Aussies made an impact on Hollywood long ago
Published on 11 October, 2002
For those of you who thought it had only been in the last decade that Australians have made an impact on Hollywood, then think again. Forget Nicole Kidman, move over Jack Thompson, there were Aussie stars before you were born.
As a result of research into an Australian silent film actress, Central Queensland University Contemporary Communication lecturer Jeannette Delamoir has discovered “Hollywood’s first gum-leaf mafia”.
In early 1922 a preview screening in Hollywood of an Australian production of Raymond Longford’s The Sentimental Bloke was announced. A trade journal article stated that the audience was to be “entirely composed of Australian-born actors and actresses now playing in American photo plays.” Some 20 Australian-born performers to whom invitations had been issued were then listed.
These 20 Australians, however, were not the only Aussies employed in early Hollywood.
“As a result of my PhD research into Australian silent film actress Louise Lovely’s US career, I have identified almost 100 more Australians in the film industry between 1915 and 1925,” Ms Delamoir said.
“There were big stars, directors, cinematographers, stunt doubles and comedians. There was even a director, J.P. McCullough, who directed a series of railway serials. He married actress Helen Holmes who played the daring heroine in many of the films.
“What I have found is that most Australians in the film industry were theatre professionals who travelled around the world for work. I believe it was the power of the industry that drew people in, enough so, that they would travel six weeks on a boat to get to San Fransisco, before making the journey through rough terrain to Hollywood. I think the power stills draws them today.
She expects her research into Australians in Hollywood to take about two years and may involve six months research in the US.
“I’m so excited about this research. I really enjoy reading the trade magazines and other literature on this topic. I love it.
Ms Delamoir will seek funding for her research over the next few months.