Mr Reliable
Produced in 1996
Film Information
Synopsis
"Mr. Reliable" is based on a true story about Wally Mellish, who gained notoriety for conducting a bizarre siege in a house in Glenfield, Sydney. The film follows Wally as he navigates his life with his girlfriend and daughter, leading up to a wedding that takes place during the siege.
Full Description
"Mr. Reliable" is based on a true story. In January 1988, Wally Mellish achieved Australian and international notoriety as an extraordinary folk hero, when he successfully conducted a bizarre eight-day siege in a house in a sleepy, semi-rural area called Glenfield, on the outskirts of Sydney. Wally is living with his new girlfriend Beryl and her 2-year-old daughter Lesley. When the police call one day for questioning, Wally provoked, sends them running with a blast from his shotgun. To his surprise, the police react as though a major siege is underway. The police and assembled media set up home, along with an ever-increasing crowd of sightseers. A carnival atmosphere forms as the assembled crowd await the development of the siege. Wally offers to give himself up, if he can first marry his sweetheart, Beryl. The wedding takes place inside the house. The Commissioner of Police, Norman Alinn, who has taken personal charge of the siege, acts as Best Man as the prison chaplain conducts the ceremony. The crowd provide wedding presents for the newlyweds. Just prior to the wedding, Wally has seen a televised press conference in which the Deputy Commissioner forecasts that Wally will be sentenced to twenty years imprisonment. As a result, after the wedding, Wally decides not to give himself up. He and Beryl are to spend another six days 'honeymooning' under siege. Despite reports that Beryl is bound and held against her will, she has elected to stay with Wally. Popular support for his actions grow day by day. The hapless Commissioner is taken hostage and released in exchange for an Armalite rifle. Life is blissful inside, outside hysteria reigns.
Mr Reliable
1996