FILM

Australia's second feature, Eureka Stockade (1907), aimed at portraying the 1854 rebellion with historical accuracy. The publicity of the time shouted: "...a picture story of the most memorable event in Australian history; throbbing with the pulse and memories of the Roaring Fifties. Goldseekers leaving London ... On the road to the diggings ... the gold rush ... lost in the bush ... the gold robbery ... diggers chained to logs ... building the Eureka Stockade ... Murder at Bentley's Hotel ... and storming Eureka Stockade ... the unveiling of Lalor's monument with a Grand Military March Past. Undoubtedly, the most realistic combination of pictures ever produced in the annals of animated art..." (see video item below).

Since then, the story of the rebellion has featured in further films and television series. In August 1999, plans were announced for a multi-million dollar feature film - "The Stockade" - to be filmed in Ballarat.

Pathe Picture Theatre
PICTURE: BALLARAT PICTURE THEATRE C.1911


VIDEO COLLECTION

Living Ballarat 1901-1941 - a comprehensive 75 minute collection of most of Ballarat’s earliest films, is available from Screensound (the National Film and Sound Archive) in Canberra.

The video includes:

  • Royal Visit to Ballarat - 13 May 1901 - the first film shot in Ballarat.
  • Eureka Stockade - September 1907 - a tour of Ballarat's streets from the first feature film shot In the city.
  • Pathe's Ballarat Newsreel - 1911 & 1912 - the first Australian provincial newsreel, nine segments Including football matches, parades and celebrations, the Ballarat Kennel Club and a children's beauty quest.
  • Prince of Wales opens Arch of Victory - 2 June 1920.
  • Macarthur Street Primary School - 1924.
  • "Gem" Travelling Picture Show In Ballarat - November 1925.
  • Imperial Press Conference Delegates In Ballarat - November 1925.
  • In And Around Ballarat - Commonwealth Government travelogue, shot in the winter of 1927.
  • Opening of Ballarat Aerodrome - 8 March 1930.
  • A Tour of 3BA - 1935/36 - Including an outing of the 3BA "Blue Birds" to Lake Wendouree.
  • Visit of Duke of Gloucester to Ballarat - I November 1934. Includes a tour of the Lucas clothing factory and South Street Band Contest at City Oval.
  • Destruction of Coliseum Hall By Fire - 24 March 1936. The largest Australian movie venue destroyed.
  • Ballarat Centenary Floral Festival - March 1938. The oldest theatrically exhibited colour film of Ballarat, in pioneering Kodachrome.
  • Ballarat In 1939 - Kodachrome shots of motorbike races, second floral festival, street scenes and Fire Brigade fire trials.
  • Patriotic Day Carnival - I I July 1941 - Wartime Sturt Street In colour.



    Screensound Australia (National Film and Sound Archive)
    NFSA Sales
    GPO Box 2002
    CANBERRA ACT 2601