Watch Don's Party

In the 1976 film, Don's Party, a group of friends gather together on election night in 1969 to celebrate and watch the results of the Australian federal election. The film centers around Don, played by John Hargreaves, and his wife, Kath, played by Jeanie Drynan, as they host the party. Throughout the evening, tensions rise as the guests begin to argue and bicker over various issues, such as politics, relationships, and work. The conversations range from amusing to tense and uncomfortable, as the alcohol flows and inhibitions are lowered.

The film is set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Australia, as the conservative government of the time is ousted by the Labor party. The characters reflect this societal shift, with some embracing the changes while others fear them.

Don's Party is a character-driven film, with each person bringing their own unique quirks and attributes to the party. Despite their differences, they are all linked by their shared experiences and friendships, which are put to the test as the night wears on.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Graham Kennedy, who plays the flamboyant and loud-mouthed Cooley. Kennedy brings an energy and charisma to the role that is unmatched by his co-stars. Other notable performances include Ray Barrett as the gruff and cynical Mack, and Pat Bishop as the young and naive Jody.

The film is directed by Bruce Beresford, who would go on to direct other Australian classics such as The Getting of Wisdom and Breaker Morant. Beresford's keen eye for detail is on full display in Don's Party, with the set and costumes perfectly capturing the look and feel of Australia in the late 1960s.

Despite being over 40 years old, Don's Party remains relevant and engaging to audiences today. The film explores themes of identity, relationships, and the changing face of Australia, all of which are still relevant today.

Overall, Don's Party is a well-crafted and engaging film. The strong performances and insightful direction make it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in Australian cinema, or simply looking for an engaging character-driven drama.

Don's Party is a 1976 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.