The Hound of the Deep is a 1926 British–Australian silent drama film directed by Frank Hurley and starring Eric Bransby Williams, Lilian Douglas and Jameson Thomas. Unlike many Australian silent films, a copy of it survives today.
| The Hound of the Deep | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Frank Hurley |
| Written by | Frank Hurley |
| Produced by | Frank Hurley |
| Starring | Eric Bransby Williams Lillian Douglas Jameson Thomas |
| Cinematography | Frank Hurley Walter Sully |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | J.C. Williamson Films |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 4,960 feet |
| Countries | Australia United Kingdom |
| Language | Silent |
| Budget | £5,000 |
It was one of the first Australian films set on Thursday Island. [1]
Plot
editUnder the terms of his uncle's will, John Strong must go to Thursday Island and find a pearl within two years or the Reuben Strong pearling station and his great wealth will revert to another, Black Darley. Eventually Strong finds the pearl, defeats Darley and discovers romance with the daughter of an island trader.[2]
Cast
edit- Eric Bransby Williams as John Strong
- Lilian Douglas as Marjorie Jones
- Jameson Thomas as 'Black' Darley
- W. G. Saunders as 'Cockeye' Jones
- Molly Johnson as Lady Cynthia
- Dallas Cairns as Mr. Bullyer
Production
editAfter the disappointing reception to his documentaries in America, Hurley decided to go into dramatic feature films. He succeed in persuading the Australian-born British theatre magnate Sir Oswald Stoll to provide £10,000 and several actors and technicians to make two films in Papua and Thursday Island, this and Jungle Woman.[3][4]
Hurley and his crew left Sydney in August 1925 and travelled to Thursday Island where they shot The Hound of the Deep.
Release
editReviews generally praised the photography but had reservations about the story.[5]
The film was released in Britain as Pearl of the South Seas.
References
edit- ^ Vagg, Stephen (25 May 2020). "The A to Z of Non-White Aussie Movies and TV in White Australia". Filmink.
- ^ ""THE HOUND OF THE DEEP."". The Brisbane Courier. National Library of Australia. 26 February 1927. p. 22. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
- ^ "AUSTRALIAN FILMS". The Register. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 16 October 1926. p. 10. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
- ^ "AMUSEMENTS. STOLL-HURLEY FILM PRODUCTIONS". The Sydney Morning Herald. National Library of Australia. 8 September 1925. p. 5. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
- ^ "NEW FILMS". The Sydney Morning Herald. National Library of Australia. 8 November 1926. p. 6. Retrieved 8 April 2012.