Buddies (1983 film)

Buddies is a 1983 Australian comedy/drama film directed by Arch Nicholson and written by John Dingwall.

Plot Young miners Mike (Colin Friels) and Johnny (Harold Hopkins) work in the gem fields of central Queensland around Emerald. Conflict arises when their pick-and-shovel operation is threatened by a large-scale bulldozer operator, Andy (Dennis Miller). Help arrives from a city doctor, George (Norman Kaye) and his family, who are passing though on holiday, and a pilot, Alfred (Simon Chilvers), who sells them a plane. The group band together against Andy, but Mike and Johnny argue over strategy and compete for the doctor’s daughter Jennifer's affections (Lisa Peers).

Cast Colin Friels as Mike Harold Hopkins as Johnny Kris McQuade as Stella Simon Chilvers as Alfred Norman Kaye as George Lisa Peers as Jennifer Bruce Spence as Ted Andrew Sharp as Peter Dinah Shearing as Merle Dennis Miller as Andy

Production John Dingwall wrote the script and decided to produce it himself. He raised the money with the help of Rex Pilbeam, a former mayor of Rockhampton. Most of the money was raised in Queensland, including investment from the Queensland Film Corporation. Shooting took place on location in Emerald, Queensland and lasted six weeks.

Release According to Dingwall, the film tested extremely well with audiences but there was a difficulty in marketing it. The film was not a great success in 1983, as no Australian distributor wanted to release it, but Dingwall took it around the country's cinemas himself, where it was well received.

Buddies grossed $81,777 at the box office in Australia, which is equivalent to $215,891 in 2009 dollars.

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Result Ref.1983 AFI Awards Best Achievement in Sound AFI Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Simon Chilvers AFI Awards Best Actress in a Lead Role (Kris McQuade) AFI Awards Best Original Music Score (Chris Neal) AFI Awards AFI Award for Best Original Screenplay (John Dingwall)

Buddies (1983 film)

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