Australia, 1958. When a nine year old white girl is found murdered, police are quick to arrest illiterate Aborigine, Max Stuart. Under interrogation Max admits to the killing. With a legal system compromised by intimidation tactics, the skills of his two gifted but naïve defense lawyers are put to the test.
Acting
David Ngoombujarra's devastating fragility as Max.
Writing
Murdoch's media machine as shadow antagonist.
Director
Craig Lahiff
Robert Carlyle
David O'Sullivan
Charles Dance
Roderic Chamberlain
Kerry Fox
Helen Devaney
Colin Friels
Father Tom Dixon
Ben Mendelsohn
Rupert Murdoch
David Ngoombujarra
Young Max Stuart
Rhys McConnochie
Justice Abbott
Bille Brown
Thomas Playford
John Gregg
Rohan Rivett
Roy Billing
Det Sgt Turner
Gary Waddell
Constable Jones
Frank Gallacher
Justice Reed
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Max Stuart was still alive during filming and consulted on the script; he maintained his innocence until death.
The case helped end Australia's death penalty—Stuart's 11th-hour reprieve sparked national debate on systemic racism.
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