Tim

Tim is a 1979 Australian romantic drama film written, produced and directed by Michael Pate in his directorial debut. It stars Piper Laurie, Mel Gibson, Alwyn Kurts, Pat Evison, and Deborah Kennedy, and is based on the 1974 novel of the same name by Colleen McCullough. Plot Tim is the story of the developing relationship between Mary Horton, an older, educated and wealthy American woman who lives on her own, and Tim Melville, a handsome, developmentally impaired 24-year-old builder's labourer, whom she hires. Tim lives with his sister, Dawnie, who is a year older than he is, and their parents Ron and Emily. Dawnie marries her boyfriend, Mick Harrington. Dawnie and Mick make clear they dislike Mary and oppose her relationship with Tim, but do not state their reason for feeling that way. Tim eventually marries Mary. Cast Piper Laurie as Mary Horton Mel Gibson as Tim Melville Alwyn Kurts as Ron Melville Pat Evison as Em Melville Peter Gwynne as Tom Ainsley Deborah Kennedy as Dawnie Melville David Foster as Mick Harrington Michael Caulfield as John Martinson Margo Lee as Mrs. Harrington James Condon as Mr. Harrington Production Michael Pate first read the book in 1975 and was immediately taken by it. He optioned the screen rights to the book, wrote the screenplay, and decided to direct.