Lilian's Story

Lilian's Story is a 1996 Australian film based on a 1985 novel by Australian author Kate Grenville, which was inspired by the life of Bea Miles, a famous Sydney nonconformist. The film stars Ruth Cracknell and Toni Collette as Lilian and her younger self, respectively, alongside Barry Otto. Cracknell had been a Shakespearean actress of the stage for many years.

Plot
Lilian Singer has been institutionalised for a long 40 years by her father. Her Aunt Kitty and her brother, John eventually secure her release, upon which Lilian tries to find her place in the world, against an urban Sydney backdrop. Through a retelling of her back story, we learn how Lilian’s current circumstances came about. And through her rediscovery of the world, Lilian shows us it is never too late to start again - even when you march to the beat of your own drum.

Cast

 * Toni Collette as Young Lilian Singer
 * Ruth Cracknell as Lilian Singer
 * Barry Otto as John Singer
 * Anne-Louise Lambert as Mother
 * John Flaus as Frank
 * Essie Davis as Zara
 * Matt Doran as Johnny
 * Jeff Truman as Head Orderly
 * Kate Agnew as May
 * Fiona Press as Ruby
 * Susie Lindeman as Jewel
 * Fiona Mahl as Alma
 * Rachael Maza as Shade
 * Bob Maza as Last TaxI Driver
 * David Argue as Spruiker
 * Maggie Kirkpatrick
 * Jacqueline Kott as Op Shop Owner

Reception
Variety review of the picture commended the acting and called it "a touching saga of an eccentric but tenacious woman who’s haunted by demons from her troubled past."

Toni Collette won the Australian Film Institute award for supporting actress for her performance as the young Lilian in this film; the film was also nominated for best score.