The Devil's Playground (1976)
Mature audiences
| Director: | Fred Schepisi |
| Actors: | Simon Burke, Jonathan Hardy, Anne Phelan, Sheila Florance |
Written, produced and directed by Fred Schepisi, this lushly photographed, semi autobiographical tale is set in a strict Roman Catholic seminary in Australia in 1953 and follows 13 year old Tom Allen (Simon Burke), a serious, likeable boy who thinks he has "a calling" for the church but feels guilty about his masturbation and sinful thoughts. Apart from Brother Francine (Arthur Dignam), an ascetic who prowls the schools corridors looking for evidence of "the undisciplined mind", most brothers of the seminary (including Nick Tate), are decent men who object to the discipline that scars the hearts and minds of the students.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 107mins |
| Origin: | AUSTRALIA |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (2)
2 Member
Reviews
Andrew C.
says
This could almost be an 'Expose Documentary' on
the inner workings of an RC Boarding School in
early 1950s Australia. Deserving of the lavish praise
I have heard of this film.
Erin P.
says
An unusual and slightly confronting film. Beautifully shot, with some terrific performances.
Special Features include a director's commentary, featurette, trailer and photo gallery.