A Woman's Tale (1991)

Uplifting and intimate look at the last days of an elderly cancer victim. The film is even more relevant as it was written specifically for the lead actress, Sheila Florance, who was in ... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Cox

Writers:

Paul Cox, Barry Dickins

Stars:

Sheila Florance, Gosia Dobrowolska, Norman Kaye

2 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sheila Florance	...	Martha
Gosia Dobrowolska	...	Anna
Norman Kaye	...	Billy
Chris Haywood	...	Jonathan
Ernie Gray	...	Peter (as Ernest Gray)
Myrtle Woods	...	Miss Inchley
Bruce Myles	...	Con 1
Alex Menglet	...	Con 2
François Bernard	...	Neighbor
Manuel Bachet	...	Neighbor
Monica Maughan	...	Billy's daughter
Max Gillies	...	Billy's son-in-law
Tony Llewellyn-Jones	...	Celebrant
David Reid	...	Don
Dawn Klingberg	...	Don's wife

Storyline

Uplifting and intimate look at the last days of an elderly cancer victim. The film is even more relevant as it was written specifically for the lead actress, Sheila Florance, who was in fact dying of cancer as she created what is essentially a self-portrait.

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Plot Keywords:

australia | independent film

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 September 1991 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Egy asszony meséje

Filming Locations:

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Box Office

Gross:

$405,137 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Australian Film Finance Corporation (AFFC), Beyond Films, Illumination Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The relatively limited budget for the film prompted director Paul Cox to order his Continuity department to stop taking Polaroid photographs, as the project could not withstand the expense.

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Connections

Featured in A Journey with Paul Cox (1996)

User Reviews

If you could leave your loved ones a memento like this to cherish, how easy it would be to accept that final lift from the oarsman!

Not many people get to dedicate their lives literally, to film in such a way that they leave behind the greatest of diaries you could never have committed to paper. Sheila Florance, grand dame of Australian television and the big-screen has managed just that.

At 78 years of age and dying of cancer herself, she plays elderly Martha, who's terminal cancer is no barrier to her enjoying her last days with her family, the image of dignity and wisdom - traits that she has shown all her life.

This marvellous life-affirming film is one of Paul Cox's best, in fact one of Australia's finest productions. It would be impossible not to be significantly moved by it and taking perhaps a minute or three to review your own life and direction.

Sheila Florance, beloved of many long-term viewers, died just two days after receiving her AFI award for Best Actress for her role as Martha. It was a fitting reward for a lifetime's contribution made.