The Shiralee (1987 film)

The Shiralee is a 1987 Australian-American adventure drama film directed by Donald Crombie and starring Bryan Brown, Rebecca Smart, and Noni Hazlehurst. It is based on the 1955 novel and 1958 play of the same name by D'Arcy Niland. The film is a remake of the 1957 Australian film, also titled The Shiralee.

The story centers around Macauley "Maca" Macauley (Bryan Brown), a swagman during the Great Depression in Australia. He wins custody of his young daughter, Buster (Rebecca Smart), in a court case against his estranged wife, Marge (Noni Hazlehurst), who is attempting to move to England. Macauley decides to prove he can be a good father and takes Buster with him on the road as he searches for work.

The film follows their journey through the Australian outback, depicting the hardships they face, the bonds they form, and the people they meet along the way. The themes explored include fatherhood, responsibility, the challenges of the Australian outback, and the impact of the Great Depression on rural communities. The film is noted for its portrayal of Australian culture and landscape.