Eliza Fraser is a 1976 Australian bawdy adventure drama film, directed by Tim Burstall and starring Susannah York, Trevor Howard, Noel Ferrier and John Castle.
English actors Susannah York and Trevor Howard were brought from the United Kingdom to headline this Australian picture, which was filmed in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Tim Burstall had been interested in telling the story of Eliza Fraser for a long time, writing a script back in 1969.
[11] He envisioned the film as a picturesque piece in the vein of an 18th-century novel like Humphry Clinker or Tom Jones, as he felt this was closer to the Australian ocker sense of humour.
Williamson says his second draft was historically accurate "and it turned out a history of the Aborigines in North Queensland in 1836, and Hexagon didn't want to film it."
Burstall had originally intended to use Wendy Hughes in the lead role, supported by Frank Thring, but Roadshow felt the movie needed an international film star.
[1] Shooting started in March 1976, taking place at Sovereign Hill, the old penal settlement of Trial Bay, and Fraser Island.
Graham Burke of Village Roadshow told John Mostyn of Hoyts he had seen an assembly cut "and it is bloody fabulous.
The Williamson script sparkes in what is a breathtakingly original film that has action, story line, heart, scenic values, great performances and above all is good fun.
The DVD is compatible with region codes 2 and 4 and includes features such as the theatrical trailer, a photo gallery, and an interview with David Williamson, John Waters, Robin Copping and Alan Finney.