IMDb 6.4 1976 HD

Break of Day

Break of Day

1976
Drama
112 min NR USA
1 / 10
6.4 IMDB

Tom Cooper, a married man recently returned from WWI, falls in love with an artist visiting his country town, but he has misgivings after meeting her city friends.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Ken Hannam
Starring
Sara Kestelman / Andrew McFarlane / Ingrid Mason / John Bell / Kate Ferguson / Tony Barry / Ben Gabriel

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

thoughtful understated poignant slow character-driven melancholic reflective compelling uneven quiet mature honest

Reviews

P
Penelope Jones
May 24, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

The 1976 release 'Break of Day' presents a familiar narrative of a man caught between duty and desire, elevated by solid performances. Andrew McFarlane imbues Tom Cooper with a palpable sense of inner conflict, making his journey through…

M
Marcus Thorne
May 24, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A deeply affecting character study, 'Break of Day' stands as a testament to the power of quiet storytelling. Andrew McFarlane is exceptional as Tom Cooper, a man whose internal world is profoundly shaken by an unexpected romance. The…

C
Clara Davies
May 24, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

While 'Break of Day' tackles compelling themes of post-war adjustment and romantic entanglement, its execution can feel somewhat uneven. Andrew McFarlane grounds the film with a sensitive performance, but the narrative occasionally stumbles in its pacing. Sara Kestelman…

B
Bernard Finch
May 24, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Break of Day' is a surprisingly potent exploration of mid-life yearning set against the backdrop of post-war Australia. Andrew McFarlane delivers a nuanced performance as a man wrestling with his past and an uncertain future. The arrival of…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 24, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This 1976 drama offers a quiet, introspective look at a man adrift. Andrew McFarlane's portrayal of Tom Cooper is key, capturing the post-war weariness and the unexpected stirrings of a new connection. Sara Kestelman brings a compelling presence…

FAQs

The narrative suggests a critical examination of the societal expectations placed upon men, particularly those returning from war. Tom Cooper's position as a married man in a country town implies a certain path and set of responsibilities. His attraction to an artist and his subsequent unease with her city circle hint at the tension between personal desires and the prescribed roles society expects him to fulfil, potentially highlighting the constraints of conformity.