| Because He's My Friend | |
| Director: | Ralph Nelson |
| Producer: | Geoffrey Daniels |
| Based On: | Pamela Stone (story) |
| Starring: | Keir Dullea Karen Black Jack Thompson Tom Oliver Ray Meagher Warwick Poulsen |
| Music: | Peter Jones |
| Cinematography: | Peter Hendry |
| Editing: | Richard Francis-Bruce |
| Distributor: | ABC |
| Studio: | Transatlantic Enterprises |
| Runtime: | 90 minutes |
| Country: | Australia |
| Language: | English |
Because He's My Friend, also known as Love Under Pressure, is a 1978 Australian TV movie about a married couple and their mentally disabled son. It was one of six telemovies made in Australia as co-productions between ABC and Transatlantic Enterprises.[1] It was the final film of veteran American director Ralph Nelson.
Eric, a Canadian naval officer serving with the Royal Navy is transferred to Australia for a submarine training exercise. He moves to Sydney with his wife Anne and their 12-year-old mentally disabled son Petey.
Anne takes her son to a special school, who encourage her to take a firmer line with her son. This results in a clash with Eric.
Ralph Nelson signed to direct in July.[2]
Shooting took place in Sydney starting August 15 through to October 1977 over six weeks.[3] [4] Scenes were shot at Karonga House Special School in Epping in August. Permission had been obtained from the Subnormal Children's Welfare Association. The association was happy to co-operate because the activity of the film unit would be good therapy for children.[5]
Jack Thompson filmed his scenes while on a break shooting his role in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith.[6]
The critic from the Sydney Morning Herald said the character of the son was "winning and repulsive at the same time."[7]
Another reviewer for the same paper called it " warm, touching and utterly honest... a darned good movie, and its climax will not disappoint you."[8]
Warwick Poulsen's performance earned him a Logie for Best Performance by a Juvenile.[9]