Act of Necessity

Act of Necessity is an Australian 1991 television film about a couple who believe their daughter's cancer is caused by chemicals.^[1] It was the fifth in a series of docu-dramas about social issues made by Film Australia. It had an improvised script and features actors working alongside actual people form government, law and medicine. It culminated in a trial before a real judge and the outcome was not known until the judge made his ruling.^[2][3]

Act of Necessity
Written by	Pamela Williams
Directed by	Ian Munro
Starring	Angie Milliken Mark Owen-Taylor Wendy Strehlow
Music by	Nigel Westlake
Country of origin	Australia
Original language	English
Production
Producer	Pamela Williams
Cinematography	Steve Windon
Running time	90 minutes
Production companies	Film Australia Channel 4
Original release
Network	ABC
Release	8 May 1991 (1991-05-08)

The film looks at the potential dangers from chemicals used on cotton crops. The Australian Cotton Foundation and the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia both tried to get it banned.^[4]

Cast

• Angie Milliken as Louise Coleman
• Mark Owen-Taylor as Ben Coleman
• Wendy Strehlow as Cressa Buchanan
• Tim McKenzie as Brian Buchanan
• Lauren Hewett as Samantha Coleman
• Stephen Grives
• Kris Graves
• Scott McGregor

Awards

• 1991 Australian Film Institute Awards
  • Best Juvenile Performer – Lauren Hewett – won^[5]
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role – Angie Milliken – nominated^[5]