Between Wars

An ambitious film about the fortunes of a progressive psychiatrist at three points in time across three decades: the 1920s, 30s and 40s. The strong script and structure make up for the variable acting. If you've watched Australian television in the last 25 years, you will recognise every member of the cast!

An interesting film, and a good example of how historical drama can be very engaging.

Frank Moorhouse was a successful writer of contemporary short stories in the 1970s, but his screenwriting efforts were less successful. This film was made early in the revival of Australian cinema in the 70s, and that is its main significance.

Despite having a good cast, including international actors Corin Redgrave and Gunter Meisner, as well as high-profile local actors, led by Judy Morris and Arthur Dignam, the film is something of a sprawling mess.

The film touches on the significance of war, the birth of psychiatry, and the conflict between left-wing unions and right-wing militias in the 1930s, but these end up as background in the rather dull life of a family doctor who blunders his way through war, family life, and work for two decades, while occasionally dabbling in psychiatry without achieving much.

The film lacks Moorhouse's insights into human character that make his books so interesting.