Original classification rating: PG.
This clip chosen to be PG
Clip description
In flashback, little Harvey (Nicholas O’Brien) listens to his grandfather (Graham Dow) spin a tale about where babies come from. Back in the present day, Harvey’s grandfather has been incapacitated by a stroke. Harvey’s mother,Monica McHugh (Monica Maughan), chats to him as she tries to re-assemble a torn-up chain letter she believes is responsible for her new, unexpected pregnancy. Meanwhile The Minister (Philip Quast) films a commercial for his new political campaign – but the shoot is cut short by his sudden collapse. He wakes to find himself in the office of Dr Voysner (Ronald Falk).
Curator’s notes
This clip uses flashbacks to draw playful parallels between the lies that parents (and grandparents) tell to children and that politicians tell to their constituents. Meanwhile, Harvey’s mother superstitiously believes her failure to pass on a chain letter is responsible for her ‘bad luck’ in falling pregnant. Intercutting these scenes sets up parallels between belief systems and the ‘spin’ that can exist in all of them.
Philip Quast is deliciously oily as The Minister, oozing fake sincerity from every pore as he gives his self-serving speech. His delivery is so controlled that it comes as a genuine surprise when he collapses just as he is asking for the audience’s – what? The way the Minister’s aide rushes forward to clear the room suggests there is more to the Minister’s collapse than simple exhaustion, in keeping with the theme of lies and deception in the other scenes in this clip.
Thanks to the generosity of the rights holders, we are able to offer Baby oil from the television program The Damnation of Harvey McHugh – From Here to Maternity as a high quality video download.
To play the downloadable video, you need QuickTime 7.0, VLC, or similar.
You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before downloading the clip:
Downloadable Video – FOR EDUCATIONAL CRITICISM AND REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY
This clip is available for download for the limited purpose of criticism and review in an educational context. You must obtain permission from editorial@aso.gov.au for all other purposes for use of this material.
Terms & Conditions
australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described here and elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.
All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. ALL rights are reserved.
You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before downloading this clip:
When you access ABC materials on australianscreen you agree that:
- You may download this clip to assist your information, criticism and review purposes in conjunction with viewing this website only;
- Downloading this clip for purposes other than criticism and review is Prohibited;
- Downloading for purposes other than non-commercial educational uses is Prohibited;
- Downloading this clip in association with any commercial purpose is Prohibited;
The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.
ANY UNAUTHORISED USE OF MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY.
This clip is available in the following configurations:
| File name | Size | Quality | Suitability |
|
harveymc1_pr.mp4
|
Large: 14.9MB |
High |
Optimised for full-screen display on a fast computer. |
|
harveymc1_bb.mp4
|
Medium: 7.0MB |
Medium |
Can be displayed full screen. Also suitable for video iPods. |
Right-click on the links above to download video files to your computer.
Thanks to the generosity of the rights holders, we are able to offer this clip in an embeddable format for personal or non-commercial educational use in full form on your own website or your own blog.
You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before embedding the clip:
Downloadable Video – FOR EDUCATIONAL CRITICISM AND REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY
This clip is available for download for the limited purpose of criticism and review in an educational context. You must obtain permission from editorial@aso.gov.au for all other purposes for use of this material.
Terms & Conditions
australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described here and elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.
All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. ALL rights are reserved.
You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before downloading this clip:
When you access ABC materials on australianscreen you agree that:
- You may download this clip to assist your information, criticism and review purposes in conjunction with viewing this website only;
- Downloading this clip for purposes other than criticism and review is Prohibited;
- Downloading for purposes other than non-commercial educational uses is Prohibited;
- Downloading this clip in association with any commercial purpose is Prohibited;
The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.
ANY UNAUTHORISED USE OF MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY.
Copy and paste the following code into your own web page to embed this clip:
Share
