There is a moment in the film Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears when the camera pans around the ballroom to discover Phryne Fisher’s creator Kerry Greenwood and her partner David Greagg seated at a dinner table, beaming and elegant in their finest 1920s evening wear.
Also appearing in this scene are many of the Phryne Fisher fans who helped bring the movie to the screen when producers Fiona Eagger and Deb Cox asked for help. The initial crowdfunding target of A$250,000 was reached within 48 hours. A day later the total had risen to $400,000, making this the most successful crowdfunding campaign for an Australian film at the time.
Watching Miss Fisher on film at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville in 2022, at an event organised by Sisters in Crime Australia, seated next to Kerry and surrounded by her fans, was an experience to remember. When we got to the ballroom scene, everyone cheered. Kerry was clearly thrilled.
