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Mail Order Bride (1984)

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Different worlds

This clip chosen to be PG

Clip description

Kev (Ray Meagher) complains that his dinner is cold and won’t give Ampy (Charito Ortiz) money for her mother. His mood is not improved when she implies criticism of his daily visits to the pub after work. This is nothing, however, compared to the rage that surfaces when Kev learns that Ampy has been to the Aboriginal town camp.

Curator’s notes

While racism is perhaps the major theme in this film, it is sexism that largely underlies this particular scene. Kev clearly dominates, his language condescending ('my little pet’) and controlling ('no wife of mine’s gunna…’). The imbalance in their relationship is subtly emphasised by the framing of the shot, with Kev filling most of the screen.

Ampy could be any white Australian woman trapped by circumstance into financial and emotional reliance on her husband and caught between compassion for the outcasts of society and the need to conform. We would like to think that an Australian woman would stand up to such bullying but our social history gives us many examples to the contrary. Despite showing moments of affection and warmth, Kev is capable of erupting uncontrollably whenever he feels threatened and belittled – sadly typical of situations of violence against women, whatever their racial background.

An interesting point to consider is how these claustrophobic caravan interiors would have been shot. Note that the camera is always on the entrance side of the caravan, giving the illusion that it is not a set but the real thing. If that were so, a crew of at least three would have had to somehow squeeze themselves into the tiny space and still maintain a distance from the actors, which is most unlikely.

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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:

  1. You may download this clip to assist your information, criticism and review purposes in conjunction with viewing this website only;
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  3. Downloading for purposes other than non-commercial educational uses is Prohibited;
  4. Downloading this clip in association with any commercial purpose is Prohibited;

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