Rats in the Ranks
Ambition, courage, envy, betrayal, disaster, triumph... in other words, a classic study of politics.
Every September, Sydney’s Leichhardt Council elects its mayor. Incumbent Larry Hand is popular with the citizenry, but they don’t vote for mayor – the 12 councillors do. And politics is a bruising business; the best policies in the world mean nothing unless you’ve got the numbers. RATS IN THE RANKS is a gripping, real-life drama with a white-knuckle climax; a fascinating portrait of how politics really works. Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson – two of Australia’s most distinguished filmmakers – gained extraordinary access to make the film. Arms are twisted, favours called in, and there are deals, double crosses and damaging leaks. But right up to the vote, no one knows if the numbers will stick.
A Film Australia and Arundel Films Co-Production in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Channel Four and La Sept ARTE.
© National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.