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Clip description
Frank (Leo McKern) is convalescing back in Port Douglas, with Frances (Julia Blake) in the role of servant, because he is forbidden to exert himself. When he criticises her children back in Melbourne for the umpteenth time, Frances tells him some home truths. She calls him a rude, despotic old bully and leaves the next day for Melbourne.
Curator’s notes
The eye patch is a nice touch, giving Frank the look of an old pirate in a tropical shirt. The mention of the despotic Tarquin, the king of Rome who is supposed to have raped Lucretia, a virtuous wife, is also an elaborate kind of joke. Frank thinks himself superior for knowing who Tarquin was, but he sees no connection between the legendary Tarquin and himself. It’s clear from Frances’s use of the word 'despot’ that she does. Lucretia killed herself after being despoiled; Frances takes a more practical and directly self-preserving action – she leaves him, at least until he comes to his senses.
