NATION BUILDERS

This film, titled Nation Builders, is a silent historical documentary that chronicles the pioneering spirit and early development of Australia. Through a series of dramatized scenes and educational intertitles, it tells the story of the nation's foundational efforts:

Exploration and Settlement: The film depicts the arrival of Captain Cook in 1770 (0:00:48) and the subsequent arrival of Captain Phillip in 1788 to establish a formal claim (0:02:31).
Overcoming Obstacles: It highlights the immense challenges faced by early settlers, including the struggle to find food and traverse the daunting Blue Mountains, which was achieved by explorers like Blaxland, Lawson, and Wentworth (0:09:27).
Developing the Land: The narrative focuses on the resourcefulness of the pioneers who worked the land, including the efforts of figures like Captain John Macarthur in developing the wool industry (0:07:12) and Governor Macquarie's road-building projects (0:08:21).
The Gold Rush: The latter portion covers the transformative impact of the gold discovery by Hargraves, Tom, and Lister (14:22).
The film serves as a tribute to the resilience of those who, in the face of isolation and harsh conditions, worked to build the foundations of a new nation.

Produced by James A. Sherlock, Sydney, Australia. Took first prize in advanced amateur documentary class, 1938 American Cinematographer contest. The silent version may be purchased for $31. The film covers the history of Australia from the landing of Captain Cook in 1770

Dewey number: 994
Audience level: el-jh-sh-c-adult
Format/cost: 16-si-sd-$43-$72; rent $2.50
Distributors / rental: University of Arizona, Extension Division $13; Calhoun Company; Cosmopolitan Film Libraries, Inc sd; W. D. Engleman Company; Wilfred Naylor; Ohio Department of Education sd; Photoart House; Visual Education, Inc (Texas); Visual Education Service, Inc sd-$2.50; University of Wisconsin sd-$2.50