mpm1958

Self-indulgent tripe, punctuated by inane, puerile discussion of absolute rubbish. I was really looking forward to this show ... but to say that it disappoints is the understatement of the century. Micallef is an intelligent, perceptive, articulate man who could do so much better than this. If anybody who hadn't seen any of Micallef's other works watched this 'cold' they would dismiss it and turn it off within minutes. It feels like Micallef and ABC are just trading off Micallef's previously good reputation to get people to watch this complete dross. What a dreadful waste of time, talent and money.

Every moment of this short film kept me riveted. At first, I was nervous that it might try to deal with too many issues and sub-plots but my fears were completely unfounded. It was beautifully scripted and the actors played their parts confidently and convincingly. Sets and costumes were authentic and the musical score worked beautifully to support every scene.

For about 105 minutes, I was taken back to Melbourne in 1969, when archaic laws dictated that a pregnant woman didn't have the right to choose what happened to her and when corrupt Police not only turned a blind eye to backyard abortionists but actually encouraged them...for a fee.

The film reminded me that our society needs people like Bertram Wainer, who have the courage to speak out, regardless of the cost to themselves, when others are too scared.

The original novel was a best-seller in its day. This screen adaptation was about as convincing as a junior high school production. Nothing seemed to work ... accents were inconsistent and inaccurate, delivery was appalling, script was poorly constructed. Sets, costumes, sound, make-up and lighting were ridiculously caricatured. At times it seemed as if the whole thing were supposed to be some sort of joke. I kept waiting for a punchline which never arrived. As it progressed, I felt more and more uncomfortable and acutely embarrassed that overseas viewers might think that we're actually proud of material such as this.

It's hard to understand how such a talented group of Australian actors could put their names to such amateurish rubbish.

Such a disappointment!