AustLit
Latest Issues
AbstractHistoryArchive Description
'Ben Chifley (1885 - 1951) was a railway engine-driver who became Australia's best-loved Prime Minister in 1945. He was a politician who lived by principles of compassion and concern for his fellow Australians. His philosophy and example have never been more relevant than in the political arena of today. As Prime Minister and Treasurer, he had a profound effect on the path of Australian history following World War Two, and many advantages enjoyed in our society that we take for granted today are the product of his vision.
'This film is an exercise in "People's History": an attempt to find and share the communal memory of Ben and his wife, Elizabeth, that lives on in their hometown of Bathurst, New South Wales. Chifley's extraordinary compassion and idealism are still treasured 50 years after his death. In Bathurst, stories about the Chifleys are treasured memories, valued almost as family heirlooms to be passed on from generation to generation. Simple, everyday artefacts - a tea cosy or an old pipe - can carry a special meaning. Similarly, places which seem "ordinary" but are associated with the Chifleys, such as their simple terrace home on Busby Street or the railway community meeting hall where Ben studied and taught, have strong meaning. In this film, the stories and memories of over 50 friends, neighbours and colleagues contribute to an emotional and eloquent portrait of a remarkable community and a national leader.'
Source: Ronin Films website, http://www.roninfilms.com.au/
Sighted: 14/05/2009
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
-
Simple and Elegant Focus on the Impact of a Gentle PM
2009
single work
review
— Appears in: The Canberra Times , 23 May 2009; (p. 25)
— Review of The Chifleys of Busby Street 2009 single work film/TV -
Untitled
2009
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sunday Age , 24 May 2009; (p. 27) The Sun-Herald , 31 May 2009; (p. 15)
— Review of The Chifleys of Busby Street 2009 single work film/TV -
Moving Tribute to a Gentle Man
2009
single work
review
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian , 23-24 May 2009; (p. 20)
— Review of The Chifleys of Busby Street 2009 single work film/TV -
Ben Chifley Bio-Pic Takes a Community-Minded Approach
2009
single work
review
— Appears in: The Age , 21 May 2009; (p. 18)
— Review of The Chifleys of Busby Street 2009 single work film/TV -
Loving Portrait of a PM, Suds and All
2009
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 14 May 2009; (p. 13)
— Review of The Chifleys of Busby Street 2009 single work film/TV
-
Loving Portrait of a PM, Suds and All
2009
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 14 May 2009; (p. 13)
— Review of The Chifleys of Busby Street 2009 single work film/TV -
Ben Chifley Bio-Pic Takes a Community-Minded Approach
2009
single work
review
— Appears in: The Age , 21 May 2009; (p. 18)
— Review of The Chifleys of Busby Street 2009 single work film/TV -
Moving Tribute to a Gentle Man
2009
single work
review
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian , 23-24 May 2009; (p. 20)
— Review of The Chifleys of Busby Street 2009 single work film/TV -
Untitled
2009
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sunday Age , 24 May 2009; (p. 27) The Sun-Herald , 31 May 2009; (p. 15)
— Review of The Chifleys of Busby Street 2009 single work film/TV -
Simple and Elegant Focus on the Impact of a Gentle PM
2009
single work
review
— Appears in: The Canberra Times , 23 May 2009; (p. 25)
— Review of The Chifleys of Busby Street 2009 single work film/TV
- Bathurst, Bathurst area, Bathurst - Orange area, Central West NSW, New South Wales,