The Sound of Love

My review was written in February 1985 after watching the show on Embassy video cassette.

"The Sound of Love" is a well-made 1979 Australian tv movie about the romance of two young deaf people, notable for its absence of stereotypes and the genre's usual cliches. Now available in the U. S. on video cassette, pic will be of interest to filmgoers fortunate enough to see writer-director John Power's previous picture, the warmly nostalgic "The Picture Show Man" starring Rod Taylor.

Handsome Aussie leading man John Jarratt toplines here as Dave, a worker on racing cars who becomes deaf after an accident on the job (brought on by the noise pollution of his workplace). Crosscut with this story is that of a young deaf and mute girl Eileen (Celia De Burgh), who exists by stealing wallets from men who give her rides, augmenting her income as a freelance prostitute.

Power controls his material well, though the melodramatic payoff is too convenient, followed by a happy ending that is less ironic than intended.

Jarratt is solid and De Burgh has a tough-edged appeal in the vein of Susan Saint James. In support as Jarratt's car racing boss is a good turn by George Ogilvie, who has since donned a helmer's hat to co-direct (with George Miller) the current production of "The Road Warrior II".

Despite the limitations of a small budget, the makers have delivered an above average made-for-TV movie. Much credit must go to John Power who directed and adapted the screenplay from another source. The film avoids falling into the usual traps of mawkishness and cardboard characterisations of most TV movies.

The plot is about a budding love story between Eileen (or who might have another name starting with "E") and Dave. Eileen is deaf and dumb but there is mystery around her past. Was she born deaf? Dave is a racing car mechanic who gradually becomes deaf due to his work. The two meet at an institution for the deaf. A tentative relationship starts.

John Jarratt as Dave and Celia De Burgh as Eileen give very good understated performances. Shot around Adelaide, South Australia this film is a real charmer and the portrayal of deafness seems very real.

Well done, with limited resources.

Bad pun, I know!

I grew up with deaf parents here in Australia.

Born in 1960 and I never knew this film existed, until this week-end past.

Saw it on Channel 9 Sydney. Totally enjoyed it. The Sign Language was authentic.

Even the way people interacted with the deaf, was for me,what I saw happening around me as a kid.

A lot of people back in the 60's&70's here in Australia didn't know sign language was a Universal language.

They thought it was special sign's, families made-up for family members and interaction with a deaf person in the home... I hope a lot of people watch this movie.

Deafness Is Not Disability...