I worked on this film as a Unit Runner (the very bottom of the ladder!) and drove the cast and crew to the various locations around Perth. I need to confess here and now that I never had a driver's license because I was only 16! I remember waking Googie Withers very early one morning in her hotel room for a make-up call and she tore strips of me for waking her! I was only doing my job. John McCallum (the director) was her husband and he was lying in bed beside her and smiled at me as if to say "she's always this cranky in the mornings!" It was a fantastic experience working on the film and I have very fond memories of filming in and around Perth in 1970.
4 Reviews
35 years later...
ireide27 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this movie when it was first released, 35 years ago, and only once. As such my recollection is reduced to a few scenes, and a lingering regard.
The film revolves around a nickel mine scam, set in Western Australia. There are a number of squabbles between various participants, each eager to lay their hands on the cash, and a number of very amusing scenes and characters. One of which, and one which has firmly lodged itself in my mind, is that of a topless girl diving into a swimming pool!
At the time of the movies screening I lived in Perth, Western Australia. I remember how startled I was to see places and people (several WA politicians appeared in the movie) with which I was personally familiar.
I hope that someone, somewhere has a copy of this delightful movie safely stored away, and that one day, it will find itself re-released for those who enjoy a light, but entertaining movie, and a fine example of Australian film making.
The film revolves around a nickel mine scam, set in Western Australia. There are a number of squabbles between various participants, each eager to lay their hands on the cash, and a number of very amusing scenes and characters. One of which, and one which has firmly lodged itself in my mind, is that of a topless girl diving into a swimming pool!
At the time of the movies screening I lived in Perth, Western Australia. I remember how startled I was to see places and people (several WA politicians appeared in the movie) with which I was personally familiar.
I hope that someone, somewhere has a copy of this delightful movie safely stored away, and that one day, it will find itself re-released for those who enjoy a light, but entertaining movie, and a fine example of Australian film making.
A time capsule from the early 70s mining boom
PeterM2717 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The presence of British film star Googie Withers gives some interest and dynamism to this tale of the WA mining boom, which is laden down with 60s clichés of society glamour and the hippy phenomenon.
Withers plays a wiley pub-owner who, acting on a rumour, pegs out a mining claim in the middle of a piece of land that Benson Mining planned to claim. Mr Benson is forced to pay her $100,000 for her claim, on the proviso that she help promote the proposed mine, and he wines and dines her at all the best places in Perth where she gets to meet what passes for Perth society.
At the same time a bunch of hippies moves into Mirribilli's crumbling station, spouting nonsense about peace and love, smoking pot and dancing to psychedelic music. The hippies are led by a tall mysterious 'guru', oddly played by conservative radio-announcer John Laws in a false wig and beard. The guru follows Meg to Perth to try and con her out of some 'bread', thus revealing the hippy movement to be a bunch of cynical conmen.
The Premier of WA and some of his ministers make an appearance in the film, as does Ed Devereux as the honest geologer who exposes Benson's stock-market hijinks.
The film is entertaining in parts, but is a bit of a mess, put together by some expat Australians from London with finance provided by WA entrepreneurs who wanted their great state to appear in a feature film. Though of some interest for its look at bits of Perth during the mining boom, the film looks very dated.
Withers plays a wiley pub-owner who, acting on a rumour, pegs out a mining claim in the middle of a piece of land that Benson Mining planned to claim. Mr Benson is forced to pay her $100,000 for her claim, on the proviso that she help promote the proposed mine, and he wines and dines her at all the best places in Perth where she gets to meet what passes for Perth society.
At the same time a bunch of hippies moves into Mirribilli's crumbling station, spouting nonsense about peace and love, smoking pot and dancing to psychedelic music. The hippies are led by a tall mysterious 'guru', oddly played by conservative radio-announcer John Laws in a false wig and beard. The guru follows Meg to Perth to try and con her out of some 'bread', thus revealing the hippy movement to be a bunch of cynical conmen.
The Premier of WA and some of his ministers make an appearance in the film, as does Ed Devereux as the honest geologer who exposes Benson's stock-market hijinks.
The film is entertaining in parts, but is a bit of a mess, put together by some expat Australians from London with finance provided by WA entrepreneurs who wanted their great state to appear in a feature film. Though of some interest for its look at bits of Perth during the mining boom, the film looks very dated.
Fantastic Film!
gemma699613 September 2014
Terrific movie- best I've seen in a while. My dad pays a major role in this movie. His first scene is him drinking beer in a pub laughing. He is then shown again in the credits dancing with a pineapple on his head. I can't believe I am a daughter of a movie star. Incredible film-one I will see again and again. Must see! Can't recommend this movie enough Loved it!
Terrific movie- best I've seen in a while. My dad pays a major role in this movie. His first scene is him drinking beer in a pub laughing. He is then shown again in the credits dancing with a pineapple on his head. I can't believe I am a daughter of a movie star. Incredible film-one I will see again and again. Must see! Can't recommend this movie enough Loved it!
Terrific movie- best I've seen in a while. My dad pays a major role in this movie. His first scene is him drinking beer in a pub laughing. He is then shown again in the credits dancing with a pineapple on his head. I can't believe I am a daughter of a movie star. Incredible film-one I will see again and again. Must see! Can't recommend this movie enough Loved it!
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