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Wambidgee (1962)

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The boomerang maker

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

Clip description

This clip is from the first episode of Wambidgee, 'The Boomerang Maker’. Wambidgee the boomerang maker decides to take his latest boomerang to the chief of his clan. En route, he is stopped by a crocodile and then Gerribung, the mischievous 'witch doctor’, both of whom want to steal whatever reward the chief gives Wambidgee for the boomerang.

Curator’s notes

This clip is somewhat charming in its simplicity, and Wambidgee was certainly commendable for trying to bring Indigenous representation to Australian children’s television in the 1960s. But viewed now, when Indigenous stories are increasingly being told by Indigenous filmmakers, this clip makes for uncomfortable viewing. References to Aboriginal 'chiefs’ and 'witch doctors’ show little understanding of the culture that is being appropriated to tell the story. The sprightly orchestral score also seems at odds with the Indigenous characters and Australian outback being represented on screen.

This clip does retain interest for being the first example of stop-motion puppet animation to screen on ABC television. The Wambidgee puppet is multi-jointed and able to wiggle its toes, raise its eyebrows and move its mouth effectively. Wambidgee’s altruism in giving away his boomerang and the straightforward way he stands up to the crocodile makes him an appealing hero for children, and this clip leaves us wanting to see how he will handle Gerribung’s attempts to dissuade him from his quest.

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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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