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The Castle (M, 1997) Presented in 35mm Film by The Revival House Perth in partnership with RACThe Kerrigan family lives in their beloved home at 3 Highview Crescent, Coolaroo—a modest fibro house in Melbourne's outer suburbs situated directly under the flight path of Tullamarine Airport, next to a power line corridor, and backing onto a toxic waste dump. To Darryl Kerrigan (Michael Caton), his wife Sal (Anne Tenney), and their children, it's paradise. Darryl, a tow truck driver with unwavering optimism, believes everything at his home is "going straight to the pool room." When Airlink, the airport's expansion company, issues a compulsory acquisition notice to demolish the Kerrigans' street for a runway extension, Darryl refuses to accept the measly compensation. With the help of his neighbour, retired lawyer Dennis Denuto (Tiriel Mora), whose entire legal argument is "it's the vibe," Darryl takes on the system. As his case climbs from local magistrate to the High Court of Australia, this battler refuses to give up, defending the principle that a man's home is his castle.
Director Rob Sitch and the Working Dog team created an instant Australian classic with this 1997 comedy that celebrates suburban battler culture with genuine affection rather than mockery. Michael Caton makes Darryl utterly lovable despite his terrible taste and malapropisms—his pride in Sal's "sponge" (not "sponge cake"), his conviction that jousting sticks are worth keeping. The film's low-budget aesthetic only adds to its charm, while the script is endlessly quotable. Anne Tenney brings warmth to Sal, Stephen Curry is perfect as the narrator Dale, and Eric Bana's small role as con-man son-in-law earned him wider recognition. What could have been mean-spirited satire becomes a heartfelt tribute to working-class dignity and Australian egalitarianism. The film's David-versus-Goliath story and celebration of family resonated so deeply it became part of the national vocabulary.
Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.
When: Friday, June 5th at 7:20PM & Saturday, June 13th at 4:45PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: M (Medium level coarse language)
Tell 'em they're dreaming - experience Australia's most quotable comedy and its battle for the Aussie dream in 35mm film.
Presented by: The Revival House Perth and RAC
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Event Venue
16 Preston Street Como, 6152, 16 Preston St, Como WA 6152, Australia, Perth
Tickets
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