THE BREAKING OF THE DROUGHT

Australia, 1919, 90 minutes, Black and white.
Directed by Franklin Barrett.

The Breaking of the Drought was based on a play focusing on a drought of 1902 and made into a film in 1919 because of the drought of that year. (The information given in Pike and Cooper's Australian Film 1900 to 1977 has interesting information about the production, about a water nymph ballet that does not exist in copies of the film available and censorship difficulties and legal action concerning the film and the export of Australian films.)

Franklin Barrett also made The Girl of the Bush, films about rural Australia, the ethos of the bush, the difficulties of devastation of drought, the heroism of those in the bush, the decadence of those who live in the city. The film seems quite contrived now, but is an interesting look at perceptions of 1920. The black and white photography is quite striking, especially the sequences of drought (filmed in North Western New South Wales).

1.The perceptions of 1919-1920? The drought, the bush, city life? The contemporary interpretation? Popular perceptions?

2.Australian myths of the bush, the heroism, the struggle? The seasons, droughts and devastation? The rain? The healthy work of the bush? Myths about the city, decadent life, men and women, sexuality, gambling? Themes of repentance and restoration - from the city to the bush?

3.The quality of the black and white photography, the range of Australian landscapes? The editing and its impact? The captions and the melodramatic style of the plot?

4.The presentation of Australia, the range of its landscapes, seasons? The patriotic beginning and ending?

5.The property at Wallaby? The Galloways and their lifestyle? Their neighbour, Tom Wattleby? The daughter and her love for Tom? The contrast with the happy scenes at home and Gilbert in the city, money, his friends?

6.Marjorie, at home, relationship with her parents? With Tom? Her going to the city, discovering Gilbert - and her temptation to decadence at the party, what's good enough for Gilbert...? The return home, the happy ending with Tom?

7.Gilbert, going to the city, the opportunities, study, his corrupt friends, their leading him astray, Olive and his life with her, the lies, the visit of his parents, his callous disregard and going out to the races, the forging of the cheques, the races, his facing his parents, seeing the error of his ways, disappearing, the swagman, the fire and Tom rescuing him? His repentance and restoration?

8.Tom, his property, taking the sheep to India? His money, going to the rescue for the family?

9.The family, the tragedy of the property, their going to the city, their discovery of the truth about Gilbert? Sadness? Restoration?

10.The comedy sequences, the comedians, the comic friend and his turns?

11.The ending of the film, the patriotic tone, everything in order, financially and morally? The neat ending?