One of the unfortunate temptations of hiring a rock star to carry a film is for the director to rely rather lazily on that star’s in-built charisma instead of trying to mould him into a character.
Witness Mick Jagger, here giving his extremely limp-wristed and exasperatingly English interpretation of Australia’s most memorable outlaw, in a characterisation so similar to his stage image that you half expect him to start shrieking, “It’s great to be Down Under!” or “Thank you, Sydney, you’ve been a great audience!”
Sent to prison for a crime he did not commit, 19-year-old Ned Kelly returns to his home on a run-down Australian ranch following his release and finds his family in dire straits.
Attempts to lead an honest life prove difficult and soon Ned, with a band of comrades, takes to the outback as a wanted man.
Realistically, the blame has to be laid at the door of director Tony Richardson, whose handling sometimes obscures the message and buries the drama.
The songs of Shel Silverstein, however, help to give the film a certain focus.
A number of future famous Australian personalities appear in small uncredited roles in the film, including Bill Hunter, Kamahl, and radio legend John Laws.
Ned Kelly
Mick Jagger Dan Kelly
Allen Bickford Maggie Kelly
Diane Craig Steve Hart
Geoff Gilmour Joe Byrne
Mark McManus Wild Wright
Serge Lazareff Tom Lloyd
Peter Sumner Aaron Sherritt
Ken Shorter Pat O’Donnell
James Elliott Mrs Kelly
Clarissa Kaye Supt. Nicholson
Ken Goodlet Judge Barry
Frank Thring George King
Bruce Barry Mr Scott
Tony Bazell Sgt. Steele
Robert Bruning McInnes
Alexander Cann Curnow
David Copping Father O’Hea
Gerry Duggan Mrs Devine
Anne Harvey Grace Kelly
Alexi Long Kate Kelly
Susan Lloyd Capt. Standish
Nigel Lovell Living
Clifford Neate Mrs Scott
Jessica Noad Fitzpatrick
Martyn Sanderson Aaron Sherritt
Ken Shorter McIntyre
Lindsay Smith Tom Lloyd
Peter Sumner Mrs Jones
Doreen Warburton Caitlyn
Janne Wesley
Director
Tony Richardson
Video
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Witness Mick Jagger, here giving his extremely limp-wristed and exasperatingly English interpretation of Australia’s most memorable outlaw, in a characterisation so similar to his stage image that you half expect him to start shrieking, “It’s great to be Down Under!” or “Thank you, Sydney, you’ve been a great audience!”
Ned Kelly
