Because He's My Friend
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| Because He's My Friend | |
|---|---|
 VHS case | |
| Written by | Peter Schreck |
| Story by | Pamela Stone |
| Directed by | Ralph Nelson |
| Starring | Keir Dullea Karen Black Jack Thompson Tom Oliver Ray Meagher Warwick Poulsen |
| Music by | Peter Jones |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producer | Geoffrey Daniels |
| Cinematography | Peter Hendry |
| Editor | Richard Francis-Bruce |
| Running time | 90 minutes |
| Production company | Transatlantic Enterprises |
| Original release | |
| Release | 1978 |
Because He's My Friend, also known as Love Under Pressure, is a 1978 Australian TV movie about a married couple and their mentally disabled son. It was one of six telemovies made in Australia as co-productions between ABC and Transatlantic Enterprises.[1] It was the final film of veteran American director Ralph Nelson.
Eric, a Canadian naval officer serving with the Royal Navy is transferred to Australia for a submarine training exercise. He moves to Sydney with his wife Anne and their 12-year-old mentally disabled son Petey.
Anne takes her son to a special school, who encourage her to take a firmer line with her son. This results in a clash with Eric.
Cast
- Karen Black as Anne
- Keir Dullea as Eric
- Jack Thompson as Geoff
- Tom Oliver as Ian
- Barbara Stephens as Meg
- June Salter as Val
- Warwick Poulsen as Petey
- Michael Long as Matt
Production
Ralph Nelson signed to direct in July.[2]
Shooting took place in Sydney starting August 15 through to October 1977 over six weeks.[3][4] Scenes were shot at Karonga House Special School in Epping in August. Permission had been obtained from the Subnormal Children's Welfare Association. The association was happy to co-operate because the activity of the film unit would be good therapy for children.[5]
Jack Thompson filmed his scenes while on a break shooting his role in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith.[6] It was one of many films he made around this time where he supported American stars.[7]
