Alexander Cann Movies
- 1971
This futuristic political drama stars Joe James as the Australian minister of defense. In seeking a military alliance with Asia, James is thwarted by his antiwar son Gerard Maguire. The film's "generation gap" seems to be its sole raison d'etre, and as such the story seems terribly antiquated when seen today (and difficult to follow, thanks to the actors' thick regional accents). Still, The Demonstrator was an important stepping stone in the revitalization of the long-dormant Australian film industry. Scripter Kit Denton adapted the film from an original story by Elizabeth Campbell and Don Campbell. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Ned Kelly (Mick Jagger) is the legendary outlaw of the Australian outback sought by authorities for stealing horses. At age 20, Ned has already served a three-year prison term at hard labor. When Ned's mother (Clarissa Kaye) is arrested and jailed on a bogus murder charge, Ned offers to surrender in exchange for his mother's freedom. When the authorities refuse, the Kelly brothers go on a robbing rampage. Cornered by the law in a saloon, Ned's brothers commit suicide rather than be taken alive. Shel Silverstein wrote the music performed by Waylon Jennings, Jagger and Glen Tomasetti. Australian folk songs are also included in this story taken from a popular 19th-century ballad. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Allan, Claire Balmford, (more)
- 1952
Besotted by alcohol, Australian cattle-station owner Michael McGuire (Finlay Currie) is led to believe that crooked gambler Richard Connor (Peter Lawford) is his long-lost son. Connor and his partner-in-crime Gamble (Richard Boone) go along with the gag, convincing McGuire's daughter Dell (Maureen O'Hara) that they've arrived to help the old man save his livestock, when in fact they're planning a major swindle. The scheme goes awry when Connor falls genuinely in love with Dell. The arrival of mounted policeman Leonard (Chips Rafferty) sets the ball rolling for an onslaught of violence, renunciation and redemption. Vividly filmed on location in Australia, Kangaroo was remade in Africa as The Jackals in 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Maureen O'Hara, Peter Lawford, (more)
