An Australian by Marriage

An Australian by Marriage
Directed by	Raymond Longford
Starring	Lottie Lyell
Cinematography	Bert Ive
Release date	1923 (1923)
Country	Australia
Language	Silent film

An Australian by Marriage is a 1923 Australian dramatized documentary directed by Raymond Longford. It was commissioned by the Australian government for the British Empire Exhibition in Wembley Park, London, in 1924, to serve as propaganda for attracting migrants to Australia.[1]

Plot

Isabelle (Lottie Lyell) emigrates from England to Australia after getting engaged to an Australian carpenter. Isabelle is met by the Y.W.C.A. on arrival and secures a position as a nursemaid. She and herfiancébuild a home. They obtain a baby bonus.[2][3]

Cast

• Lottie Lyell as Isabelle

Reception

The film was screened at the Majestic Theatre in Canberra on 7 August 1923 in front of a crowd that included the Governor General and Acting Prime Minister Earl Page.[1]

One newspaper review commented; "the picture is well produced and acted in a bright manner, and should, indeed, be a great incentive for young people to migrate to the Commonwealth."[4] However, a reviewer for Smith's Weekly was less enthusiastic.[5]

References

1. "EMPIRE EXHIBITION". The Argus. Melbourne: National Library of Australia. 8 November 1923. p. 8. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
2. "Screening Australia". Smith's Weekly. Vol. V, no. 43. New South Wales, Australia. 15 December 1923. p. 12. Retrieved 5 December 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
3. "IMMIGRATION". Farmers' Advocate. No. 353. Victoria, Australia. 9 November 1923. p. 1. Retrieved 11 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
4. "ADVERTISING TASMANIA". The Daily Telegraph. Vol. XLIV, no. 60. Tasmania, Australia. 10 March 1924. p. 5. Retrieved 5 December 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
5. "Screening Australia". Smith's Weekly. Vol. V, no. 43. New South Wales, Australia. 15 December 1923. p. 12. Retrieved 25 August 2024 – via National Library of Australia.