Movie spotlight
A Place to Call Home
Sam Gavin decides to relocate his family from Houston, Texas to a sheep station in Australia to protect his eleven children from the "destructive influences" of modern American society. Because of business obligations, he fails to join them and, more or less, abandons his wife, Liz, to the hardships of her new surroundings. Mother and children are determined to make a go of it.
Insights
Plot Summary
An antique dealer finds himself caught between his business, a new love, and a woman from his past. He is tasked with selling a valuable antique clock that belonged to a client, which leads to a series of humorous and dramatic encounters. His personal life becomes entangled as he navigates relationships and the ethical dilemmas presented by the clock's ownership.
Critical Reception
A Place to Call Home received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While some appreciated the performances of the lead actors, particularly Jack Lemmon, others found the plot to be somewhat contrived and lacking the sharp wit often associated with Blake Edwards' earlier works. The film struggled to find a significant audience upon its release.
What Reviewers Say
Praiseworthy performances from Jack Lemmon and Shelley Long.
Plot often feels uneven and predictable.
Lacks the comedic brilliance of Edwards' past films.
Google audience: Audience reviews are sparse, but those available suggest a sentiment of mild enjoyment, often citing the lead actors as the primary draw. However, many also noted that the film did not live up to expectations for a Blake Edwards production.
Fun Fact
Shelley Long was originally cast in the role that eventually went to Cher, but scheduling conflicts led to her departure, and Long was then cast in Long's original role.
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