Tim

Well, not actually. But Gibson played opposite Piper Laurie in this Australian movie, he was 23 and she was 46. Piper Laurie was Mary Horton and her gardener was somewhat simple, but very nice, Mel Gibson as "Tim". It shows that love does not recognize age differences. A sensitive and well-made movie.

Mel Gibson looks terrific as the 20 something mentally challenged gardener of Piper Laurie. She is 20 years older, but their friendship grows, and she teaches Tim to read. She brings him to her shore house where they swim and walk on the beach. Tim has a wonderful disposition and anyone would like him. His sister is jealous of Laurie. Tim's sister gets married and his parents both die. Mary, Laurie, loves Tim and ... When the book came out in 1974, I stayed up half the night until I finished it. The movie is great, but the book is mesmerizing. The masterpiece of The Thornbirds followed soon after Tim.

I just watched this movie because of Mel Gibson,not hoping to see a great movie,but contrary to my foregone conclusion I find this movie meaningful and absorbing. This movie is the 3rd movie in which Mel Gibson starred & was made in Australia.All the actors did they job very well. As I mentioned this movie is about a simpleminded bloke who his job is cleaning up people's houses.One day he meets an older woman named Mary and she asks her to clean up his garden there the story begins.Mary sympathize with the illiterate Tim(Gibson) and starts teaching him.Therefore,she sees Tim a lot and they begin to feel for each other.Meanwhile Tim's sister who is getting married,starts worrying and Tim's mother death somehow makes the situation even more complicated.... I recommend this movie to those who love great stories and are in mood for artistic movies.

Tim is the first movie I ever seen with Mel Gibson. He portrays the character of a retarded young man to perfection. I was so impressed with the concept of the story that I bought the book and read it twice. The innocent child-like love between the characters of Tim and Mary Horton (Piper Laurie)is very refreshing. You will laugh, as well as cry, while you see the characters come to life and grow before your eyes. These two lonely people are placed in a situation where they genuinely really need each other. There is another movie that is based upon the story: "Mary & Tim", which stars Candice Bergen of the sitcom "Murphy Brown". You might want to give that one a look see as well.

Mel Gibson was a young man playing Tim Melville. Piper Laurie played a forty something American who hired this young Australian man to do work for her. They have chemistry though. Despite their vast differences, their performances rises to the occasion about a May-December romance. Gibson's performance is a breakout though early in his career. Piper Laurie was perfect as Mary Horton, an American businesswoman who has lived in Australia for 20 years. The cast is stellar too and enjoyed the Australian location sites.