Country Life is a wonderful adaptation of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya.

Set in Australia after World War 1, Australia is getting ready to break away from Mother England, tho' many of the English ex-patriates are still loyal to their home country. One who is not is Dr. Max Askey (My Man Sam), who supports Australian independence, and is frequently under verbal and physical attack for it.

After his father's death, Jack Dickens (John Hargreaves) continues to run the family farm, assisted wholeheartedly by his niece Sally Voysey (Kerry Fox). Sally's mother, Jack's sister, is dead, and her father has lived in England for many years.

The movie begins with Alexander Voysey (Michael Blakemore) returning to the family home in Australia accompanied by his new, young, and beautiful wife Deborah, played by Greta Scacchi.

The many triangles begin when we learn Sally has long been in love with the hard drinking Dr. Askey, who can't see her devotion, but finds the new Mrs. Voysey closer to his taste.

And Uncle Jack, who despises his brother-in-law, finds himself also yearning for Deborah Voysey, while Alexander leches after the maid.

Deborah attempts to turn Max's attention to Sally, but soon learns he is not interested, as Max also learns that his passion for her is returned.

And the movie ends as it begins, with Max, a bottle, a horse, and the Australian outback.

BACK TO MY MAN SAM. Some pictures provided by the The Official Sam Neill Homepage Thanks!