AustLit

'The story opens in 1914, when Australia was sending her men to the war. Among the earliest to join-up was Pte. Bill Jones. The farewell, between that cheery person and 'his girl,' the marching men, and the excited crowds, recalls scenes which hold momentous memories. A glimpse of trench warfare, with Bill and his pals under fire, an assault that failed, and rescues—these provide the introduction. Bill attempts to 'commandeer' brandy belonging to his captain (who has refused to give it to the wounded diggers), is caught, and is put under arrest, but he escapes. That is how he finds himself in London penniless, and aching to get back to his home land. Meanwhile the young Earl -of Margate (Gordon Coliingridge) has decided on a trip to Australia by. sailing ship .in search of new experiences. He ships as a sailor, and Bill, watching the ship with longing, gets hfs chance. 'Will you ship with us for Australia?' says the captain. Bill asks, 'Did you say heaven! Oh well, Australia is heaven for me.' The shipboard incidents on the way out are capitally managed. The young earl takes his share of all that is going. A firm friendship springs up between him and the rough and ready Australian 'digger.' They have faced hardship and danger, together and learned to trust and admire each other. The real test of loyalty comes with the arrival in Sydney Harbour. The coming of the earl is proclaimed in the Sydney press. He sees that his chance of seeing Australia in a normal fashion has gone, unless–? The arrival of a reporter on board eager for news of the eccentric nobleman puts a crazy idea into the earl's head—he introduces Bill as the distinguished visitor and describes himself as secretary. Once started, the scheme has to be carried through. Motoring through Woolloomooloo, the friends find two lady motorists attacked by roughs. There is a lively fight. All goes well with the adventurers, but another strand is interwoven in the tangled skein. Some wealthy Sydney folk come aboard to express their thanks for the rescue of their daughter and ward. Invitations follow. Bill finds himself reluctantly launched in society, while his secretary is too much taken up with the fascinating Miss Betty to be of much assistance to him. However, courage, a monocle, and a title carry him through even when he introduces two-up as the 'latest' game from London. There is humour in plenty in the situations which arise, there is a real thrill when Bill discovers a plot to secure the failure of a horse in a race. It is impossible to outline what follows. There it a race, in which Betty's horse, instead of losing the race as intended by the villain, is ridden by the supposed secretary and wins. There is a regatta, with Sydney Harbour, covered with yachts; a rescue from drowning; and then the climax, when Bill's identity it discovered, and he stands face to face with disgrace and imprisonment. The final scene is intensely, dramatic.'

Source:

'The Digger Earl', The Register, 20 May 1924, p.10.