Dad and Dave: On Our Selection (1995) Online

A superb dramatisation of a small classic of Australian literature with an outstanding cast of actors who effortlessly portray their characters.

Definitely not a film for the ignorant US teenager who neither knows nor cares that there is a world beyond the U.S. and history as well. For those with more open minds and some curiousity about the world, and who are ready for a good laugh about human foibles, this is a very entertaining romp.

Incidentally, if it hasn't been mentioned elsewhere, Dame Joan Sutherland who plays Mother in this, is one of the world's greatest operatic sopranos. Her career spanned over 30 years and she was the undisputed coloratura soprano of her time. This film is just a little something she knocked up in her retirement!

This film was a delight to anyone that has watched Australian Cinema from the days before commercialism. To not borrow from my native vernacular, because it can offend, it pokes fun at itself - a humour north Americans will find a little difficult to figure out. If you don't go looking for anything serious, you'll find this film a little uncut gem.

Leo McKern is simply a delight, with borrowed glimpses of Rumpole. Dame Joan is wooden, but obviously draws some benefit from her staged-operatic experiences.

Barry Otto has played better roles, but is well suited to the almost dodgy conservative and Noah Taylor and Geoff Rush team up again and play very funny parts. If you're Australian or a Brit you'll probably like this film in spades, if you're an American, you'd probably not get it apart from the fact that the Australian actors speak good English. PS humour has a u in it - OK!

Great movie defiantly worth seeing more than once. I think you have to watch it with your tongue in your cheek but that Doesn't mean it isn't a movie with soul, it is. But it is essentially a

Comedy and is very much a Australian humour

For anyone outside of Australia, this movie will seem a little bit corny and old school. Possibly along similar lines to the old Ma & Pa Kettle movies. Most Aussies will know this story though, it's based on characters created by author, Steele Rudd. His books are considered folk law classics. The books, and this movie, are based around the Rudd family. The Rudds moved out into the remote Queensland bush in the early 1900's, to build a home and farm the land. These farms were known as selections. The stories relate to the trials and tribulations they endured on their bit of land. What makes this movie work is the principal actors... Leo McKern (Dad), Dame Joan Sutherland (Mum), Geoffrey Rush (Dave), Noah Taylor (Joe), Ray Barrett (Dwyer)and several other top performers that fit the bill perfectly. A lot of effort was put in to make this movie look good. The set design is first class. Any, non-Australian viewer, will be at a bit of a loss to understand some of the Aussie slang used, but the visuals will smooth over any confusion. It is really Leo McKern's portrayal of Dad Rudd that makes this so enjoyable. He is a grumpy, feisty dreamer, who is forever the optimist that things will get better. Whilst Mum Rudd is the cement that endeavors to keep it all together. Dave is the loose cannon of the family... Geoffrey Rush plays him to the max. A fun movie the entire family will enjoy... like the movie promo says..."Cripes..what this country needs is a bloody good laugh"

I love movies of whatever age and genre. I saw Dad and Dave as I love Joan Sutherland(one of the greatest singers of the 20th century in my opinion), I have loved Leo McKern since Rumpole of the Bailey and I wanted to check out other stuff he has done and I am fond of Geoffrey Rush too.

This is a lovely and very well scripted movie, and it is a real shame that it is rated so low. The film does look wonderful with the scenery especially striking and the photography and costumes are lovingly evoked, and the title song is both catchy and memorable.

The story makes me warm and cuddly inside, and the script is funny and very well-written. I also love the bit where Jack goes nuts. Leo McKern(with a very infectious laugh) and Geoffrey Rush are brilliant and teamed together ideally, and Joan Sutherland is equally delightful.

All in all, an Australian classic. 10/10 Bethany Cox