Where Dead Men Lie

1972, 15 Minutes

Where Dead Men Lie

Where Dead Men Lie is a short drama based on a "script" written by Henry Lawson in 1896 in the earliest days of moving pictures. Anticipating the development of dramatic cinema, Lawson wrote his story, "The Australian Cinematograph", with clear directions for the camera. This beautifully shot film, made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his death, features the voices of Jack Thompson and Max Cullen. It tells of a drover who has been away from home for four months. In a hurry to get back to his family, he attempts the most direct route–through drought-stricken country.

Produced by the Australian Commonwealth Film Unit. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

Note

Cinematographers Dean Semler, Jon Rhodes

Festivals and Awards

Date Festival Awards
1/1/1972 Guadalajara International Short Film Festival Honourable Mention - 1972
National ACS Awards Merit Award Certificate (Dean Semler), Short Films or Documentaries section - 1973
US Industrial Film Festival Gold Camera Award, History Biography Category - 1973
Atlanta Film Festival Gold Medal, Special Jury Award - 1973