Sunday Too Far Away (Ken Hannam, 1975, Australia)
Running time: 94 minutes
Classic Australiana in this story of a sheep-shearing season in 1950s country New South Wales. There are a couple of gratuitously cinematic touches - notably the pretty cocky's daughter and Jack Thompson's teary turn - but the original screenplay by former newspaper police roundsman and Crawford's writer (Homicide, Division 4, Matlock Police), John Dingwall, who based the story on the experiences of his brother-in-law, a "gun" shearer, lovingly and effectively depicts the social and economic bed of the myth of mateship. Thompson gives an excellent performance amongst a top cast of 70s names including Reg Lye who is outstanding as the alcoholic "Old Garth". The film was the first feature produced by the South Australian Film Corporation, established in 1972. Made on a budget of $300,000, the film was shot entirely on location near Port Augusta and Quorn in South Australia and used the same shearing shed used in the feature film, The Sundowners, 1959). Won Best Film, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 1974/75 Australian Film Awards. The film was also made history by being the first Australian film selected for the Director's Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival. BH