Using archival film, aerial photography, stills, prints and contemporary footage, this documentary presents the city of Melbourne and its lifestyle. Looks at the unique Victorian architecture that transformed Melbourne from a tent city during the Gold Rush to a modern and prosperous city. Captures the vibrant streetscapes, the trams, the elaborate arcades and some of the institutions that cater to Melbourne’s elite such as the Georges store and the Melbourne Club. Highlights the range of sporting activities available, showing John McEnroe, Dennis Lillee and Greg Norman among others. Visits the Separation Tree in the Botanical Gardens planted to commemorate Melbourne’s independence from NSW, the bustling Queen Victoria Market, the suburbs of St Kilda and Brighton, its beaches and the Arts Precinct. Shows crowded restaurants and pubs with rock band performances that contribute to Melbourne’s nightlife. Also includes footage of areas and buildings which have disappeared or undergone major transformations since this film was produced: the docklands; the city square; Swanston Street; Foster’s Brewery; ports. The following Australian identities are also shown: Barry Humphries, Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum, Bob Hawke, Andrew Peacock, Phillip Adams, Dick Hamer, Joan Sutherland, Jon English, Derryn Hinch, Mike Brady, Lindsay Thompson and an assortment of VFL footballers.
How to watch
This work has been digitised and can be viewed in the display above.
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
015556
Language
English
Subject categories
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Australia
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Australia - Description and travel
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Australia - Social life and customs
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Beaches
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Botanical gardens
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Cities and towns
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Cities and towns - Australia
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Melbourne (Vic.)
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → National characteristics, Australian
Climate, Environment, Natural Resources & Disasters → Beaches
Climate, Environment, Natural Resources & Disasters → Botanical gardens
Crafts & Visual Arts → Architecture - Australia
Documentary → Documentary films - Australia
Economics, Philosophy, Politics, Religion & Sociology → Leisure - Australia
Economics, Philosophy, Politics, Religion & Sociology → National characteristics, Australian
History → Historic buildings - Australia
Hobbies, Recreation & Sport → Beaches
Hobbies, Recreation & Sport → Leisure - Australia
Hobbies, Recreation & Sport → Outdoor recreation - Australia
Hobbies, Recreation & Sport → Sports
Hobbies, Recreation & Sport → Sports - Australia
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Colour
Holdings
16mm film; Preservation Print (Section 5)
16mm film; Access Print (Section 1)
16mm film; Limited Access Print (Section 2)
MPEG-4 Digital File; ACMI Digital Access Copy - presentation
MOV file ProRes4444; Digital Preservation Master - presentation
MOV file H264; ACMI External Digital Access Copy
U-Matic (low band); Access Print (Section 1)