Paperback Hero (1999 film)
Paperback Hero is a 1999 Australian comedy film starring Claudia Karvan and Hugh Jackman. It was directed by Antony Bowman who also wrote the screenplay.[1] The film was predominantly shot in Queensland including Nindigully.[2]
| Paperback Hero | |
|---|---|
 DVD cover | |
| Directed by | Antony Bowman |
| Produced by | Lance W. Reynolds John Winter |
| Written by | Antony Bowman |
| Starring | Hugh Jackman Claudia Karvan Angie Milliken |
| Music by | Burkhard von Dallwitz |
| Cinematography | David Burr |
| Edited by | Veronika Jenet |
| Distributed by | PolyGram Filmed Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $1,369,280 |
Plot
Truck driver Jack Willis from rural Australia writes a bestselling novel, but because of its romantic content uses the name, 'Ruby Vale', the name of his best friend. When a publisher - Ziggy - decides to take the author "Ruby Vale" on, Jack is suddenly faced with a dilemma. He tells his friend Ruby what he has done, and initially she wants to tell the publisher. Jack and his agent convince her to stay silent, and in exchange, they'll organise her wedding (she is marrying Jack's best friend, Hamish) and Ruby is convinced.
Ruby and Jack go to Sydney to help promote the book. On the way, Ruby reads his book and realises the lead female character is herself, and the male protagonist, Brian, is Jack. She is deeply touched.
Hamish arrives in Sydney. He knows Jack is the author and tells Ruby he knows , just before she is about to go on a satellite feed through to London. All of this is too much for Ruby and she makes her way back to her hometown.
Jack does not follow her, instead staying in Sydney whilst trying to decide. Back at home in the pub, Ruby hears Jack's voice coming from the TV. She hears him admit that he is the book's author.
Hamish breaks up with Ruby, knowing she really loves Jack. As Ruby is driving home, she sees a plane flying overhead, spelling the words "I love you". As she stops her car, the plane lands in front of her. Jack hops out, and after some gentle sparring of words, they kiss.
Cast
- Hugh Jackman as Jack Willis
- Claudia Karvan as Ruby Vale
- Angie Milliken as Ziggy Keane
- Andrew S. Gilbert as Hamish
- Jeanie Drynan as Suzie
Reception
Reviewing the film on The Movie Show, David Stratton felt the story worked very well for the first half hour, but was let down by laboured plot developments and a slowed pace from thereon. He did commend Jackman and Karvan for making a great romantic team, and also praised Jeanie Drynan for her performance. He gave the film 2½ stars out of 5. Margaret Pomeranz gave the film a much more favourable review and 3½ stars.[3]
Paperback Hero grossed $1,369,280 at the box office in Australia.[4]
See also
References
- Urban Cinefile BOWMAN, ANTONY J.: Paperback Hero
- Urban, Andrew L. "Paperback Hero: On Location". Urban Cinefile. Urban Cinefile. Retrieved 8 February 2011.
- "Paperback Hero". SBS TV. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
- "Film Victoria - Australian Films at the Australian Box Office" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 February 2011. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
External links
- Paperback Hero on IMDb
- Paperback Hero at Oz Movies