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Chequerboard – Too Much For Molony (1969)

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A misuse of authority

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

Clip description

In order to explain the hierarchical nature of the Catholic church and how that can so easily lead to a mindless authoritarianism, Molony tells the story of how his superior denied him the right to attend his brother’s first big league football game.

Curator’s notes

To understand the impact of this extraordinary story, it’s important to understand that the revolution in sexual mores had not yet begun to change the world of young Australians. It’s in this context that we can appreciate what a huge decision it must have been for Molony to leave the church and for he and his wife to tell their story on prime time television.

When Chequerboard arrived on Australian television nothing like it had ever been seen before. Into our living rooms came stories of homosexuality, of struggle street and of young lives destroyed by drugs and alcohol. Robin Hughes recalls that the research team were trained to explain to prospective talent the impact it may have on their lives to have their story told on prime time television. Many of that initial team of researchers, trained by Robin Hughes, went on to become award-winning documentary filmmakers in their own right. They include Tristram Miall, Aviva Ziegler and David Roberts, to name just a few.

This is a great example of interview technique. A very concise story told in one long, unbroken take in extreme close-up, it is extremely effective in drawing the viewer in. It was very sophisticated for the time, and takes great skill from the interviewer to achieve.

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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

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.

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