Robbery Under Arms (1985)
Fourth adaptation and first made for television of the classic Australian bushranger novel "Robbery Under Arms" by Rolf Boldrewood. Made by the South Australian Film Corporation during the mini-series boom of the 1980s and lensed in the Flinders Ranges, it stars Sam Neill as the infamous Captain Starlight.
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Reviews
Sorry, this movie sucks
Let's be realistic.
If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
SPOILER ALERT- Unlike the 1957 Jack Lee Directed Rank "ROBBERY UNDER ARMS" which safely qualifies as an Australian Western through the superficial Americanisation of the Capn Starlight Character as then portrayed by Peter Finch(ie the clothes and stetson style hat and revolver; the way the bank hold up is portrayed) indicate what was then contemporary Western influence on that particular film, The 1985 film is a through-going Bushranger film which has links to a separate Aussie film tradition equally as old as Porters The Great Train Robbery, for the earliest Bushranger film, following different conventions The Kelly Gang came out in Ausralia round the same time. SPOILLER ALERT- The cattle drive of stolen cattle and sale in Adelaide is based on actual events when a rogue by the name of Harry Redford did the selfsame thing. This 1985 release of Robbery Under Arms is a fairly entertaining cut- down version of a TV miniseries for cinema release. Betraying its TV origins the editing and acting are not particularly adventurous tho Sam Neill does an exceptionally fine turn as Starlight SPOILER ALERT -Is Starlight a disgraced member of the Royal family or Aristocracy who has fallen out with his Class?.SPOILER ALERT As an Aussie its refreshing to hear Aussie idiom without demure as it is in this movie.
I never have been a big fan of westerns, but this movie quickly became a favorite! The fact that it is presented from the point-of-view of the "bad" guy, creates an interesting perspective. I do enjoy this movie immensely, and this is partly why. By the end of the film, I found myself sympathizing with the "bad" characters, despite the fact that they were thieves and cheaters. The plot was simple, but didn't need more. I did find some parts of the film unique. This is refreshing in a time when movies are so often alike. If you are looking for a movie that's good fun, and solidly acted, this is the movie for you! Even if you don't like westerns!