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The Magic Boomerang – The Discovery (1965)

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Boomerang magic

Original classification rating: G. This clip chosen to be G

Clip description

Tom (David Morgan) tries out the magic boomerang for the first time. He throws it and the magical powers described in his great-grandfather’s letter are demonstrated when horses, cows, sheep and his dog all freeze and only move again when he catches the boomerang. When his greedy cousin Harvey (Fred Parslow) arrives on horseback and tries to steal the letter, Tom puts the boomerang to good use. He freezes Harvey, recovers the letter and even replaces it with a flower. He calls Wombat (Rodney Pearlman) to share in the discovery and Tom can’t help but have some fun at his expense. Unlike Tom’s father, Wombat is open to the possibility of magic.

Curator’s notes

This clip demonstrates the powers of the Magic Boomerang while Tom’s great-grandfather’s letter is revisited in a voice-over memory. The special effects were achieved by simply freezing the frame or by selected actors (in this case cousin Harvey) remaining very still while others move in frame. Strange music plays every time Tom handles the boomerang adding to the air of mystery and magic.

Again, Tom’s strong narrative point of view is demonstrated here and continues in voice-over as he describes telephoning Wombat to join him. The performances of the actors are larger than life in comparison to the more realistic performances seen in much contemporary children’s drama. This clip also features the child-led storytelling, humour (often at the expense of adult characters) and fantasy wish fulfilment typical of the series.

Thanks to the generosity of the rights holders, we are able to offer Boomerang magic from the television program The Magic Boomerang – The Discovery as a high quality video download.

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This clip is available for download for the limited purpose of criticism and review in an educational context. You must obtain permission from editorial@aso.gov.au for all other purposes for use of this material.

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magicboo2_bb.mp4 Medium: 6.8MB Medium Can be displayed full screen. Also suitable for video iPods.

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Downloadable Video – FOR EDUCATIONAL CRITICISM AND REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY

This clip is available for download for the limited purpose of criticism and review in an educational context. You must obtain permission from editorial@aso.gov.au for all other purposes for use of this material.

Terms & Conditions

australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described here and elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.

All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. ALL rights are reserved.

You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before downloading this clip:

When you access ABC materials on australianscreen you agree that:

  1. You may download this clip to assist your information, criticism and review purposes in conjunction with viewing this website only;
  2. Downloading this clip for purposes other than criticism and review is Prohibited;
  3. Downloading for purposes other than non-commercial educational uses is Prohibited;
  4. Downloading this clip in association with any commercial purpose is Prohibited;

The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.

ANY UNAUTHORISED USE OF MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY.

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