Canberra Files, The

Clip 1: Democracy in action

1 min 49 sec

Taken from the documentary Canberra Files, The (2006)

Original title classification not rated – this clip chosen to be PG

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Curator’s clip description

Standing in the House of Representatives Chamber in Old Parliament House, actor Michael Caton provides the context for early newsreels in Australia. This is followed by a Paramount Gazette newsreel from 1929 that shows ex-Prime Minister Stanley Bruce leaving Parliament House, while the new James Scullin Labor administration sweeps into the building.

Curator’s notes

This clip shows an early example of an Australian political newsreel. At this time, newsreels did not include political comment and were not used to persuade. Instead, this newsreel informs the public of what has happened with footage and straightforward intertitles.

This Paramount Gazette newsreel footage was taken within days of the stock market crash of 1929 which led to the Great Depression, giving it a poignant tone in hindsight.

Lauren Williams, curator

australian screen