marcslope
Absolutely lovely movie, leisurely, diverting, full of character, in dazzling Technicolor, featuring beautiful Australian locations and a perfect Dmitri Tiomkin score. But first and foremost, a study of an imperfect but very worth-maintaining marriage. Watch how Mitchum and Kerr (who had enjoyed working together on "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison") react to each other, their body language alone speaking volumes, their eyes speaking more. Their accents are secure, too, and Michael Anderson, Jr., as their son, is no cloying kid actor but a real actor, natural and intuitive and quite believably their progeny. No real villains in this one and not a great deal of story, but a gorgeous series of set pieces, touching and winsome. A full meal.
speedysteve
Being an Aussie I was pretty annoyed at some of the reviews in here by Australians. I think you have to be of a certain vintage to appreciate the life of the Australian drover. This was an occupation of former days. Both my grandfathers did it. Not with their families but they took to the road when they needed the work. A nomadic life is what many Australians had to endure as unlike what most people might think, Australians were mostly a poor lot of people with simple comforts. I do believe that Fred Zimmerman has done a brilliant job in capturing a moment in time with the Carmody family. This is my favorite Robert Mitchum movie. His accent was great. The best I have ever heard for an American. Very believable is his character. Deborah Kerr is like many women I once knew. She was also brilliant. I love looking at the scenery to see the beautiful countryside near where I live before it became fenced off with barbed wire everywhere. Great movie, definitely worth watching.
kenjha
A couple and their teen-aged son roam the Australian outback in the 1920s. Kerr and Mitchum, in the second of the three times the pair teamed up over a four-year period, work well together and provide the star power. Ustinov can deliver droll lines with the best of them. Add in location cinematography under the direction of veteran Zinnemann and everything is there for a sure-fire winner. A key ingredient missing, however, is a compelling story. It's all very pleasant watching the stars interact with the locals, including Johns, Merrill, koala bears, kangaroos, and sheep (lots of sheep), but there is little in the way of plot to sustain interest, especially at a running time exceeding two hours.
beresfordjd
This movie is an underrated classic. I saw this as a avid movie-going kid of about 12-more years ago than I want to go into here-and I remember it as impressing me with Australia as a place I wanted to visit. I still have not been yet but one day.... The performances in this film are uniformly great. Mitchum and Kerr always had sexual chemistry on screen and it works to their advantage in this. Peter Ustinov is as solid as ever and all the supporting players (mostly real Aussies) add to the atmosphere of the movie. It is a small story told over a long and leisurely couple of hours but it never bores and is totally engrossing. You really believe these people. It is a great pity it was ignored by the award givers of the time. Both Mitchum and Kerr should have received recognition for their work in this. It is odd that two of my favourite films (this and The Nun's Story) were directed by Fred Zinneman, a fine director. You should see it if you can - I intend to find it on DVD and keep it forever. It is a heartwarmer - not in the sickly, sentimental way, but a movie with genuine warmth and human interest.
AD
