Internationally renown opera star, Dame Joan Sutherland was asked to play the part of Mum Rudd. She did a very convincing job of playing the bush toughened matriarch.
Leo McKern had spent many years in Great Britain and was famous for his role in the TV series, Rumpole of the Bailey, where he played a rough and ready English barrister. Fortunately, the Australian born actor, soon let loose with the typical Aussie accent and slang required for his part as Dad Rudd. McKern's gruff style and portly figure suited the part perfectly.
The movie was made to honor Australia's centenary of film and cinema.
Final film of Joan Sutherland.