We of the Never Never *** (1982, Angela Punch McGregor, Arthur Dignam, Martin Vaughan, Lewis Fitz-Gerald, John Jarratt) – Classic Movie Review 10,841

Director Igor Auzins’s 1982 Australian biographical drama film We of the Never Never stars Angela Punch McGregor, who gives a fine, subtle, layered performance as an Aussie town lass, Jeannie Gunn, who goes to live with her new husband Aeneas Gunn (Arthur Dignam) on a farm in the middle of the Outback.

We of the Never Never is an engrossing and often rousing and touching evocation of Australia at the turn-of-the-last-century and early feminism in a film that looks mighty pretty, though the length (134 minutes) and pace require a little patience. It is stirring as the story of one woman’s survival and triumph, and discovery of love, in a hostile environment.

Peter Schreck’s screenplay is based on the memoirs of pioneer, Mrs Aeneas Gunn, aka Jeannie Gunn OBE (1870-1961). Although titled A Novel, the book, published in 1908, is a re-creation of actual events. It became an Australian classic, and was used in schools, and was translated into other languages, including German.

Also in the cast are Martin Vaughan, Lewis Fitz-Gerald, John Jarratt, Tony Barry, Danny Adcock, Dayle Alison, Donald Blitner, John Cameron, Christine Conway, Sarah Craig, Jenni Cunningham, Brian Granrott, Fincina Hopgood, George Jadarku, Kim Chiu Kok, Sally McKenzie, Tex Morton, Cecil Parkee, Ray Pattison, Jessie Roberts, Lise Rodgers, Sibina Willy and Mawuyul Yanthalawu.

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 10,841

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