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The Stranger – Series 1 Episode 1 (1964)

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The Stranger

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

Clip description

A mysterious Stranger (Ron Haddrick) collapses on the doorstep of the Walsh family home. The opening titles for The Stranger feature a satellite dish searching the skies, strange particles moving in space and a moonscape. Inside the Walsh home, teenager Peter (Michael Thomas) is beaten at chess by Jean Walsh (Janice Dinnen). Jean’s father, Mr Walsh (John Faassen), is distracted by a knock at the door.

Curator’s notes

Ominous music accompanies the shadowy night-time arrival of an enigmatic stranger. Walking with purpose in the rain to the headmaster’s door, he is clearly up to no good. This set-up is in stark contrast to the warm normality of the scene of domestic bliss going on inside as the audience is introduced to the Walsh family.

This sequence, taken from the very beginning of episode one, demonstrates an unsettling sense of foreboding and potential threat. The introduction of an 'alien’ intruder reflects a science-fiction tradition dating from the 1950s Cold War period. The threat posed by invaders to the American – or in this case, Australian – way of life was often an allegory for the perceived danger of Communism.

Thanks to the generosity of the rights holders, we are able to offer The Stranger from the television program The Stranger – Series 1 Episode 1 as a high quality video download.

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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

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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:

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  3. Downloading for purposes other than non-commercial educational uses is Prohibited;
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This clip is available in the following configurations:

File nameSizeQualitySuitability
thestran1_pr.mp4 Large: 12.4MB High Optimised for full-screen display on a fast computer.
thestran1_bb.mp4 Medium: 5.9MB Medium Can be displayed full screen. Also suitable for video iPods.

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Thanks to the generosity of the rights holders, we are able to offer this clip in an embeddable format for personal or non-commercial educational use in full form on your own website or your own blog.

You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before embedding the clip:

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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