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Harvest Gold is a 1945 Australian industrial film about a farmer who clings to old methods of production.

Synopsis

The film explores various aspects of mechanical farming, from clearing the land to harvesting, and deals with the clash of attitudes between McDougal, a farmer who favours old methods, and Johnson who supports new ways. Matters come to a head when a cyclone threatens McDougal's crop and Johnson comes to his assistance with his machines to help him harvest in time.

There is some comic relief and a romantic subplot.

Cast

• Joe Valli as McDougal
• Harry Abdy as Johnson
• Tal Ordell as Mat
• Leal Douglas as Mrs McDougal
• Ethel Lang as Mrs Johnson
• Bruce Beeby as Harry Johnson

Production

The film was the only feature directed by Mervyn Murphy who ran Supreme Sound Studios in Sydney for many years. It was produced under the auspices of the New South Wales Department of Agriculture and distributed by the oil company Caltex.

Shooting took place around Tamworth and Campbelltown, with interiors at Supreme's studio in North Sydney. The support of the Department of Agriculture enabled the use of film stock, which was rare because of the war.

Reception

The film was given a private screening to William McKell, then-Premier of New South Wales, and various members of his cabinet. It was distributed along with an educational booklet and screened widely in non-commercial outlets.

References

1. "AN AGRICULTURAL FILM." Geraldton Guardian and Express (WA) 31 Dec 1946: 2. Retrieved 25 December 2011
2. "Current comment on rural matters of the moment The Passing Parade." Western Mail (Perth, WA) 22 May 1947: 39. Retrieved 25 December 2011
3. "Hearts As Warning." Sunday Times (Perth, WA) 11 May 1947: 4. Retrieved 25 December 2011
4. "OIL COMPANY'S ENTERTAINMENT." The Horsham Times (Vic) 29 Jul 1947: 2. Retrieved 25 December 2011
5. "An Agricultural Film." Gippsland Times (Vic) 23 Dec 1946: 7. Retrieved 25 December 2011
6. "Oil firm issues a useful booklet "Harvest Gold"." Western Mail (Perth) 6 Mar 1947: 47. Retrieved 25 December 2011

External links

• Harvest Gold at IMDb
• Harvest Gold at National Film and Sound Archive
• Harvest Gold at Oz Movies

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