Dangerous Remedy

TV Movie
2012
1h 50m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

In 1969, Dr. Bertram Wainer is called out to tend to a young woman dying as a result of a backyard abortion. When an angry Wainer investigates the illegal-abortion racket, it leads him into ... Read allIn 1969, Dr. Bertram Wainer is called out to tend to a young woman dying as a result of a backyard abortion. When an angry Wainer investigates the illegal-abortion racket, it leads him into the dark and murky world of criminals, paranoid doctors who operate illegally, and despera... Read allIn 1969, Dr. Bertram Wainer is called out to tend to a young woman dying as a result of a backyard abortion. When an angry Wainer investigates the illegal-abortion racket, it leads him into the dark and murky world of criminals, paranoid doctors who operate illegally, and desperate women. Passionate, courageous, and flawed, Wainer launched a campaign that both challen... Read all

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

139

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 2 nominations total

Photos10

+ 5

User reviews4

6.8139

Featured reviews

3Greg%

Disappointing

This story is very important and should be told. Loudly and clearly.

Unfortunately this film stumbles over its own feet in a directorial 'artistic' rush that detracts greatly from the narrative thrust.

Clarity is lost when the viewer sees 'production' and not the story.

Quite often I was wondering why the director had put plants or beads or planks of wood (twice) in front of the action rather than being enthralled with the story.

Much of the dialogue is stilted towards shallow melodrama rather than simply (engagingly) moving the story forward.

The actors are all very (very!) good at their craft and its sad to see them have to work with a script and director that make them awkwardly overact.

Tell it simply Tell it true. This film fails to do so.

7sshan5

Grippping story let down by clunky script

This is a powerful piece of film making on a very important story which could have been great. Unfortunately, it falls into the trap that seems to be a bit of a pitfall for many dramatisations of real events - the dialogue is overused for exposition. One can only assume that this sometimes makes realistic delivery of the scripted lines too much for actors and director alike.

It also tends towards hagiography in drawing Dr Wainer's character, despite making a few lacklustre attempts to paint him as flawed.

These quibbles aside, the acting is mostly very strong, particularly Susie Porter and William McInnes, and the overall pacing and direction is first rate. It's a story that should be told, and you walk away from this film exhausted by the gripping tension that has been created.

6phaserphil80

Hard viewing.

I can be one of those people to sit and watch a TV movie like this but it got the best of me 15 minutes in.

9mpm1958

Gripping and Inspirational

Every moment of this short film kept me riveted. At first, I was nervous that it might try to deal with too many issues and sub-plots but my fears were completely unfounded. It was beautifully scripted and the actors played their parts confidently and convincingly. Sets and costumes were authentic and the musical score worked beautifully to support every scene.

For about 105 minutes, I was taken back to Melbourne in 1969, when archaic laws dictated that a pregnant woman didn't have the right to choose what happened to her and when corrupt Police not only turned a blind eye to backyard abortionists but actually encouraged them...for a fee.

The film reminded me that our society needs people like Bertram Wainer, who have the courage to speak out, regardless of the cost to themselves, when others are too scared.

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Trivia
Showed how the laws regarding abortion were changed in Victoria, after many would die during a "backyard abortion" police failed to act and arrested many doctors for performing them in safe settings.

Goofs
It's set in 1969, but the kitchen has a 1988-vintage Telecom push-button wall phone and similar era range-hood. The laminex and cupboard handles are similarly dated.