Australia Is Like This (c.1944)

This film was posted in conjuction with our Love and war exhibition.

For more information go to:
http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/lov...

About the film:

During World War II, two American soldiers on leave in Australia encounter several local women. To their good natured chagrin, every lovely lady is already spoken for, having their own Australian sweethearts in active service.

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Oversexed, overfed, overpaid and over here. This oft heard phrase was coined in WW2 to describe American forces stationed in Britain and Australia, and implied a threat for some. Americans were perceived as a potential threat to Australian servicemen in terms of acquiring or keeping girlfriends and wives. In Australia is Like This, the point is quietly made that Americans visiting Australia were welcome to look , but not touch.

This is an extract from Australia Is Like This, an Australian propaganda film, produced circa 1944. It uses the narrative device of an American soldier writing a letter home, to illustrate the Australian way of life for American audiences . The film introduces the viewer to sights of Sydney and Melbourne, surfing and skiing, an Australian pub, a Red Cross kitchen and a suburban home, including a comic scene of the American soldier attempting to eat peas with his fork.

The film is identified as title number F03013 in the National Collection of the Australian War Memorial.

For further information on the video itself go to:
http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/F01303

• Category

  • Education

• License

  • Standard YouTube License