About Breaker Morant

"Breaker Morant" is an Australian war drama film released in 1980. The film is directed by Bruce Beresford, with a screenplay by Beresford and Jonathan Hardy. The plot revolves around the court-martial of Lieutenants Harry Morant, Peter Handcock, and George Witton - three Australian soldiers serving in the Bushveldt Carbineers during the Second Boer War. Accused of murdering captured enemy combatants and an unarmed civilian in the Northern Transvaal, they are being made scapegoats to protect the British Empire from political repercussions.

Making / Production

"Breaker Morant" was adapted from the 1978 play of the same name, which was in turn based on the books "Scapegoats of the Empire" by George Witton and "Breaker Morant: The Final Roundup" by Kit Denton. Shot mainly on location in South Australia, the film was completed on a budget of A$800,000.

Actors

• Edward Woodward as Lieutenant Harry 'Breaker' Morant: A staunch soldier, Morant expertly balances emotion and duty. Woodward’s powerful performance was widely praised.
• Jack Thompson as Major J.F. Thomas: Thompson gives a moving performance as the defense attorney struggling against an unfair trial.
• John Waters as Captain Alfred Taylor: Waters portrayed his character with much conviction and flair.
• Bryan Brown as Lieutenant Peter Handcock: Brown played Handcock with a sense of stoicism and determination.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was initially planned as a five-part television series.
• It was Australia's submission for the 52nd Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee.
• The character Major Thomas is based on a real person of the same name, who later became a successful novelist in Australia.

Awards

"Breaker Morant" received numerous awards. This includes the Best Film and Best Direction awards at the 1980 Australian Film Institute Awards. Edward Woodward won the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for his portrayal of Harry 'Breaker' Morant.

Quotes

• "The barbarities of war are seldom committed by abnormal men. The tragedy of war is that these horrors are committed by normal men in abnormal situations."
• "Live every day as if it were going to be your last; for one day you're sure to be right."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Phil Cuneen.
• The score was noted for its effective blend of traditional folk and military brass band music.