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clip 1Clip description
This clip shows part of the 1956 May Day march through Sydney’s city streets. Crowds of people, including many children, watch the parade from the curb. Some of the marchers hold banners urging peace, others carry flags representing different countries and organisations. The final movement from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony accompanies the commentary by Jock Levy.
Curator’s notes
The strong anti-war sentiment in this clip is set up by Keith Gow’s cinematography, the use of Beethoven’s 'Ode to Joy’ chorus on the soundtrack and the focus on banners and slogans advocating peace. At the beginning of the clip, Gow deliberately focuses on the children in the parade, on the floats and in the crowd. The message of a peaceful future is politicised though linking the images of children in the crowds with the anti-war banners depicting women and children.
