John 'Dingo' Anderson is a 'dogger' (dingo trapper) by day and trumpet player in a local band by night. His fascination with the instrument comes from a chance encounter as a child with Billy Cross, a legendary American jazz trumpeter: Cross played an impromptu concert on the tarmac of Poona Flat airport after his plane was forced to make an unscheduled stop. The young Anderson decides on the spot to become a trumpet player. Twenty years later, he has developed a unique style based on the sounds of the Australian bush, particularly the dingo, but he's still in Poona Flat. He dreams, however, of going to Paris to play with Cross. He has kept in touch with his idol, sending letters and tapes of his music. As he approaches his 30th birthday, John flies to Paris without telling his wife Jane. He wants to know if he's good enough. Billy Cross is now an ailing recluse, but he and his French wife take John in. John makes his solo debut at a famous club, and Billy comes out of retirement to join him on stage. John then returns to Poona Flat, in time for his 'surprise' birthday party.
[Source: Australian Screen]
