Fighting Back

Synopsis

Dedicated schoolteacher, John Embling takes Tom, a troubled and violent 13-year-old boy, under his wing, at the behest of his fellow teachers and his job. By spending meaningful time with Tom on a camping trip and through liaising with his mother, John discovers Tom’s angst is rooted in his father’s abandonment of him and his mother. He gradually gets through to Tom, and a meaningful relationship develops between the pair, as Tom begins to see John as a mentor and a father figure.

Cast

Lewis Fitz-Gerald as John Embling

Paul Smith as Tom Goodwood

Robyn Nevin as Mary

Kris McQuade as Mrs Goodwood

Gillian Jones as English teacher

Anne Haddy as Magistrate

Wynn Roberts as Payne

Ben Gabriel as Moreland

Caroline Gillmer as Rosemary

Production

The film was based on the best selling novel, "Tom", by John Embling. It was produced by Adam Packer Film Productions and was screened at the Australian Film Institute.

Release

The film was released in theatres on 1 June 1982.

Reception

Australian film critic David Stratton from At the Movies, reviewed the film for The International Film Guide, saying: "A promising debut was made by direct(or) Michael Caulfield with Fighting Back, the story of a schoolteacher’s efforts to help a deeply disturbed 13-year-old boy. Though the character of the teacher is under-developed, that of the boy presented in-depth; and there is an amazingly tough performance from young Paul Smith in the role."

American film critic Leonard Maltin reviewed the film for Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide in 2001, saying “Ambitious if not entirely successful drama of teacher Fitz-Gerald trying to tame unruly, illiterate 13-year old (Smith, excellent in

acting debut)." He gave it two and a half stars.

Awards

Actress Kris McQuade won a 1982 Australian Film Institute Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Mrs Goodwood, the boy's long-suffering mother.