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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
A mystery thriller adapted from a story by Captain T. D. Bairnsfather, of Station 2KY, concerning ten people shipwrecked on an island in the South Pacific, one of whom is a murderer, and another a detective. The ship's captain is the only one amongst them who knows this person's identity but he has lost his memory.
The critical reception for the film was less than positive, with one review indicating that while 'the story presents good dramatic possibilities… the opportunity seems to have passed by. Suspense is lacking, and neither the action nor the players themselves do very much to provide it' (Sydney Morning Herald 8 March 1937, p.4).
Notes
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One of the film's more critically received features was the theme song, 'Mystery Isle' (written by Australian jazz pioneer Frank Couglan). It was sung in the film by Brian Abbott and Jean Laidley and drew much praise. The Sydney Morning Herald critic also records that 'Miss Laidley has a good speaking voice and sings her one song to excellent effect, reaching a standard which would put to shame many American or English film crooners' (p.4).
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Tragically, two of the cast members, Brian Abbott and Desmond Hay (aka Desmond Hay-Simpson), were drowned at sea when they attempted to sail back to Sydney. The film also suffered a further setback when around 2,000 feet of film was lost in rough seas. These scenes then had to be re-shot later.
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The photograph of cast and crew (above) was taken on board the SS Morinda as it sailed from Walsh Bay, Sydney to Lord Howe Island (Australian Maritime Museum at www.flikr.com).
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Further reference:
- Andrew Pike and Ross Cooper. Australian Film 1900-1977, A Guide to Feature Film Production (1980), p.233.
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
-
The Three Mysteries
2013
single work
criticism
— Appears in: Signals Quarterly , September - November no. 104 2013; (p. 30-37) -
'Mystery Island'
1937
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 8 March no. 30944 1937; (p. 4)
— Review of Mystery Island 1937 single work film/TV
-
'Mystery Island'
1937
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 8 March no. 30944 1937; (p. 4)
— Review of Mystery Island 1937 single work film/TV -
The Three Mysteries
2013
single work
criticism
— Appears in: Signals Quarterly , September - November no. 104 2013; (p. 30-37)
Last amended 30 Jan 2014 10:51:56
Settings:
- South Pacific, Pacific Region,
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