Hammers Over the Anvil is a 1993 Australian biographical romantic drama film starring Russell Crowe and directed by Ann Turner, who also co-wrote with Peter Hepworth. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Alan Marshall. The original music score is composed by Not Drowning, Waving.
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Plot
Based on the novel of the same name by Alan Marshall, the film is set in the early 1900s in a small town in the Western District of Victoria, centering around a young Alan Marshall and the people in his town. Crippled by polio, Alan tries to make sense of his place in a world where a man's physical prowess gains the admiration of women and the envy of his peers, as exemplified by the horsebreaker East Driscoll, portrayed by Russell Crowe. Charlotte Rampling also stars as an English lady, Grace McAlister, who has moved to the area with her well-to-do but older and ineffectual husband. Marshall longs for the affection of the mature and spirited woman but she lusts after the virile horsebreaker. Marshall longs to ride a horse, which he can never achieve, but is a talented writer, while Driscoll is ashamed of his lack of education and social graces. The tables are turned when Marshall comes across his rival, who has been thrown from his horse and is near death. He must seek help urgently, which he achieves, though at great pain to himself.
Cast
Charlotte Rampling as Grace McAlister
Russell Crowe as East Driscoll
Alexander Outhred as Alan Marshall
Frankie J. Holden as 'Bushman' Marshall
Amanda Douge as Nellie Bolster
Frank Gallacher as Mr. Thomas (a preacher)
John Lee as Charles McAlister
Daphne Grey as Mrs. Herbert
Alethea McGrath as Mrs. Blison
Wayne Pygram as Snarley Burns
Syd Brisbane as Duke
Production
The project had been around for a number of years. The script was originally written by Peter Hepworth then re-written by Ann Turner.
It is set and was filmed in South Australia's Red Creek in seven weeks from 11 October to 29 November 1991.