The Sundowners (1960 film)

The Sundowners is a 1960 Technicolor film directed by Fred Zinnemann, starring Deborah Kerr, Robert Mitchum, and Michael Anderson Jr. It is based on the novel of the same name by Australian author Jon Cleary.

The film tells the story of the Carmody family, Irish immigrants Paddy and Ida, and their teenage son Sean, as they live a nomadic life as sheep drovers in the Australian Outback during the 1920s. Paddy is a free spirit who enjoys the independence of his lifestyle but struggles with the responsibility of settling down. Ida longs for a more stable existence and a permanent home, while Sean is caught between his parents' conflicting desires.

The plot revolves around the family's travels and tribulations as they work on various sheep stations, encountering different characters and facing challenges such as harsh weather, financial difficulties, and personal conflicts. Paddy's gambling addiction further complicates their situation. The film explores themes of family, freedom versus security, and the challenges of adapting to a new country.

The Sundowners received critical acclaim and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Fred Zinnemann), Best Actress (Deborah Kerr), Best Supporting Actor (Peter Ustinov), and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is noted for its stunning cinematography of the Australian landscape and its portrayal of the lives of ordinary people in the early 20th century Outback.