The Sundowners

1960

"Chasing dreams under endless skies, freedom awaits."

Also known as: 🇵🇹 PT: Peregrinos da Esperança^? 🇷🇴 RO: Ferma din câmpie All international titles (2) →

Drama Adventure 133 min 7.1/10

Awards & Recognition

0 Wins

4 Nominations

4 Total

Oscars

4 nom.

• Nominations 4

Year	Festival	Category	Winner
1961	Oscars	Best Director	Fred Zinnemann
1961	Oscars	Best Picture	Fred Zinnemann
1961	Oscars	Best Supporting Actress	Glynis Johns
1961	Oscars	Best Actress	Deborah Kerr

Synopsis

The Sundowners is a movie released in 1960.

In the vast and rugged expanse of the Australian Outback, a gripping tale of family, ambition, and the eternal struggle between freedom and stability unfolds. The Carmody family—Paddy, the adventurous patriarch, Ida, the nurturing matriarch, and their restless teenage son Sean—are sheep drovers navigating the harsh realities of their nomadic lifestyle. As they traverse the breathtaking landscapes, the tension rises between the desire for a permanent home and the allure of the open road, encapsulating the heart of a family's quest for belonging. With a backdrop rich in the vibrant tapestry of Australian culture, the film delves into themes of tradition versus modernity, the bonds of kinship, and the unpredictable nature of life on the move. Key moments, such as a thrilling sheep-shearing contest, the joy and chaos of impending parenthood, and the thrill of gambling and horse racing, serve as pivotal points that will ultimately shape the family's destiny. With its poignant storytelling and stunning visuals, this cinematic journey invites viewers to reflect on their own dreams and the sacrifices made in pursuit of them, making it a timeless exploration of what it means to truly find one's place in the world.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	1/5
Sexual Content	1/5
Language	1/5
Drugs / Alcohol	1/5
Frightening Elements	1/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

There are some scenes that include mild violence, primarily related to conflicts and challenges faced by characters in a historical context.

Sexual Content

There are brief instances of suggestive themes, but nothing explicit is portrayed.

Language

The film contains occasional mild language, but it is not pervasive.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are brief references to alcohol consumption in social settings.

Frightening Elements

Some scenes may be emotionally intense or depict challenging situations, but they are not designed to be frightening.

Summary for parents:

The Sundowners is a drama-adventure film that explores themes of family, perseverance, and the challenges of life in a historical setting. While it contains mild instances of violence and language, the overall content is suitable for viewers aged 13 and older. Parents may want to discuss the context and themes of the film with younger viewers.

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

High Noon

1952

Same Director Fred Zinnemann

The Day of the...

1973

Same Director Fred Zinnemann

Cape Fear

1991

Same Actor Deborah Kerr

Spartacus

1960

Same Actor Deborah Kerr

Avatar: Fire a...

2025

Similar Theme

Interstellar

2014

Similar Genre

Where to Watch The Sundowners Online

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Box Office

Budget: $0

Revenue: $0

Profit -$0

Reviews & Opinions about The Sundowners

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The Sundowners is directed by Fred Zinnemann .

Cast of The Sundowners

Deborah Kerr

Ida Carmody

Robert Mitchum

Paddy Carmody

Peter Ustinov

Rupert Venneker

Glynis Johns

Mrs. Firth

Cast Filmography

See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Crew & Production

Fred Zinnemann

Director

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1952 7.9

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1973 7.8

From Here to Eternity

1953 7.6

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1966 7.7

Julia

1977 7.0

The Nun's Story

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Keywords

#based on novel or book 609 #family 97 #1920s 45 #sheep 7 #australian outback 6 #sheep shearing 1

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia & Fun Facts about The Sundowners

5

• The Sundowners was filmed on location in the Australian Outback, which provided an authentic backdrop for the story of the Carmody family and their sheep-droving lifestyle.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• During the filming, the cast and crew faced extreme weather conditions, including intense heat and unexpected rain, which posed challenges to the production schedule.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• In one scene, a horse can be seen drinking from a trough; however, continuity errors occur as the amount of water changes between shots.

  Movie Mistake ai

• The Sundowners shares thematic elements with other films directed by Fred Zinnemann, such as a focus on personal struggle and the tension between freedom and responsibility.

  Movie Connection ai

• The film features a score composed by the renowned composer, Dmitri Tiomkin, whose music enhances the emotional depth of the story and its characters.

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