Tom Oliver Movies
- 1987
- R
Harry Ironmaster (Rupert Everett) is an aristocratic and wealthy young man, which in his time and place should put him pretty much on top of the world. However, he is responsible for a horse-drawn coach accident in which his father is killed and he himself loses an arm. Not only that, but his favored pastime of horse-riding is no longer possible for him. His girlfriend, the doctor's daughter, wants to draw him out of his depression, but nothing seems to help. Harry's low state begins to lift when he makes friends with Ned, the very capable driver of a local express coach to Sydney. They are both aware that trains will soon replace these huge wagons, and Ned agrees to work for Harry. This costume drama boasts some beautiful cinematography, and is based on a best-selling novel by Kathleen Peyton. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rupert Everett, Hugo Weaving, (more)
- 1981
Still another Australian soap opera from the busy firm of Crawford Productions, Holiday Island debuted Down Under in June 1981. The titular Island was a run-down vacation resort, supervised by Neil and Angela Scott (Nick Tate, Caz Lederman). Despite their strenuous efforts to make a going concern of the resort, Neil and Angela were usually sabotaged by the larcenous business schemes of Neil's brother Jason (Steven Grimes). In true Love Boat fashion, the series featured a number of colorful supporting actors cast as the hotel's staff, and also boasted an impressive guest-star list, comprised of British and Australian TV and movie favorites. Rushed into production to replace the failed continuing drama Bellamy, Holiday Island was filmed on location in Melbourne. After the series ran its 64-episode course, its enormous standing set was reconverted into a genuine suburban housing complex. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nick Tate, Stephen Grives, (more)
- 1978
Because He's My Friend was directed for Australian television by American TV veteran Ralph Nelson. Karen Black and Keir Dullea play the parents of a mentally retarded teenager (superbly played by Warwick Poulson). The boy's condition effects the marriage both adversely and positively. The film takes on a happier aura when a normal teenager becomes the handicapped boy's close friend. Because He's My Friend is an effective companion piece to the like-vintage Australian TV movie Tim, as well as the 1977 ABC Afterschool Special presentation Hewitt's Just Different. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
ABBA, the spirited Swedish pop-singing group who skyrocketed to fame with their 1974 single "Waterloo," star in this loosely constructed vehicle. The story involves the efforts of a diligent DJ to secure an interview with the group while they're on tour in Australia. Eighteen of ABBA's hits are heard on the soundtrack and seen in grainy 16 mm concert footage, shot in March 1977. ABBA: The Movie was thus filmed some five years prior to the group's breakup. The film's director was Sweden's Lasse Hallström, who later gained infamy for his arthouse success My Life as a Dog (1985). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Hughes, Björn Ulvaeus, (more)
- 1974
A popular Australian soap opera provides the basis of this melodrama. No. 96 is the name of an apartment building. In each flat there is a story, these stories, like neighbors, are soon intertwined into a tangled skein emotion, intrigue, betrayal, and lust. Fortunately everything is all straightened out at the end. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1971
In this drama, a pub owner who lives in the Australian outback stakes a claim to an area where nickel is found. An American company buys her out on the condition that she not sell her shares in the company for a year, giving the company head a chance to make false reports and overvalue the company's shares. The pub owner lives it up with a gigolo for a while before settling down with a long-time admirer. ~ Steve Huey, All Movie Guide
