Watch Sons of Matthew

Sons of Matthew is a classic Australian film from 1949 that tells the story of three generations of a family living in the rugged mountains of northern Victoria during the early 20th century. The film is set against the backdrop of the Australian bush, as the family members face numerous challenges and hardships while trying to make a living and raise their families. The patriarch of the family, Matthew, is a hardworking farmer who has built his life from nothing, but struggles to keep his farm running with his two sons, Tom and Harry.

Tom is hot-headed and impulsive, while Harry is more cautious and practical. Both sons are in love with Mary, a beautiful young woman who lives nearby. However, Mary is in love with Tom, which causes tension and conflict between the two brothers.

The story is a powerful exploration of family dynamics, love and loss, and the difficult realities of life in the bush. As the years pass, the family fights to overcome drought, bushfires, and economic hardship. Along the way, they encounter a wide variety of characters, including bush rangers, Chinese miners, and a wise old Aboriginal man who teaches them the ways of the land.

The film features beautiful cinematography and a stirring score by composer Lindley Evans. It is a powerful and emotional portrait of a family and a community struggling to survive and thrive in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

The film has been praised for its depiction of Australian rural life and the struggles faced by farmers and their families during the early 20th century. It has also been noted for its strong performances, particularly by Michael Pate as the patriarch Matthew, and Ken Wayne and Tommy Burns as his sons Tom and Harry.

Sons of Matthew was directed by Charles Chauvel, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in Australian history. Chauvel was known for his films that explored the Australian landscape and its people, including classic films such as Jedda and Forty Thousand Horsemen.

Sons of Matthew was a critical and commercial success in Australia and was released internationally in several countries. It was particularly well-received in the United States, where it was released under the title The Rugged O'Riordans.

Overall, Sons of Matthew is a classic film that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its themes of family, love, and survival are universal, and its portrayal of the Australian bush is both beautiful and haunting. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Australian cinema and the talent of the filmmakers who helped to shape it.

Sons of Matthew is a 1949 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.