Dad Rudd, M.P.
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ken G. Hall (producer/director) |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Films, including Dad Rudd, M.P. |
Dad Rudd, M.P. is a 1940 comedic film and the concluding entry in a series of four movies directed by Ken G. Hall featuring Bert Bailey as Dad Rudd. It represents Hall’s final feature before the outbreak of World War II and the last production from Cinesound Productions starring both Bailey and Frank Harvey.
Synopsis
Dad Rudd advocates for expanding a nearby dam to support local farmers but encounters resistance from affluent grazier Henry Webster. Following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Webster contests the vacant seat, prompting Rudd to challenge him in the election.
Webster resorts to dishonest methods, leading Rudd to seek assistance from his urban acquaintance Entwistle. Meanwhile, complications develop as Rudd’s daughter Ann becomes romantically involved with Webster’s son Jim.
On election day, a severe storm causes the dam to break, endangering workers trapped beneath. The Rudds join forces with Jim to carry out a rescue operation. Ultimately, Dad Rudd secures victory in the election and delivers a compelling speech in parliament.
Script
The final half-dozen films produced by Cinesound Productions were comedies, reflecting producer Ken G. Hall’s deliberate approach to ensure commercial success. He opted to create another Dad and Dave picture rather than proceed with earlier planned projects, such as an adaptation of Robbery Under Arms or a narrative centered on the Overland Telegraph. In 1939, Hall observed that the enthusiastic reception of Dad and Dave Come to Town made producing another Bert Bailey vehicle the most commercially prudent decision, with the political backdrop providing ample comedic opportunities.
Although William Freshman was initially reported to have contributed to the screenplay and is listed alongside Frank Harvey in copyright documentation, he does not receive on-screen credit.
This film adopts a more serious tone compared to its predecessors by combining dramatic elements with humor. Bert Bailey highlighted that Dad’s parliamentary address about water conservation was sincere, reflecting authentic concern for farmers and the nation’s welfare, even alluding to wartime sentiments. Producer Ken Hall later excised this speech for the 1970 ABC television broadcast due to its dated nature; however, it remains intact in most contemporary versions.
Casting
The romantic leads were portrayed by Yvonne East and Grant Taylor, both graduates of the Cinesound Talent School making their screen debuts. Chips Rafferty appeared briefly as a fireman in a Keystone Cops-style opening sequence after being introduced to director Hall by Ron Whelan. Hall subsequently included Rafferty in reshoots for Come Up Smiling, marking his first acting role.
Several cast members returned from Dad and Dave Come to Town (1938), including Alec Kellaway, Connie Martyn, Ossie Wenban, Valerie Scanlan, and Marshall Crosby. American actress Barbara Weeks, who was visiting Australia at the time, took on a minor role at Hall’s invitation.
Shooting
During pre-production, Adolph Zukor, founder of Paramount Pictures, visited Cinesound Studios impressed by Dad and Dave Come to Town. Filming took place in February and March 1940 at Cinesound Studio as well as on location at Woronora Dam and Camden.
To recreate the dam collapse climax, Cinesound leased facilities at the dormant Pagewood studios where a large-scale dam replica was constructed under the supervision of special effects expert J Alan Kenyon. The set measured 125 feet in length and contained 12,000 gallons of water.
Hall described this production as "the smoothest, best-made of the Bert Bailey films," praising its more contemporary and credible storyline with reduced reliance on exaggerated character portrayals.
Funding for the project was partially secured through a £15,000 guaranteed overdraft provided by the New South Wales government.
Box office
Dad Rudd, M.P. achieved commercial success, generating £28,000 and receiving a favorable response in the United Kingdom, although the financial returns did not fully meet initial projections. Hall explained that the film's release coincided with the most challenging phase of World War II, a period during which the entertainment sector was heavily impacted and attendance at numerous Australian cinemas remained low. Due to shortages of essential materials caused by the war, Cinesound halted its feature film production in June 1940 and did not recommence thereafter.
Critical
The publication Smith's Weekly commended the movie for its uniquely Australian wit and insightful social critique, considering it a positive sign for the future development of Australian filmmaking. Filmink emphasized Grant Taylor’s role as a pivotal moment in his career, praising his compelling screen presence and charm.
External links
- Dad Rudd, M.P. on the Internet Movie Database
- Dad Rudd, M.P. featured at Australian Screen Online
- Dad Rudd, M.P. listed on Oz Movies
- Full shooting script available at National Archives of Australia
- Film review published in Variety
- Dad Rudd, MP and the making of a national audience by Julieanne Lamond