Cirrus@Austlit

'In 4,000 ft. of film, spectators may follow the adventures of Jack Rundle, in bush and in city. The picture affords a glimpse of the young man at his work on a station, and tells of his love for Nellie Fallon, his father's ward. He leaves the station to attend to business in the city, and is tempted into dangerous society. Later comes the realisation that he has ruined his life, and he returns in sorrow to his father's home. There is no sympathy for the leper, and he wanders into the world, an outcast. Some years later he returns to the old homestead, and finds that the faithful love of his brother has been rewarded by Nellie Fallon, and two happy children have added to the delights of their home. The end comes dramatically with the suicide of the outcast.'

Source:

'An Adelaide Photo-play', The Advertiser, 15 December 1916, p.8. (Via Trove Australia)

The first film to trace the Gallipoli experiences of John Kikpatrick Simpson.

From a contemporary newspaper:

'Among the numberless deeds of heroism performed by the Anzacs at Gallipoli one figure stands out in dramatic distinctness in the person of Private W. Simpson, a Queenslander, who was attached to the 3rd Field Ambulance of the A.l.F. It will be remembered that in the earlier newspaper reports that came through the Identity of the hero was not established, and he was spoken of as 'Murphy' and as 'the man with the donkey. One English nowspaper in speaking of this gallant ambulance man stated that it was while endeavouring to save his 101th man that Simpson met his death. The story opens with the home life of 'Murphy' prior to his enlistment. Then follows the donning of the uniform, his departure for Egypt. A dramatic incident occurs on the troop ship to Galljpoli, which results in an encounter between Murpny, and a German spy. Then comes the landing. There follows in rapid succession the battle scenes at Gallipoli, all interspersed with Murphy's heroic deeds as calmly, and with true Australian 'don't care a-damnedness,' he carries on his labour of love in saving his wounded comrades with the help of his donkey, culminating with his death at ihe moment of his greatest deed wherein he endeavours to save no less than three wounded men at the one time.'

Source:

'Murphy of Anzac', Illawarra Mercury, 11 July 1916, p.2.

Advertised as 'A Humorous Boxing Burlesque [...] Ridiculing all the training operations, viz., Running, Skipping, etc., etc., concluding with a Rattling Two-round Fight between PETER FELIX v. PORKY KEARNS'.

Source:

Advertisement, Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 22 February 1915, p.8)

'Allen Doone's first attempt as an actor and producer of a moving picture play is a great success. 'The Rebel,' as the film is named, was photographed completely in Australia, although the scene of the play is Ireland. Jack Blake is the leader of a rebel band, formed to free Ireland from oppression. On the night of the attack on the fort, Captain Armstrong acts the traitor, and the rebel band is attacked and beaten. Blake escapes, and is married to Eileen McDermott, but afterwards he is captured and imprisoned. Eileen visits the prison, and, with the help of the gaol doctor, substitutes Blake for a suicide in the dead man's coffin. The coffin is taken to the vault, where two grave-robbers open it to get the corpse to sell to doctors. They find the 'corpse' alive, and help him to escape. Eileen is greatly grieved, thinking her husband dead. Blake, however, reaches her house and kills Captain Armstrong as he is about to force Eileen to marry him. The remainder of the rebels overcome Armstrong's guards, and the couple escape to France.'

Source:

'Hero of Irish Drama', Sunday Times, 27 June 1915, p.16.