Original classification rating: PG.
This clip chosen to be PG
Clip description
James Casey (John Meillon) visits his estranged wife Constance (Noeline Brown) to demand her help in granting their terminally ill son’s second wish.
Curator’s notes
Perhaps because our comic tradition revels in the self-evident, ‘serious’ Australian drama often seems to deliberately avoid the most obvious scenes, particularly if they threaten to be highly emotionally charged. This clip comes from a pivotal moment in The Fourth Wish when Casey has to tell his wife that their son is terminally ill, yet we don’t actually see that scene. It’s an odd choice on the part of the filmmakers, robbing us of a potentially strong, emotional moment. Nevertheless, what we do see is among the strongest material in the series. The straightforward camerawork and lack of distracting incidental music firmly puts our focus on the performances.
Noeline Brown, known primarily as a comedienne, is thoroughly convincing here as a woman who knows her own weaknesses. In this short sequence, she impressively runs through an array of emotions: wariness, steeliness, fear, vulnerability and shock. Constance is the most rounded character in the series and brings out the best in James too. In this scene she helps us see his obstinacy as strength, stemming from a deep love for his son and a desire to make his last months memorable. Brown and Meillon are perfectly believable as an estranged couple; their interactions have a spark suggestive of former passion that too easily boils over into conflict.
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fourthwi1_bb.mp4
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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.
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