The lives of migrant laborers in early-20th century Australia are displayed with great thoughtfulness and care. The case for settling down and the case for remaining itinerant each have their appeal and their risks. The husband and wife at the center of the movie, portrayed by two of the best actors of the day, Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr, often disagree over these issues. Yet they do not shout at or belittle each other as so many film couples would in their place; instead, their shared experiences and mutual willingness to compromise have created a strong bond between them despite their different worldviews and aspirations. Their equal, loving partnership makes it easy for the audience to sympathize with both of their perspectives and to root for a conclusion that will satisfy them both. This is a beautiful, historically- and emotionally-intelligent movie with a top-shelf cast that includes Peter Ustinov, whose voice instantly brightens my day.

A couple and their teen-aged son roam the Australian outback in the 1920s. Kerr and Mitchum, in the second of the three times the pair teamed up over a four-year period, work well together and provide the star power. Ustinov can deliver droll lines with the best of them. Add in location cinematography under the direction of veteran Zinnemann and everything is there for a sure-fire winner. A key ingredient missing, however, is a compelling story. It's all very pleasant watching the stars interact with the locals, including Johns, Merrill, koala bears, kangaroos, and sheep (lots of sheep), but there is little in the way of plot to sustain interest, especially at a running time exceeding two hours.

I first saw this movie about 40 years ago, and was taken aback by a different Robert Mitchum than I had come to admire over the years. Though it may be trivial, I thought Robert Mitchum should have had top billing, not Deborah Kerr, but from what little I know about Mitchum, he didn't care in the least. I have admired and respected Deborah Kerr over the years, but Robert Mitchum was very overpowering as Paddy. This story about an Australian son, friend (Peter Ustinov), and the Carmody couple, Ide and Paddy, in a nomadic setting is very powerful. The director and producer of this film did a fine job of getting some of the wildlife on film indigenous to Australia. Though it was not a violent movie so often associated with Robert Mitchums' characters, it did contain a lot of action and ups and downs of life in the real world, which is experienced by most of us. Though a rather lengthy film, it was one in which I wanted to see more about the Carmody family of the 1920s. Great film, great acting, and wonderful filming.

Whoopie, BBC2 are showing "The Sundowners" .. i've seen this film so many times over the years ( I'm 48 now) .. It's a great matinée film for a Sunday afternoon, either this or FA Cup football..( Salisbury v Nottingham Forest) .. think i'll plump for Sundowners ,this film has such a cozy feel good atmosphere to it. Ustinov ,Mitcham,Kerr, and that little lad all give excellent performances. ..Ahhh memories!! i remember 1st seeing this film when i was about 8, kneeling in front of the black and white telly, Mum in the kitchen making us a Sunday roast, ( I'm having to pad this film description out as IMDb require at least 10 lines before they'll accept it) .. anyhoo, as i was saying, Mum cooking the Sunday roast, the smell of gravy wafting through into the living room, my brother playing with buttons on the floor ( he liked buttons, don't ask!). Anyhoo, hopefully this should be enough for now, bloody good film.