Antarctic Pioneers

Siege of the South

Siege of the South is a 1931 Australian documentary film by Frank Hurley. It featured Douglas Mawson. It was based on footage taken on the BANZ Expedition to Antarctica in 1930–31. The film debuted in Brisbane in 1931.

Pearls and Savages

Frank Hurley (1885-1962) was firmly established by 1925 as Australia's most famous photographer. After World War 1, having filled the position as the first official photographer of the Australian war effort, Hurley became interested in Papua New Guinea. In December 1920, he left Australia to record the work of Anglican missions in Papua and to make "travelogue entertainment". The result was this documentary, "Pearls and Savages" which was released in Sydney, in December 1921. Following its initial success, the film was modularly expanded for subsequent theatrical re-releases including the 1923 edition, 'With the Headhunters of Unknown Papua' incorporating new expedition footage that features Hurley and ichthyologist Allan McCulloch on screen.

Home of the Blizzard

Frank Hurley (1885-1962) was firmly established by 1925 as Australia's most famous photographer. An artist interested less in expressing human experiences than the grandeur of nature and the romance of exotic lands, his work was known to Australians through books, newspaper features and documentary films. His journeys began in December, 1911 when he joined Mawson's expedition to Antarctica as official photographer; his stills of the Expedition were widely published around the world and this documentary "Home of the Blizzard" was released in 1913.

The Squatter's Daughter

A story of rival sheep stations and of the strong-willed squatter’s daughter who wants to unite them.

South

The story of the 1914-1916 Antarctic exploration mission of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The Hound of the Deep

To claim his inheritance, John Strong travels to Thursday Island with an ultimatum to locate a valuable pearl within two years. If he fails, his late uncle's pearling station will be forfeited to a rival pearler, "Black" Darley.

A Nation is Built

At a picnic to celebrate Australia's 150th 'birthday', a family discusses significant events that shaped the nation. From re-enacting the arrival of the First Fleet and the birth of John Macarthur's wool-producing enterprise, the film then turns to the present, focusing on rural production, industrial efficiency and the splendid urban landscape of Sydney. As the introductory title grandly proclaims: "From so small a beginning has sprung the virile Australian Nation." Frank Hurley, at the peak of his fame as a photographer, film maker and adventurer, was the obvious choice to direct the film and he delivered spectacular imagery and patriotic commentary with gusto.

Tall Timbers

A young forestry graduate, Jim Thornton, is involved in a race between timber companies to fill a major contract. Jim has joined the crew of a genial timber baron, Burbridge, and foils attempts by a rival, Blake, to sabotage their work. J. Alan Kenyon's special effects are the highlights of the film with comic relief provided by Joe Valli as a Scottish timber-train driver amorously pursued by a shrill-voiced maid of the Burbridge's country house.

The Silence of Dean Maitland

Dean Maitland (John Longden), a young man in orders and engaged to a woman, is involved in a tragedy, to reveal the details of which would ruin his career. The Dean denies responsibility for both the pregnancy of his lover Alma Lee (Charlotte Francis), and the death of her father, whom it turns out was enraged at the Dean's behaviour, attacked him and was killed in a fall. His friend, Dr. Everard (John Warwick), is found guilty of the death on false evidence, and Maitland allows him to suffer 20 years imprisonment. When the doctor is released from prison, bitter and seeking revenge, the Dean must confront his silence and his guilt, and the climax is the Dean's confession from the pulpit of his sins...

Sagebrush and Silver

Sagebrush and Silver is a 1941 American short documentary film enjoying the beautiful scenery of Nevada in the United States and directed by Frank Hurley. It was nominated for an Academy Award at the 14th Academy Awards for Best Short Subject.

Strike Me Lucky

‘Mo’ McIsaac and his sidekick Donald try to find work to support a young orphan girl he finds dancing for pennies in the street, Miriam, unaware she is really the missing daughter of rich aristocrat, Major Burnett. Gangster Al Baloney and Mae West impersonator Kate kidnap the girl and Mo is blamed for her disappearance.

Australia at War 1914-1918

A detailed historical account of the major campaigns fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Compiled from the archives of the Australian War Memorial, this film utilizes rare battlefield footage from the Middle East and Europe to trace the journey of the ANZAC troops from their initial departure to the frontline conflicts in Egypt, the Somme, and Cambrai.

With the Australian forces in Palestine

A silent actuality documentary compiling footage captured by official war photographer Frank Hurley during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War I. The film documents key military milestones from 1916 to 1918, including the capture of Beersheba, the Australian Light Horse maneuvers, and General Allenby's historic entry into Jerusalem. It serves as a historical archival record of tactical transport logistics and the Allied forces' push toward Damascus.

Treasures of Katoomba

Commissioned to promote 1930s tourism, this charming travelogue follows young lovers Jack and Jill on a scenic treasure hunt across the Blue Mountains. Seeking a hidden £500 cheque, their quest takes them past iconic landmarks like the Three Sisters and down the historic Scenic Railway.

Ross Smith’s Flight from London to Australia

A silent documentary of Australian aviators Ross and Keith Smith making their historic 1919 flight from England to Australia, captured on the final legs of the journey by filmmaker Frank Hurley.

Follow the Sun

Directed by Frank Hurley, this 1938 promotional travelogue highlights the Great Barrier Reef as an ideal holiday destination.