The Last of the Knucklemen (1979)

In the tradition of Sunday Too Far Away, this independent film is based on the classic Australian play by John Power. Pic tells the story of a group of miners living in a camp in outback ... See full summary »

Director:

Tim Burstall

Writers:

Tim Burstall, John Power (play)

Stars:

Gerard Kennedy, Michael Preston, Peter Hehir

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gerard Kennedy	...	Tarzan
Michael Preston	...	Pansy
Peter Hehir	...	Tom
Dennis Miller	...	Horse
Michael Caton	...	Monk
Steve Rackman	...	Carl
Michael Duffield	...	Methuselah
Steve Bisley	...	Mad Dog
Stewart Faichney	...	Tassie
Sean Myers	...	Engineer
Gerry Duggan	...	Old Arthur
Ross Skiffington	...	2nd Engineer
Les James	...	Barman
Tim Robertson	...	Man in bar
Savior Summit	...	Cook

Storyline

In the tradition of Sunday Too Far Away, this independent film is based on the classic Australian play by John Power. Pic tells the story of a group of miners living in a camp in outback Australia. They swear, brawl, gamble, and drink heavily. Central to the story is the conflict between Tarzan, the authoritarian group leader and cocky loud-mouth wisecracking Pansy. This results in a bare-knuckle punch-up for the movie's denouement. Exteriors filmed in Andamooka, South Australia.

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Plot Keywords:

australia | outback | drink | brawl | tarzan | 

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Taglines:

He'll try to keep the roof on!

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 July 1979 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Viimeiset pelimiehet

Filming Locations:

Andamooka, South Australia, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

AUD 460,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hexagon Productions, New South Wales Film Corp.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film was directed by Tim Burstall whose family were also involved in other key crew roles. Burstall's sons Dan Burstall and Tom Burstall acted as the film's cinematographer and first assistant director respectively.

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Quotes

Carl: [enters bunkhouse, surveys the room for a moment, then starts throwing chairs] Let's clear these fucking chairs! I've got to murder these mother fuckers!

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Connections

Featured in I Now Pronounce You Vince and Ralph (2004)

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Soundtracks

"Andamooka Annie"
Performad by Saltbush

User Reviews

A wonderful Aussie movie

This is one of those classic Aussie movies which stands the test of time. Although possessing a somewhat flimsy story line the film's strength lies in its variety of characters, wonderfully portrayed by some of Australia's best acting talent. Gerard Kennedy is, as always, simply great in the role of Tarzan. This bloke is really a class actor and he is well supported here by the broodingly secretive Peter Hehir. Typically strong performances from Steve Bisley, Dennis Miller and Mike Preston are also a feature. And who can forget Denise Drysdale's performance as the whore with a heart of gold? The Aussie trait of supporting the underdog is demonstrated in the film's ending. This is one of my all-time Aussie favourites.