Sunrise (1926 film)
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bondi , Australia |
| Products | Films (including Sunrise, Painted Daughters, The Pioneers) |
Sunrise is a 1926 Australian silent film that was co-directed by Raymond Longford, who assumed directorial duties partway through the production.
This film marked the second release by Australasian Films after they resumed filmmaking activities, following their earlier project Painted Daughters. Although the studio initially intended to produce a dozen films, this goal was ultimately not achieved.
Currently, Sunrise is classified as a lost film.
Plot
Set during the Gold Rush era, miner George Willis loses his unfaithful spouse in a rockslide on Mount Sunraise and subsequently withdraws into the wilderness. He then rescues Hope Stuart from a flood and tends to her recovery. Upon escorting Hope back to her father, George discovers that an old adversary, Arthur Greerson, has falsely accused him of murder. After George saves Greerson from a mining mishap, Greerson confesses to fabricating the accusation. George returns to his solitary existence in the mountains, with Hope choosing to accompany him.
Cast
- Phyllis du Barry portraying Hope Stuart
- Robert Travers as George Willis
- Zara Clinton in the role of Elsa Willis
- Harry Hodson as Old Ben
- Charles Villiers
- Dunstan Webb playing Arthur Greerson
- Dick Thonton
Production
The filming took place in June 1925 at locations including Avon Dam near Bargo and Burraragong Valley, while interior scenes were shot at Australasian Films’ studios located in Bondi. F. Stuart Whyte, who was originally directing after being brought in by Australasian Films for Painted Daughters, departed Australia midway through production for reasons that remain unclear. Raymond Longford, recently signed by Australasian Films, stepped in to complete direction and would later helm their third feature, The Pioneers.
During production, lead actor Robert Travers experienced a near-drowning incident. Filming was completed by October 1925.
Reception
The Sunday Mail commended the performances and emphasized the meticulous attention to detail in sequences, cinematography, and action, drawing parallels to Peter Vernon's Silence. Meanwhile, The Bulletin regarded it as "a very fair Australian picture."
External links
- Articles with short description
- Films from Australasian Films
- 1926 films
- Australian silent feature films
- Australian black-and-white films
- Lost Australian drama films
- Films directed by Raymond Longford
- 1926 lost films
- Silent Australian drama films
- 1920s English-language films
- 1920s Australian films
- English-language drama films
- 1926 drama films