Harslett began during my studies at the University of South Australia, where I worked on Our Time, the community television program he has led for decades. As a student filmmaker, I benefited directly from Malcolm’s guidance, generosity, and belief in emerging talent. He offered practical experience, mentorship, and trust at a formative stage of my career.
Beyond his personal impact, Malcolm has played a vital role in shaping South Australia’s creative landscape. Through his work in mainstream and community television, and his dedication to mentoring generations of performers, he has fostered cultural expression and amplified local voices often overlooked by the broader media industry. His commitment demonstrates how one individual can strengthen community identity and sustain cultural storytelling over decades.
This documentary emerges from that shared history. Having observed Malcolm’s resilience, work ethic, and dedication firsthand, I am uniquely positioned to tell a story that celebrates both his personal legacy and his enduring contribution to South Australia’s cultural and creative community.
