IMDb 6 1979 HD

Dawn!

Dawn!

1979
Drama
109 min NR USA
9.5 / 10
6 IMDB

Dawn! is a 1979 Australian sports biopic about the three-time Olympic gold medallist swimmer Dawn Fraser.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Scott Hicks / Lyn McEncroe / Penny Chapman / Mark Egerton / Ken Hannam
Starring
Bronwyn Mackay-Payne / Tom Richards / John Diedrich / Ron Haddrick / Bunney Brooke / Gabrielle Hartley / Ivar Kants / David Cameron

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

inspiring historical determined classic straightforward celebratory solid earnest spirited competent admirable factual

Reviews

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 23, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Dawn! (1979) provides a solid look at the life and career of Olympic swimming champion Dawn Fraser. Bronwyn Mackay-Payne competently portrays the swimmer, bringing a sense of determination to the role. The film adopts a generally respectful and…

C
Charles Montgomery
May 23, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A powerful and engaging portrait, Dawn! (1979) stands as a testament to one of Australia's greatest sporting heroes. Bronwyn Mackay-Payne is exceptional as Dawn Fraser, conveying a captivating blend of vulnerability and steely resolve. The film’s direction is…

B
Beatrice Holloway
May 23, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Dawn! (1979) is a competent, if somewhat conventional, biopic charting the rise of swimming icon Dawn Fraser. Bronwyn Mackay-Payne gives a creditable performance, navigating the character's public persona and private struggles. The film's tone is largely celebratory, focusing…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 23, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This 1979 Australian production, Dawn!, successfully captures the spirit of its subject, the indomitable Dawn Fraser. Bronwyn Mackay-Payne delivers a compelling performance, embodying Fraser's fierce competitive drive. The film navigates the narrative with a clear sense of purpose,…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 23, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Dawn! (1979) offers a straightforward portrayal of an Australian sporting legend. Bronwyn Mackay-Payne shoulders the demanding role of Dawn Fraser with admirable commitment, capturing the swimmer's tenacity. The direction, while competent, leans towards a conventional biopic structure, focusing…

FAQs

As a biopic, Dawn! is expected to explore aspects of Dawn Fraser's life beyond the swimming pool. While the primary focus is likely on her athletic achievements and the journey to her three Olympic gold medals, biographical films often weave in personal relationships, challenges, and formative experiences. The film aims to provide a more rounded portrait of the celebrated swimmer.