| Burke & Wills | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Graeme Clifford |
| Produced by | Graeme Clifford, John Sexton |
| Written by | Michael Thomas |
| Starring | Jack Thompson Nigel Havers |
| Music by | Peter Sculthorpe |
| Cinematography | Russell Boyd |
| Editing by | Tim Wellburn |
| Distributed by | Hoyts Distribution |
| Release date(s) | 31 October 1985 (Australia) May 1986 (Cannes Film Festival) |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Budget | A$8,900,000 (estimated) |
| Box office | A$1,567,000 (Australia) |
Burke & Wills is a 1985 Australian adventure film directed by Graeme Clifford, starring Jack Thompson and Nigel Havers. The film is based on the true story of the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition across Australia.
The film follows the tragic expedition of Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills in their crossing of Australia's interior in 1860-1. The film's account of the story changes the expedition's ending by having the explorers actually reach the northern coast. This upbeat idea was vehemently criticised by Australian reviewers. The story was also filmed the same year as a comedy, Wills & Burke.[1]
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Burke and Wills are portrayed as bold but flawed figures. Burke is anxious to return to his sweetheart in Melbourne, and win fame and honor for himself in the 'race' across Australia. Wills is the consummate English gentleman and faithful follower to the end. Impressive Australian desert vistas help to build the dramatic tension as Burke's rash decisions come to a head.
At the 1986 AFI awards Burke & Wills received nominations in categories for Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Achievement in Sound and Best Original Music Score.[2]
The film premiered in Melbourne on 2 November 1985 before Prince Charles and Lady Diana; the first Australian Royal Premiere. It opened in other Australian cities on 7 November 1985, was shown at the 1986 Cannes Film Festival in May,[3] the Toronto Film Festival in September 1986 and was released worldwide in early 1986.
The movie was released on VHS Video in Australia by Charter Entertainment in 1987 and released in the USA on 26 October 1988 by Nelson Entertainment. A version on laserdisc was released in USA, (UPC: 08258902146). The movie has never been released on DVD.
Burke & Wills grossed $1,567,000 at the box office in Australia,[4] which is equivalent to $3,729,460 in 2009 dollars.