Australian
Screen

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The Man from Kangaroo (1919)

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clip 'I warned ye, wowser'

This clip chosen to be PG

Clip description

Having intended to defend his church congregation from the gang of Jack Braggan (Wilfred Lucas), John Harland (Snowy Baker) refrains from violence when he sees Muriel Hammond (Brownie Vernon) in the congregation. Muriel accuses Harland of running away 'from others who trusted you’.

Curator’s notes

Three of Snowy Baker’s films featured heroes who initially appear to be no match for the outback’s harsh physical demands. In The Lure of the Bush (1918) and The Jackeroo of Coolabong (1920), Baker’s heroes were English-educated, monocle-wearing jackeroos who, after the usual array of spectacular stunts, proved themselves equal to outback living. The Man from Kangaroo varied the formula with a parson who despite becoming an outcast in two country towns, redeemed himself by freeing his girlfriend from her guardian and a gang of toughs. Showing Wilfred Lucas at his loutish best as Braggan, this clip also represents the film’s biggest test of Snowy Baker as a dramatic actor.