Shine

Date: 1996
Director: Scott Hicks
Production Company: Australian Film Finance Corporation, BBC, Film Victoria, Momentum Films

Stars: Geoffrey Rush, Sonia Todd, Alex Rafalowicz, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Noah Taylor, David King, John Gielgud, Joey Kennedy, Lynn Redgrave
Location(s): Adelaide (South Australia), London

Region(s): ,

Storyline:

Based on the life of Australian piano virtuoso David Helfgott. Escaping his domineering father, he’s accepted into London’s Royal College Of Music. A subsequent breakdown sees a return to his homeland, eventually to find love and understanding.

Additional Information:

Compiled by Neil Webster

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We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

  • Capture 1
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David Helfgott (Geoffrey Rush) arrives at Moby's bar at closing time in the pouring rain, attracted by the possibility of playing their piano. 251 Esplanade, Henley Beach, SA, Australia.

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Bar worker Sylvia (Sonia Todd) gives him a lift back to his lodgings. Unidentified location.

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In flashback, we see young David (Alex Rafalowicz) returning from a piano competition with this father (Armin Mueller-Stahl). Unidentified location.

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Nighttime, Helfgott family home, young David gets up to practice piano. Unidentified location.

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Young David is taken for piano lessons. Edwin Terrace, Gilberton.

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Now a young man, David (Noah Taylor) visits the home of Mrs. Prichard (Googie Withers). She has faith in his talent and supports his scholarship to The Royal College Of Music. Unidentified location.

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Establishing shot of The Royal College Of Music, Prince Consort Rd, London, SW7.

Looking south from in front of the Great Exhibition Memorial. SJ

  • Capture 8
  • 25 Sep 2025

Inside, Viney (David King, left) and tutor Cecil Parkes (John Gielgud) discuss David's ability. The Royal College Of Music, looking out onto The Royal Albert Hall.

This is ground level standing directly below the window seen in cap13. SJ

  • Capture 9
  • 28 Oct 2025

After David's friends help him spend his allowance on a night on the town, he wakes under a lion's steady gaze. Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N.

Landseer's lions with Whitehall to the left on the corner with The Mall. SJ

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Early morning rain. Trafalgar Square.

In the morning sun, looking south down Whitehall behind the column. SJ

  • Capture 11
  • 01 Sep 2025

Piano window-shopping. 68 Marylebone Ln, London, W1U.

The same today after a refurbishment in about 2015. SJ

  • Capture 12
  • 01 Sep 2025

Reverse shot looking over to The Button Queen. 68 Marylebone Ln.

This triangular corner with Jason Court running behind it was altered in about 2010. The Button Queen moved from 19 Marylebone across the road to 76 and is now online run by the same family. SJ

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Putting in long hours of practice. The Royal College Of Music.

This is on the first floor to the east of the main entrance. SJ

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Australia, years later, sister Suzie (Joey Kennedy) visits David at Glendale Psychiatric Hospital. Glenside Hospital, 1 Mulberry Rd, Glenside, Adelaide.

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Escorted by a nurse. Courtyard of Glenside Hospital. Since 2011, the building has housed the South Australian Film Corporation.

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Suzie sits with David in the grounds. Glenside Hospital.

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Released from hospital. Inspired by others, he jogs in the park. Adelaide Botanic Garden, North Terrace.

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Botanic Park, Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide.

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As resident pianist, he's a hit with customers at Moby's bar, Sylvia lets David stay at weekends. Her friend, Gillian (Lynn Redgrave) also comes to visit. Addiscombe Place, Unley Park.

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He and Gillian become good friends. Visiting the beach together. Henley Beach Jetty, Henley Beach.

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Seeing her off with a proposal. Addiscombe Place.

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At her home, Gillian has to consult astrological charts about David's proposal. North Haven beach.

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Now a married couple, they visit his father's grave together. West Terrace Cemetery, 161 West Terrace, Adelaide.