''Crackers'' is a 1998

Australian Australian(s) may refer to: Australia * Australia, a country * Australians, citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia ** European Australians ** Anglo-Celtic Australians, Australians descended principally from British colonists ** Aboriginal Aus ...

Christmas Christmas is an annual festival commemorating Nativity of Jesus, the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a Religion, religious and Culture, cultural celebration among billions of people Observance of Christmas by coun ...

-themed comedy film directed and written by

David Swann David Richard Swann (born June 19, 1949) is a Canadian medical doctor and politician. He was the leader of the Alberta Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition in the Alberta Legislature from December 2008 until resigning as party leader in ...

. The film stars Daniel Kellie,

Susan Lyons Susan Lyons (born 1958, Sydney) is an Australian actress. Career Film and television Lyons' television appearances include: ''A Country Practice'', ''Police Rescue'', '' Murder Call'', ''Farscape'', '' Something in the Air'' and '' All Saint ...

, and

Peter Rowsthorn Peter Rowsthorn may refer to: *Peter Rowsthorn (actor) Peter Rowsthorn (born 9 February 1963) is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, MC, host and theatre. Early life and education Rowsthorn attended Trinity Grammar Scho ...

, and follows the story of Hilary Dredge (Lyons) and her son Joey (Kellie) as they travel to the suburbs to spend Christmas with Joey's grandparents. They are joined by Hilary's boyfriend Bruno (Rowsthorn) and his son Angus (Christopher Chapman), leading to tensions and rivalries, particularly between Joey and Angus. ''Crackers'' was released on July 9, 1998, in Australia by Beyond Films, and grossed over $1.26 million at the box office.

Plot

During the Christmas holidays, Hilary Dredge (

) and her son, Joey (Daniel Kellie), travel into the suburbs to spend Christmas with Joey's grandparents. Accompanying them on the trip are Hilary's boyfriend Bruno (

) and his son Angus (Christopher Chapman). Joey does not like Bruno because of his relationship with his mother. Joey and Angus have a violent rivalry with each other because of this, as Angus is unimpressed when Joey shows disrespect to his father.

Cast

* Daniel Kellie as Joey Dredge *

as Hilary Dredge *

as Bruno *

Warren Mitchell Warren Mitchell (born Warren Misell; 14 January 1926 – 14 November 2015) was an English actor best known for playing bigoted cockney Alf Garnett in television, film and stage productions from the 1960s to the 1990s. He was a BAFTA TV A ...

as Albert Hall * Christopher Chapman as Angus *

Terry Gill Terry Gill (25 October 1939 – 25 February 2015) was an English Australian actor, theatre owner, producer, director and writer. A character actor, he carved a niche in Australian television playing police officers. He appeared in over 26 Austr ...

as Jack Hall * Valerie Bader as Aunt Dottie *

Maggie King Margaret Anne King (10 April 1939 – 5 March 2020) was a Welsh born Australian actress, active in stage, television and film roles. She is probably best known for her AFI-nominated role in '' The Big Steal''. King was born in Wales, United Ki ...

as Violet 'Vi' Hall *

Louise Siversen Louise Siversen is an Australian actress. She is known for her television roles, including Lou Kelly in ''Prisoner'' (1984–1986), Debbie in '' The Flying Doctors'' (1988–1990), and 2012-2017 Heather Looby in '' House Husbands''. She has a ...

as Teacher #1 * Ross Williams as Vice Principal * Rainey Carah as Driver #1

Production

''Crackers'' was written and directed by David Swann, who had previously gained recognition with his successful short film ''Bonza''. The film was produced by Chris Warner under the production company Sharmill Films. It was shot in Melbourne, Australia, and distributed by Beyond Films. The film's cinematography was handled by Lazlo Baranyai, and it was edited by Ken Sallows. Ricky Edwards composed the music for the film. The film is notable for exploring the clash of personalities and relationships that often arise when families come together during the Christmas holidays.

Reception

''Crackers'' was released in Australia on July 9, 1998, and grossed $1,263,230 at the Australian box office. While it wasn't a major commercial success, it garnered attention for its quirky approach to holiday family conflicts. The film was later re-released on DVD in November 2010, expanding its audience beyond the theater. Despite being relatively modest in terms of box office performance, the film is appreciated by some for its comedic take on the complexities of family relationships and the holiday season.''Film Victoria - Australian Films at the Australian Box Office''

References

External links

''Crackers''
at

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