Fran (film)
| Fran | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Glenda Hambly |
| Produced by | David Rapsey |
| Written by | Glenda Hambly |
| Starring |
Noni Hazlehurst Annie Byron Alan Fletcher |
| Music by | Greg Schultz |
| Cinematography | Jan Kenny |
| Edited by | Tai Tang Thien |
| Distributed by | Barron Films |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 98 minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Budget | A$700,000[1] |
| Box office | A$111,903 |
Fran is a 1985 Australian film directed by Glenda Hambly, with Noni Hazlehurst in the title role. Fran is a mother who abandons her children in favour of a romantic life after her husband leaves her. It was filmed in Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Plot
Fran (Noni Hazlehurst) is a likeably vivacious but irresponsible mother of three children, each from a different relationship. She is a product of the welfare system and several foster homes, and of an alcoholic mother and a father she never knew. Passionate about protecting her children from the community welfare authorities, whom she paints as the enemy, she nevertheless fails to do so.
Fran's own self-esteem requires a man in her life and, after the violent end of one relationship, she desperately picks up Jeff (Alan Fletcher), a wayward barman. To secure her relationship with Jeff, she holidays with him, deserting her children, who become wards of the state. It is claimed that Jeff has sexually interfered with Fran's eldest daughter, Lisa (Narelle Simpson).
Awards
Fran was nominated for an AFI Awards in three categories (Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Director, Best Film). It won AFI Awards in the Best Actress in a Lead Role (Noni Hazlehurst), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Annie Byron) and Best Original Screenplay (Glenda Hambly) categories.
Cast
- Noni Hazlehurst as Fran
- Annie Byron as Marge
- Alan Fletcher as Jeff
- Narelle Simpson as Lisa
- Travis Ward as Tom
- Rosie Logie as Cynthia
- Danny Adcock as Ray
- Steve Jodrell as Michael Butlin
- Penny Brown as Sally Aspinal
- Faith Clayton as Waigani Supervisor
Production
Glenda Hambly was commissioned by the Western Australia Department for Community Services to make a film about the problems of a single mother and she convinced them to let her make it as a drama. The producers pre-sold the movie to Channel Seven and it was made as a telemovie but was released theatrically.[1]
Box office
Fran grossed $111,903 at the box office in Australia.[2]
See also
References
- 1 2 David Stratton, The Avocado Plantation: Boom and Bust in the Australian Film Industry, Pan MacMillan, 1990; p.371
- ↑ Film Victoria - Australian Films at the Australian Box Office
Further reading
- Murray, Scott, ed. (1994). Australian Cinema. St.Leonards, NSW.: Allen & Unwin/AFC. p. 252. ISBN 1-86373-311-6.
External links
- Fran at the Internet Movie Database