On Our Selection

Steele Rudd wrote many stories about Australian bush pioneers, but his most enduring creations are Dad and Dave, and the rest of the Rudd family. The stories have been turned into plays and films, most recently in 1995, but it is probably this 1920 film that comes closest to their spirit.

This is not a great film - its episodic nature diminishes any comic or dramatic impact it might have had - but while it's on it is diverting and often charming. It fizzles out badly at the end but there are many highlights - Dave practicing in the corn field for the big dance, the possum in the bed, the big fire (this sequence is very well shot). But perhaps the best scene is when Dad is ready to give up - the drought and the fire becoming too much for him - this is a moving expression of the plight of the man on the land.

Generally the camera work is too static - never moving as the frame fills with lots of characters - and the action is unfocused. But it is acted with vigour and charm - especially by Percy Walshe as Dad. Very enjoyable.

It's interesting too that the Screensound Australia video version has an organ score played by Ron West and recorded live at the Majestic Theatre in Pomona Queensland, in front of the Boonah Senior Citizens. Because of this we hear all their laughs, comments and coughs and the very loud organ pedals. Just like being in a theatre!