David Conrad The lives of migrant laborers in early-20th century Australia are displayed with great thoughtfulness and care. The case for settling down and the case for remaining itinerant each have their appeal and their risks. The husband and wife at the center of the movie, portrayed by two of the best actors of the day, Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr, often disagree over these issues. Yet they do not shout at or belittle each other as so many film couples would in their place; instead, their shared experiences and mutual willingness to compromise have created a strong bond between them despite their different worldviews and aspirations. Their equal, loving partnership makes it easy for the audience to sympathize with both of their perspectives and to root for a conclusion that will satisfy them both. This is a beautiful, historically- and emotionally-intelligent movie with a top-shelf cast that includes Peter Ustinov, whose voice instantly brightens my day.

MartinHafer I would love to sit and watch this film with an Aussie. That's because as an American, I don't know enough to know how accurate this movie is--and if the accents of all the non-Australians in the leads are even close to being correct.This film is about a family of migrant workers--not a lazy 'sundowner' (see the IMDb trivia for more on this). They travel across Australia driving and shearing sheep to make a few quid--always on the move and no permanent home of their own. As for the husband (Robert Mitchum), he loves this sort of life with few responsibilities. But the wife (Deborah Kerr) is getting tired and sees a need to settle down and finally have a house of their own--especially since their son is getting older and wants some permanence in his life. The vast majority of the film, though, is almost like a documentary--showing what the life is like--like you get a little window into their migrant ways.This is a well made film. The acting, direction and music are all quite nice. My only serious qualm is that the film is slow and I know many folks simply wouldn't sit still for such a seemingly mundane plot. But, if you are patient, it's well worth your time.

dbdumonteil In "Heaven knows ,Mister Allison" ,Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr had a tiny island for themselves ;in "the sundowners " they have the whole Australia.Mrs Carmody wants to settle down ,she wants a home ,she wants her boy to go to school.Mr Carmody registers the same desire ,but always something happens.This family and their friend (Peter Ustinov) are very endearing characters and as you follow them in their two hours + journey ,you never get bored a single minute.And however ,it's not an action-packed story ,all that happens could happen in real life and this simple life is depicted with respect for the audience.The documentary side is very interesting.

beresfordjd This movie is an underrated classic. I saw this as a avid movie-going kid of about 12-more years ago than I want to go into here-and I remember it as impressing me with Australia as a place I wanted to visit. I still have not been yet but one day.... The performances in this film are uniformly great. Mitchum and Kerr always had sexual chemistry on screen and it works to their advantage in this. Peter Ustinov is as solid as ever and all the supporting players (mostly real Aussies) add to the atmosphere of the movie. It is a small story told over a long and leisurely couple of hours but it never bores and is totally engrossing. You really believe these people. It is a great pity it was ignored by the award givers of the time. Both Mitchum and Kerr should have received recognition for their work in this. It is odd that two of my favourite films (this and The Nun's Story) were directed by Fred Zinneman, a fine director. You should see it if you can - I intend to find it on DVD and keep it forever. It is a heartwarmer - not in the sickly, sentimental way, but a movie with genuine warmth and human interest.