My Brilliant Career (1979)

The heroine, Sybylla (Davis), a headstrong girl growing up in early 20th century Australia, has the opportunity of marriage to a wealthy young man (Harry played by Niel) whom she loves, but... See full summary »

Director:

Gillian Armstrong

Writers:

Miles Franklin (novel), Eleanor Witcombe

Stars:

Judy Davis, Sam Neill, Wendy Hughes

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 11 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Judy Davis	...	Sybylla Melvyn
Sam Neill	...	Harry Beecham
Wendy Hughes	...	Aunt Helen
Robert Grubb	...	Frank Hawdon
Max Cullen	...	Mr. McSwatt
Aileen Britton	...	Grandma Bossier
Peter Whitford	...	Uncle Julius
Patricia Kennedy	...	Aunt Gussie
Alan Hopgood	...	Father
Julia Blake	...	Mother
David Franklin	...	Horace
Marion Shad	...	Gertie
Aaron Wood	...	Stanley
Sue Davies	...	Aurora
Gordon Piper	...	Barman

Storyline

The heroine, Sybylla (Davis), a headstrong girl growing up in early 20th century Australia, has the opportunity of marriage to a wealthy young man (Harry played by Niel) whom she loves, but rejects it in order to maintain her independence, preferring to take a job as governess/housekeeper to the family of an illiterate neighbor to whom her father owes money.

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Plot Keywords:

20th century | love | marriage | australia | grandmother granddaughter relationship | 

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Taglines:

Two exciting new stars in a story for today... Judy Davis Sam Neill

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 August 1979 (Australia)

Also Known As:

La mia brillante carriera

Filming Locations:

Camden Park House, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

AUD 800,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Greater Union Organisation (GUO), Margaret Fink Productions, New South Wales Film Corp.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Despite a masculine-like sounding name, Miles Franklin, source novelist of the 'My Brilliant Career' novel, was actually a woman.

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Quotes

Sybylla: Dear fellow countrymen, just a few words to let you know that this story is going to be all about me. So, in answer to many requests, here is the story of my career... here is the story, of my career...my brilliant career. I make no apologies for sounding egotistical...because I am!

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Connections

Featured in 40,000 Years of Dreaming (1997)

User Reviews

Simply beautiful

Gillian Armstrong's valentine to Miles Franklin's classic novel is one of the most beautiful movies ever made, and my personal favorite to watch over and over again. The photography is brilliant and Judy Davis delivers and unforgettable performance. She really takes you inside the head and soul of a very complex character who is alienated, fascinated, and bemused by the role she has been given to play in life. Every mother should show this movie to her teenage daughter. It may be the last chance you have to laugh together.