Dangerous Remedy (2012)

In 1969, Dr Bertram Wainer is called out to tend to a young woman dying as a result of a backyard abortion. When an angry Wainer investigates the illegal abortion racket, it leads him into ... See full summary »

Director:

Ken Cameron

Writers:

Bertram Wainer (book), Kris Wyld

Stars:

Jeremy Sims, Susie Porter, Maeve Dermody

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeremy Sims	...	Bertram Wainer
Susie Porter	...	Peggy Berman
Maeve Dermody	...	Jo Wainer
Mark Leonard Winter	...	Lionel Pugh
Peter O'Brien	...	Barry Smith
William McInnes	...	Jack Ford
Nicholas Bell	...	Dr. Troup
Gary Sweet	...	Matthews
Chris Haywood	...	Sir Arthur Rylah
Caroline Craig	...	Barbara Wainer
Nicole Freeman	...	Felice Wainer
Cameron Heine	...	Dirk Wainer
Calen MacKenzie	...	Rory Wainer (as Calen McKenzie)
Elliott Michael Smith	...	Sean Wainer (as Elliott Smith)
Emily Wheaton	...	Bonnie McGregor

Storyline

In 1969, Dr Bertram Wainer is called out to tend to a young woman dying as a result of a backyard abortion. When an angry Wainer investigates the illegal abortion racket, it leads him into the dark and murky world of criminals, paranoid doctors who operate illegally, and desperate women. Passionate, courageous and flawed, Wainer launched a campaign that both challenged and changed our society.

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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Showed how the laws regarding abortion were changed in Victoria, after many would die during a "backyard abortion" police failed to act and arrested many doctors for performing them in safe settings.

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Goofs

It's set in 1969, but the kitchen has a 1988-vintage Telecom push-button wall phone and similar era range-hood. The laminex and cupboard handles are similarly dated.

User Reviews

Grippping story let down by clunky script

This is a powerful piece of film making on a very important story which could have been great. Unfortunately, it falls into the trap that seems to be a bit of a pitfall for many dramatisations of real events - the dialogue is overused for exposition. One can only assume that this sometimes makes realistic delivery of the scripted lines too much for actors and director alike.

It also tends towards hagiography in drawing Dr Wainer's character, despite making a few lacklustre attempts to paint him as flawed.

These quibbles aside, the acting is mostly very strong, particularly Susie Porter and William McInnes, and the overall pacing and direction is first rate. It's a story that should be told, and you walk away from this film exhausted by the gripping tension that has been created.

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 November 2012 (Australia)

Also Known As:

A Dangerous Woman

Filming Locations:

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Company Credits

Production Co:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Eclipse Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Color:

Color