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The Price (1924 film)

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The Price
Directed byDunstan Webb
Written byMary Mallon
Produced byMary Mallon
StarringJames Alexander
Production
company
Australian National Films
Release date
18 October 1924
CountryAustralia
LanguagesSilent film
English intertitles
Budget£1,000[1]

The Price is a 1924 Australian silent film made with a largely amateur cast under the direction of Dunstan Webb. It is considered a lost film.

Synopsis

Tom Howard's wealthy parents want him to become a banker but he leaves home to become a jockey. He does not do well and decides to return home, only to read that his mother and father have been killed in a motor accident. Too ashamed to collect his inheritance, he buys an old horse and works as a cab driver in Sydney. He is eventually found in a hospital by his sister who persuades him to return home, where he reconciles with his former girlfriend.[1]

Cast

  • James Alexander as Tom Howard
  • Muriel Copeland as sister
  • Doris Brooks
  • Belle Bates
  • Eddie Hamilton (jockey)
  • Bert Ralton and His Havana Band
  • Jimmy McMahon

Production

Mary Mallon formed her own company and spent less than £1,000 to make the movie. Shooting began in early 1924.[1] The movie featured several Sydney cabarets and racing stables, including Randwick Racecourse.[2][3] Some of the actors were amateurs cast from a competition.[4]

Release

Some screenings were accompanied by Dunstan Webb, who said he would talk to any members of the audience interested in appearing in future films made by the company.[5]

The costs were so low the film reportedly made a small profit.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Andrew Pike and Ross Cooper, Australian Film 1900–1977: A Guide to Feature Film Production, Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1998, 122.
  2. ^ "ELITE THEATRE". The Brisbane Courier. National Library of Australia. 2 January 1925. p. 7. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  3. ^ "Advertising". The Brisbane Courier. National Library of Australia. 5 January 1925. p. 2. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  4. ^ "Advertising". The Brisbane Courier. National Library of Australia. 29 December 1924. p. 2. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  5. ^ "Advertising". The Brisbane Courier. National Library of Australia. 3 January 1925. p. 2. Retrieved 24 March 2012.