The Australian Women's Register

The film opens with an intertitle signed by screenwriter Agnes Gavin: “In appreciation of that noble yet silent body of men – the Police – whose ever present protection makes possible our peaceful daily life”. The ensuing plot has the actors emoting without any real substantial dramatic action. Essentially a film about a bush policeman and his son who carries on the family tradition in the city, the plot further involves a family quarrel and tragedy and ultimate rediscovery of a long lost granddaughter. General notes: Originally begun in 1926 as “The Key of Fate”, the finished film included two long action sequences from previous bushranger films: “The Kelly Gang” (1920), and “Robbery Under Arms” (1920). Censors deleted a scene showing the death of Sergeant O’Brien’s brother by bushrangers. There is a sub-plot including young O’Brien and his childhood Aboriginal friend Moori. The Aborigines depicted in the film are broadly caricatured, and played by white actors in black face. The intertitles combine dialogue, prose and verse in telling the story. The film was popular with audiences but not with critics who found it lacking in dramatic insight. Scenes originally believed to be in the film, including police training filmed with the assistance of the Commissioner of Police are no longer there. Total cost of production was 1000 pounds. Originally 5500 feet of 35mm, survives substantially complete at 5220 feet of 35mm. Running time: 77 mins @ 18 fps. [Survives at 1936 feet of 16mm, 81 mins @ 18fps]. Access copies: 16mm, 35mm 1/2 inch video. There is documentation relating to the production of the film held in the NFSA collection.