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Because He's My Friend
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Wikipedia article
'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.Ed. Scott Murray, 'Australia on the Small Screen 1970-1995', Oxford Uni Press, 1996 p12
It was also known as 'Love Under Pressure'.
This was the final film of veteran American director Ralph Nelson.
Plot
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.
Cast
* Karen Black as Anne
* Keir Dullea as Eric
* Jack Thompson as Geoff
* Tom Oliver as Ian
*Barbara Stephens
*June Salter
*Warwick Poulsen as Petey
Production
Ralph Nelson signed to direct in July.FILM CLIPS: Chabrol Will Direct Sutherland
Kilday, Gregg. Los Angeles Times 18 July 1977: f11.
Shooting took place in Sydney starting August 15 through to October 1977 over six weeks. 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.
Jack Thompson filmed his scenes while on a break shooting his role in 'The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith'.
Reception
The critic from the 'Sydney Morning Herald' said the character of the son was "winning and repulsive at the same time."
Another reviewer for the same paper called it " warm, touching and utterly honest... a darned good movie, and its climax will not disappoint you. "
Warwick Poulsen's performance earned him a Logie for Best Performance by a Juvenile.
References
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