Spotswood [The Efficiency Expert] *** (1991, Anthony Hopkins, Ben Mendelsohn, Alwyn Kurts, Bruno Lawrence, Angela Punch McGregor, Daniel Wyllie, Toni Collette, Russell Crowe)

The 1991 Australian comedy drama film Spotswood [The Efficiency Expert] stars Anthony Hopkins as Errol Wallace, the 1960s time and motion efficiency expert called in to revitalise an unproductive Melbourne moccasin factory.

‘An everyday story about loyalty, betrayal, lust and footwear.’

Director Mark Joffe’s 1991 Australian comedy drama film Spotswood [The Efficiency Expert] stars Anthony Hopkins as Errol Wallace, the 1960s time and motion efficiency expert called in to revitalise an unproductive Melbourne moccasin factory, only to be won over by its old-style folkiness.

The predictable plot makes for an endearing film, well handled by TV director Joffe, who evokes memories of classic Ealing Studios comedy.

Hopkins looks as comfortable as an old shoe throughout this unashamedly simple, low-key gem, with top support from the Aussie co-stars, especially Ben Mendelsohn as Hopkins’s young helper Carey, Alwyn Kurts as Mr Ball, the affable owner of the company, Toni Collette (in her film debut) as Carey’s friend Wendy, and Russell Crowe as salesman Kim Barry.

Spotswood was retitled The Efficiency Expert in the US.

It premiered at the London Film Festival on 20 November 1991 and was released in Australia on 23 January 1992.

Mark Joffe went on to direct Cosi (1996), The Matchmaker (1997) and The Man Who Sued God (2001).

The cast

The cast are Anthony Hopkins as Errol Wallace, Ben Mendelsohn as Carey, Alwyn Kurts as Mr Ball, Bruno Lawrence as Carey’s Father Robert, John Walton as Jerry Finn, Rebecca Rigg as Cheryl Ball, Toni Collette as Wendy Robinson, Russell Crowe as Kim Barry, Angela Punch McGregor as Caroline Wallace, Daniel Wyllie as Frank Fletcher, John Flaus as Gordon, Gary Adams as Kevin, Jeff Truman as Ron, Toni Lamond as Mrs Lorna Ball, Jillian Murray as Carey’s mum Ophelia, and Lesley Baker as Carey’s aunt Gwen.

© Derek Winnert 2024 – Classic Movie Review 13,356

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