Historical Aussie film at Randwick Ritz
Image: Chance Seneca (left) and Holden White.
Newsfront is a “must-see” for people interested in the history of cinema in Australia, and for those working in and consuming today’s news media.
First seen in 1978, Newsfront dealt with the politics of Australia between 1948 and 1956. This included Robert Menzies’ re-election as Australia’s Prime Minister, the 1951 referendum to ban the Communist Party, the rabbit plague and migrants.
Why was the film so unusual? Because there had never been such a film about Australian politics. Moreover, the film acknowledged the power of the upcoming new television technology. Controversial writer Bob Ellis wrote the original screenplay from a concept by producer David Elfick, while director Phil Noyce is credited with the screenplay.
The film follows the progress of newsreel cameraman Len Maguire (Bill Hunter) whose media company is failing, while his brother Frank (Gerard Kennedy) is prepared to embrace the new technology. Television is looming on the horizon and cannot be ignored.
In this era of Facebook, Twitter and feeds, we can only marvel at those early days of news gathering and dissemination depicted in Newsfront.
There will be a Q & A with director Phillip Noyce, actor Chris Haywood and producer David Elfick after the screening.
Saturday 30 July 2pm, 45 St Pauls St, Randwick; $20 + $1.70 bf; Tickets and info: www.ritzcinemas.com.au/movies/35mm-newsfront-1978
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