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:

They booze! They brawl! They're...The Last of the Knucklemen

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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 is the only ever theatrical feature film shot in the South Australian country town of Andamooka.

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Quotes

Carl: 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

"Theme Music"
Performed by The New Harlem Jazz Band

User Reviews

Characters you meet.

Yeah, I thought it was great. I have worked in a number of isolated places where there is not much to do but drink and I thought it was a pretty accurate depiction of the personalities that make up groups like this. I was in East Timor in 2000 which seemed to lure odd characters from outback Australia and other places... Interesting times. I recall Tarz and Pansy promoting the film in Melbourne. They were standing in the middle of the mall with huge polystyrene fists which made the news. I don't think it did very well. Many Australians seem to have the idea that Australian movies are second rate and it's not until the movies or actors do well overseas that are accepted. Nicol Kidman and Hugh Jackman weren't stars in Australia until they made it in Hollywood.