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Laying the railway line (c1917)
Railway workers unload materials from a railway truck for the construction of a segment of the trans-continental railway line. Two men in a horsedrawn buggy ride past the camera. Another view shows men laying timber sleepers and metal rails. Men ... [read more]
Uluru (1970)
Scenic shots of Uluru as the voice-over speaks of the 'geological timescale of the continent and its growth and ageing’. Then, we see Uluru weather a storm. As rains cascade down over the rock, the voice-over describes 'the elements that ... [read more]
The media (1956)
This clip illustrates the workings of the OTC, telegraph and press offices. This is followed by footage from various athletic events, and of the special post offices, purpose-built to serve the public at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. [read more]
‘Clean, green and healthier’ (2006)
Vehicle exhaust emissions are responsible for increased deaths from asthma, heart disease and lung cancer due to all the toxins in petrol and diesel, according to Professor Ray Kearney, a vocal supporter of biofuels. He says that ethanol will cut ... [read more]
Departing on the Aurora (1963)
Over aerial shots of Antarctica, narrator John West introduces the story of Douglas Mawson’s first Australian expedition to Antarctica in 1911, on which the official photographer was Frank Hurley. We see some of Hurley’s famous still photographs from that expedition ... [read more]
Surfing, a national sport (1949)
Commentator John Moyes explains that men are making surfboards out of plywood. A line of surfers carry their boards down to the shore and paddle out towards the breakers. The camera follows their path, capturing them from just in front ... [read more]
The horrors of Hiroshima (1989)
Masako Clarke describes her memories of leaving Hiroshima on a train in the early hours of 6 August 1945, the morning that the atom bomb was dropped on the city. Clarke recalls hearing a loud sound and seeing a white ... [read more]
‘Saturday kind of car’ (1967)
A paperboy delivers the Saturday newspaper in a suburban street. A man in his pyjamas waves to his wife as she leaves to do the weekly grocery shopping, taking her daughter and the family dog with her in the Holden ... [read more]
China’s Cultural Revolution (1998)
The Cultural Revolution started in 1966 and lasted ten years. Artists Huang Miaozi and his wife Yu Feng were arrested along with other artists and writers. Many were imprisoned without trial. Communist leader Mao Tse Tung issued 'the little red ... [read more]
Allergic to the 20th century (1997)
Eve has an allergic response to insecticides, cleaning agents and preserved small goods. Diana reacts badly to the chemicals in newsprint. Michael has an adverse response to the chemicals in tap water. [read more]
Uranium blockade (1999)
Anti-uranium mining protestors block the road access to Jabiluka in the Northern Territory. The mining company issues trespass notices and the NT police clear the road, making several arrests. [read more]
‘Let’s get the bastard pegged’ (1983)
Sapphire miners Johnny (Harry Hopkins) and Mike (Colin Friels) peg a new claim, but newcomer Andy (Dennis Miller) disputes their right to the land. He uses his bulldozer to underline the point. [read more]
Nicaragua under attack (1984)
Nicaragua is attacked at its borders by the Contras. They are backed by the USA, which claims that Nicaragua is supplying arms to leftist guerrillas in El Salvador. Tomás Borge, the Nicaraguan Minister for the Interior denies this, and ... [read more]
Mao takes charge (1986)
The USSR Politburo chose Mao Zedong to head the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Journalist Tony Lawrence comments on the success of the Red Army under Mao. The Chinese Communist Party achieved popular appeal as they fought to repel ... [read more]
What is a conductor? (1995)
Simone Young is seen conducting the opera Tristan and Isolde by Richard Wagner. Conductors Barenboim, Charles Mackerras and Norman Lebrecht author of The Maestro Myth, comment on Young. [read more]
Mutiny on the Batavia (1973)
While mutineers are busy plotting to take over the Dutch ship Batavia, it is wrecked on a coral reef off the coast of Western Australia. [read more]
An alcoholic Christmas Day (1984)
With a tablecloth and lots of alcohol, a group of alcoholic friends celebrate Christmas Day. The men are listening to themselves talk on a radio program that was prompted by the making of this documentary. Paul Makin had previously interviewed ... [read more]
Mateship in the army (1993)
Over footage of Remembrance Day ceremonies, and archival footage of soldiers in the First World War, surviving ex-servicemen recall the power of mateship and remember their fallen comrades. [read more]
Japan’s taste for whale (1994)
At the Tokyo Fish Market, whale meat sells for US$330 per kilo. If the whale meat is unavailable will they buy more tuna and shark? Japanese people feel that the world’s media is attacking them for their choice to eat ... [read more]
The First World War begins (2000)
The clip describes Germany’s military build up prior to WW1, including the widening of the Kiel canal, commenced in 1907, to enable its new fleet of dreadnoughts to be able to enter the North Sea easily. The assassination of Archduke ... [read more]
