Australian
Screen

an NFSA website

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Power of the atom (1981)

In the mid 1950s above ground atomic tests are carried out in South Australia. The bomb is dropped by aircraft and the blast is seen. Various people recall the tests including RAAF driver Ric Johnston, RAAF wireless operator ... [read more]

The convent must change (1991)

Mother Superior (Sandy Gore) asks the nuns to spend some time reading and thinking about how they might deal with the changes suggested by Vatican II. Sister Catherine (Josephine Byrnes) is keen to discard old practices that she feels have ... [read more]

The rat’s tale (1932)

Rat tails bring a reward of sixpence each (equivalent to about $5 today) and Lord Howe Island locals join the hunt for the pests. Two women take their three fox terriers to smoke out a family of rats hidden in ... [read more]

An ancient civilisation (1944)

On board a paddle steamer, the camera travels up the Euphrates river passing villages in the swamp and marshland region of the country – a lush landscape strewn with long reeds and covered in date palms. As the crew comes ... [read more]

Port Arthur (c1932)

The convict history of the Tasmanian settlement of Port Arthur is explained in this clip, with a voice-over accompanying scenes of the site. Convict history is re-enacted to evoke the past. A couple and a tour group walk through the ... [read more]

‘Damned yankee’ (1977)

Mr Pym (John Meillon) sees an unexpected and unwanted visitor as he struggles with a bogged wagon – his former protégé Pete Palmer (Rod Taylor), now his chief rival. Disgruntled piano player Lou (Garry McDonald) decides to join the opposition. [read more]

Rewriting the record books (1984)

At a garden party, Douglas Jardine (Hugo Weaving), the very model of an English gentleman and a very fine cricketer, is discussing the phenomenon of the young Donald Bradman (Gary Sweet) with his friends and colleagues – all gentlemen players ... [read more]

Equal pay paradox (1983)

This clip examines the situation for women in the 1930s Depression when many were forced to work as the men in their families were unemployed. Denied equal pay and still being paid piece-rate wages, women were then vilified and unfairly ... [read more]

‘It’s not our bloody war’ (1981)

Lost in the desert, on their way to join up, Archy (Mark Lee) and Frank (Mel Gibson) discuss politics, patriotism and the reasons for war. [read more]

King Oedipus (1994)

Interviewed in 1992, Ruth Cracknell reflects on her exploration of more dramatic roles and the opportunity to work with theatre director, Tyrone Guthrie. The clip intercuts historical footage of Cracknell rehearsing the part of Jocasta in the 1970 production of ... [read more]

David Williamson at La Mama (1994)

Australian playwright David Williamson recalls meeting his wife, Kristin, at La Mama Theatre Company where they were both performing. Kristin also recalls the tall awkward young David. Williamson talks about Australian plays being popular with contemporary audiences at a time ... [read more]

Blackfella’s law (2002)

After the death of the fanatic, the tracker (David Gulpilil) and the follower (Damon Gameau) are captured by the local tribe in this area. They have also captured the fugitive (Noel Wilton), an Aboriginal man of a different clan. The ... [read more]

Adoption (2001)

Dael finds the pool a comfort during unsuccessful IVF treatment. She and her husband adopt a Korean child. The pool is the centre of their social life. [read more]

‘They’ve sacked the boss’ (1993)

Wife of former Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, Margaret Whitlam, recalls the day that the Governor-General John Kerr sacked her husband on 11 November 1975. At the end of this clip Gough Whitlam is seen on the steps of Parliament House ... [read more]

Food rations in Cuba (2002)

An older man in the street says socialism has ensured that the people don’t starve. Basic food is available to all citizens. No other South American country can claim this. Fidel Castro is a hero to the older Cubans. [read more]

Ricco (2004)

At school, Ricco stands with his hands drooped over an outside freshwater tap. He introduces himself to the audience, and the other main characters of the documentary soon after. [read more]

One wave, one surfer (1973)

After a great day surfing with his friend Richie West, George Greenough goes back to work on his boat, a 37-foot hull on which he is building his own cabin. He explains his philosophy of surfing, and his need for ... [read more]

Investing in the unknown (2002)

An art auction. A woman is purchasing two pieces of art – a Mimi statue and a painting of a barramundi fish. [read more]

Hide the shame (1999)

Val is sent away to have her illegitimate baby in secret. Her mother always wanted to have a 25th wedding anniversary party. While pregnant, Val can’t be seen by neighbours and friends, so her mother blames Val for having to ... [read more]

Cat hat (2000)

John Wamsley describes how he was able to get major press coverage for his cause by wearing a hat made of feral cat skins. He says that if you want to attract attention you need a gimmick. [read more]

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