AustLit

'A distinctly Australia Day story of the campaign by filmmaker and man-on-a mission, Curtis Levy to win a Senate seat based on making Waltzing Matilda the national anthem when Australia becomes a republic. This is an insightful and hilarious exploration of what is behind Levy's drive to unite Australians in one voice in this rousing, popular song.

'Although passionate about his cause, Levy is a most unlikely candidate, but that is fitting, he says, as the song too is about the struggle of the underdog. He uncovers the history of the song's origin and looks at the timing of its birth in 1895, right at the intersection between a seminal period in Australia's history and the future.

'Waltzing Matilda might, on the surface, appear unsuitable he says, being about a tramp and a thief who committed suicide. But it also shows an irreverence towards the establishment and a willingness to defy authority - qualities which many believe remain abiding Australian traits.'

Source: ABC1 website, http://www.abc.net.au/tv/
Sighted: 25/01/2010