What is The Castle about?
The Castle is a 1997 Australian comedy about the Kerrigan family of Melbourne, whose home next to an airport is compulsorily acquired for expansion. Father Darryl Kerrigan fights the decision all the way to the High Court.
The film was made by the Working Dog comedy team, directed by Rob Sitch, in about 11 days on a small budget. Michael Caton played Darryl, a proud and cheerful tow truck driver who loves his family and home.
Darryl hires a well-meaning but inexperienced lawyer, Dennis Denuto, whose famous defence is it's the vibe. A retired barrister, Lawrence Hammill, later takes the case to the High Court.
Quotes and legacy
The film's lines, such as tell him he's dreamin' and this is going straight to the pool room, became part of everyday Australian speech.
The Castle is seen as a warm celebration of ordinary Australian families and of the idea that a person's home is their castle. Its gentle humour pokes fun at suburban life without mocking the characters.
Filmed around Melbourne, the movie has become a cult classic and is regularly ranked among the most-loved Australian films. Law students sometimes discuss its fictional High Court case when learning about property rights and the Constitution's just terms clause.
Did You Know?
The Kerrigans' home in the film was a real house in Melbourne's north, close to an airport, which has become a sightseeing spot for fans.