The Shepherd of the Southern Cross
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1914 |
Key people | Cosens Spencer, Stanley Twist, Nell Shipman, Alexander Butler |
| Products | Films |
The Shepherd of the Southern Cross is a 1914 Australian silent film that narrates the story of an Englishwoman caught in a romantic dilemma between two men. It holds the distinction of being the inaugural feature film produced by Australasian Films.
This motion picture is currently classified as a lost film.
Plot
Lady Helen Reynolds faces the condition of marrying one of her two cousins to secure an inheritance. She chooses Ralph Hughes, the antagonist, after he manages to tarnish the reputation of Devon Collins.
Devon Collins relocates to Australia and takes up shepherding. Several years later, Lady Helen falls ill and journeys to Australia accompanied by Ralph. During their travel, they are accosted by bushrangers; though they escape, they become stranded in the wilderness.
Worn out, Ralph deserts Helen and arrives at his cousin’s hut where he is nursed by a young woman who turns out to be his daughter from a prior marriage.
Devon Collins discovers Lady Helen and brings her to the hut. Ralph admits his misdeeds before passing away.
Cast
- Arthur Shirley portraying Devon Collins
- Vera Pearce as Lady Helen Reynolds
- Roland Conway in the role of Ralph Hughes
- Clare Stephenson as nurse
- Tien Hogue
- Shirley Huxley
- P. J. Noonan
- Mrs George Lauri – widow of a comedian who had collaborated with Butler
Production
Australasian Films was initially reluctant to produce feature films but was convinced by Cosens Spencer, who brought in vital creative personnel: Stanley Twist and Nell Shipman from Hollywood, alongside Alexander Butler from British cinema. Notably, Shipman was just eighteen years old at the time. Butler had previously directed theatrical productions in Australia for J. C. Williamsons Ltd.
The cast comprised well-known Australian stage performers. Vera Pearce made her first film appearance in the leading female role. Mrs George Lauri, who played a supporting role, was connected to Butler through her late husband.
Filmmaker Raymond Longford criticized Butler’s protracted filming timeline, suggesting it led to higher production expenses.
Reception
The critical reception of the film was varied. The Referee commended the production for advancing the quality of Australian cinema.
Conversely, a newspaper from Dubbo condemned the depiction of the state's interior as a desolate wilderness, cautioning that such negative portrayals might damage Australia's reputation internationally. The reviewer even called for government intervention to censor or destroy the film prior to its distribution.
From a financial standpoint, the movie failed to generate significant returns, earning less than £100 for Australasian Films. This financial setback led the company to cease its involvement in feature film production and resulted in Spencer stepping down from the organization he had helped to found.