A Place to Call Home

This film seems to be missing the main motivation for its heroine. It is made clear throughout the film, particularly in the epilogue, that Linda Lavin's character is an extremely devout Catholic. She is raising her 11 children by herself in the Australian Outback while her husband is away-- money is short-- the children hate their new life on the ranch-- she has a surly ranch hand to contend with-- but you never see her praying, let alone gathering everyone 'round for the family rosary. Sure, she mentions she loves being pregnant, a veiled reference to her adherence to the Catholic Church's ban on artificial contraception, and a Catholic priest shows up occasionally as a family friend, but surely in real life this woman's spiritual life was so much richer. The only intense spiritual practice in this film is the aboriginal belief, immediately adopted by the children, that magical stones can make it rain.

It may have been a typical formula for Linda Lavin; a woman who sacrifices all for her children and has to stand up for herself against her neglectful husband, but 'A Place To Call Home' is nevertheless an interesting and involving story that took place in the early seventies. Both the culture shock of living in the Australian outback and the woman herself, who had numerous children and adopted others as well, are intriguing and do well to hold the attention. Lori Loughlin as the oldest daughter may be Hollywood beauty, but even she rebels against the unhappiness of the new life down under; yet there are children who do stand out and not inhabit the background who are not Hollywood beauties. Plus, there is no cliched interests like going to the mall or a concert. We are treated to the visits from a snake, the raising and unpredictability of sheep, and how involved the children get in their new environment. And rebellion is shown as a natural part of being a child, not put on a pedastol like in other movies.

Lavin delivers her usual work, no big surprises, Loughlin is a recognizeable face, Lane Smith as Lavin's husband Sam, appears at the end, and Robert MacNaughton, best known as the older brother in ET, towers over the other kids as a hyperactive teen, and Maggie Fitzgibbon works well as an Australian storekeeper who plays voice of reason to Lavin.

But the strongest player in this story is the story itself; the importance of sheep raising overwhelms everything else we are led to believe is important to a child. It is interesting to listen to the dialogue and observe the goings on at times as well, such as when Fitzgibbon and Lavin are talking, and at Christmastime. When Smith does arrive, he is now the outsider of this delightful situation. It really is a shame to see this saga end, but then we are treated to where all the children and the woman herself have gone to.

I grew up on a farm. We raised sheep, showed them in 4-H (as well as hogs and cattle). This movie is very authentic in how it handles the situations with the sheep and it is based on a true story! Also, when she swings the lamb over her head - - we have had to do that! What you are trying to do it get the lamb to breath and with the lamb having afterbirth all over it, yes it is slippery and could slip out of your hands this is just one of many life or death situations you come across when raising animals. It isn't easy but when you love animals, farming and truly enjoy it - you do what you have to do. Also, her hips wouldn't be wide because some of the children have been adopted. If you haven't seen this movie buy it. It is based on true to life experience, any mother can relate to it, they did an excellent job with this movie!

As noted below, this was somewhat familiar territory for Linda Lavin. She is an actress with very distinct mannerisms, and due to that I forgot she wasn't playing Alice yet again. Yet, she is also an actress of emotion and intensity, and she does her best with the material.

The movie veers between cornpone and genuine feeling. The children seem too good to be true; the Christmas sequence is particularly sugary. Only Matt and Michael are interesting in terms of individual personalities.

The only truly bad moment is when Linda has to fling an oxygen-deprived lamb around, and Michael magically catches it just as Linda accidentally lets it go. Very funny for all the wrong reasons.

The best reasons to watch are the first-rate supporting performances of Paul Cronin and Maggie Fitzgibbins as misogynistic ranch hand Bob Jakes and tough-but-fair shopkeeper Alva. They provide true color and flavor for the strange new land which locations alone could not. The movie sensibly avoids any type of romance for Bob and Linda's character, which gives their grudging friendship a greater depth.

hi, i have seen this movie "a place to call home" made in 1987 years ago and i just loved and enjoyed it!!! And i have been looking every where to find it but so far i haven't found anything. It is the best drama movie I've ever seen and i just want to be able to watch it again and enjoy it...

so if your no where i can find this movie please write me a comment saying where to find it and it doesn't matter if its second hand or anything, i just want it so badly!!!

thank you,

Melissa