Because He's My Friend is a 1978 Australian TV movie about a married couple and their mentally disabled son. It was one of six telemovies made in Australia as co productions between ABC and Transatlantic Enterprises.[1]
Because He's My Friend | |
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Directed by | Ralph Nelson |
Written by | Peter Schreck |
Based on | Pamela Stone (story) |
Produced by | Geoffrey Daniels |
Starring | Keir Dullea Karen Black Jack Thompson Tom Oliver Ray Meagher |
Cinematography | Peter Hendry |
Edited by | Richard Francis-Bruce |
Music by | Peter Jones |
Production company | Transatlantic Enterprises |
Distributed by | ABC |
Release date | 1978 |
Running time | 90 minutes |
Country | Australia |
Language | English |
It was also known as Love Under Pressure.
This was the final film of veteran American director Ralph Nelson.
Eric, a Canadian naval officer serving with the Royal Navy is transferred to Australia for a submarine training exercise. He moves to Sydney with his wife Anne and their 12 year old mentally disabled son, Petey.
Anne takes her son to a special school, who encourage her to take a firmer line with her son. This results in a clash with Eric.
Ralph Nelson signed to direct in July.[2]
Shooting took place in Sydney starting August 15 through to October 1977 over six weeks.[3][4] Scenes were shot at Karonga House Special School in Epping in August. Permission had been obtained from the Subnormal Children's Welfare Association. The association was happy to co-operate because the activity of the film unit would be good therapy for children.[5]
Jack Thompson filmed his scenes while on a break shooting his role in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith.[6]
The critic from the Sydney Morning Herald said the character of the son was "winning and repulsive at the same time."[7]
Another reviewer for the same paper called it " warm, touching and utterly honest... a darned good movie, and its climax will not disappoint you. "[8]
Warwick Poulsen's performance earned him a Logie for Best Performance by a Juvenile.[9]
Films directed by Ralph Nelson | |
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