David Green

I realise that I am writing this in 2003 and that 30 years is a long time in the annals of history let alone those of film; but I would equate this "iconic" home grown movie almost to the era of the first Kelly movie, with the exception of the faltering film. I had obviously believed that we, as Australian directors? had learnt something from the US and GB since the twenties but apparently not. If this movie contributed anything to Hugh's start in the industry it would only have been his sweet face; but then I obviously forget; that was his major appeal. This movie is a sad reflection on the state of the art at the time as I have implied. It required the introduction of UK 'talent. To his, (Hugh's) admirers ..and I am one of them; he just didn't fit did he?? The movie should not have been about Hugh etc, but about the Australia which bred the Kelly's. Sad story all round really .... Ned and Hugh would've respected each other... Whatever one thinks of the history which produced the Kelly Gang and it's consequences, I feel that the saga contributed somewhat to our knowledge of ourselves as a place and people apart; in much the same way as happened in the US but without the armed conflict. Maybe Ned and his Gerilldery letter (sp) helped avoid that ... lesson. I think that is so. David