Tim (film)
Tim is a 1979 Australian romantic drama film written, produced and directed by Michael Pate in his directorial debut. It stars Piper Laurie, Mel Gibson, Alwyn Kurts, Pat Evison, and Deborah Kennedy, and is based on the 1974 novel of the same name by Colleen McCullough.
Plot
Tim depicts a developing relationship between Mary Horton, an independent older, educated and wealthy American woman, and Tim Melville, a handsome, developmentally impaired 24-year-old builder's labourer, whom she hires. Tim lives with his sister, Dawnie, who is a year older than he is, and their parents Ron and Emily. Dawnie marries her boyfriend, Mick Harrington. Dawnie and Mick make clear they dislike Mary and oppose her relationship with Tim, but do not state their reason for their feeling. Tim eventually marries Mary.Cast
- Piper Laurie as Mary Horton
- Mel Gibson as Tim Melville
- Alwyn Kurts as Ron Melville
- Pat Evison as Em Melville
- Peter Gwynne as Tom Ainsley
- Deborah Kennedy as Dawnie Melville
- David Foster as Mick Harrington
- Michael Caulfield as John Martinson
- Margo Lee as Mrs. Harrington
- James Condon as Mr. Harrington
- Ray Barrett as Man outside hotel
Production
Michael Pate first read the book in 1975 and was immediately taken by it. He optioned the screen rights to the book, wrote the screenplay, and decided to direct.Pate wanted the female lead played by an international actor and spoke with Deborah Kerr, Jean Simmons and Glenda Jackson. Jackson was interested but was not available until 1982 so Piper Laurie was cast instead. Funding came from the Australian Film Commission, the NSW Film Corporation, Greater Union and Channel Nine. Filming took six weeks in August and September 1978. Locations used include Palm Beach.
Release
Tim had its premiere on 13 July 1979 at GUO's Russell Cinemas, Melbourne and was released in Sydney on 21 September 1979.In an interview with the Sun-Herald on 20 September 1979, Pate said that the film had run for 12 weeks in Sydney.
On 1 April 1979, the Australian Classification Board announced that the film would receive a PG certificate rating. The film was originally released in the U.S. on 17 September 1981.