Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 7:30pm
Eltham Senior Citizens’ Centre, Library Place, Eltham
Our next meeting will be a special evening, if not a little unusual.
On pages 3 and 4 in this month’s newsletter there are articles about
Eltham Films, with particular reference to the film, The Prize, directed by Tim Burstall, 1958-1959.
As Burstall had strong connections with Eltham it would have been an easy decision for him and his associates to use the local area as the setting for his first film. Following this film Burstall went on to make many more. He became a key figure in Australian postwar cinema and was instrumental in helping to rebuild the Australian film industry, at a time when it had been effectively dead for years.
The film features Lisa Jacka, Dan Burstall, Marcus Skipper, Matcham Skipper, John Turner and Syd Webster with music composed by Dorian le Gallienne and conducted by George Logie-Smith. Technical assistance was provided by Matcham Skipper, Patrick Ryan, Hal Peck and Alistair Knox.
But who is who and what is where?
At this EDHS meeting we will take the opportunity to review the film and attempt to identify the main actors and where certain scenes were filmed around Eltham. Some locations may be more obvious than others. The actors are mainly children playing the characters in the film.
As always, Society members and visitors are most welcome to attend this meeting, at 7:30pm on Wednesday 11th October 2023 in the Eltham Senior Citizens’ Centre, Library Place, Eltham.
Eltham District Historical Society Inc. 
Re ‘The Prize’ – my family lived in the (now largely ruined ) white house in Griffith Park and watched a lot of the filming of this little gem. I was eight and was in the same class as Marcus Skipper for many years. I remember Lisa Jacka too. Her sister Anna was in our class. I keep meaning to join the EHS as I have a great many memories of Eltham, particularly of Eltham South in the 50s and 60s. There were many characters around then. I would love to chat to someone from the EHS if you’re interested in more info. Faye Walker 0412521281
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Many thanks Faye – someone will be in touch with you just not sure when yet.
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