“Brazen Hussies” (M) ****

THIS documentary tells how courageous Australian women contributed to one of the 20th century’s greatest social movements by defying the status quo, demanding equality and creating profound social change.

I watched it in a cinema deserted except for six women of ages that might very well have taken part in it. I know only one of them. We meet by chance only at the cinema. Before COVID-19, she would occasionally give me a hug. I don’t know why, but neither do I complain. 

After the film ended, the six women began to applaud. Movie audiences don’t often do that. I found myself joining in. 

Writer/director Catherine Dwyer has compiled archive footage from quiet beginnings in Brisbane in 1965 until Gough Whitlam appointed Elizabeth Reid to advise him and beyond, examining the status of Australian women and redressing the obvious imbalances and inequities. And, for balance, interviews with men. 

In a wonderful, bloodless way, women’s liberation was a war waged by heroines protesting a male-dominated society. Totally justifiable. And not yet totally won.

It’s not about sex (although boys-and-girls-come-out-to-play type sex does get balanced treatment). Most of all, it’s about changing attitudes. Wage differentials. Equal pay. Reproductive rights. Affordable childcare. Prevention of family violence and rape. Tensions over the inclusion of lesbians. Relevance of the movement to Aboriginal women. And more.

As the story unfolds, these issues go from being dismissed as outrageous demands of a few “brazen hussies” to take places on the platforms of major Australian political parties.

Things may be better now. But not surprisingly, there’s still scope for improvement. 

Meanwhile, “Brazen Hussies” deftly illuminates what happened to bring equality this far. 

Good stuff, delivered with style, wit and good common sense, and wonderfully entertaining. 

Parents would do teenaged sons a favour by seeing it with them and then a bit of dinner-table talk about it. Daughters, too, will benefit, whether or not mum and/or dad also tags along.

At Palace Electric and Dendy