Title from title frames

Ben Chifley (1885 - 1951) was a railway engine-driver who became Australia's best-loved Prime Minister in 1945. He was a politician who lived by principles of compassion and concern for his fellow Australians. His philosophy and example have never been more relevant than in the political arena of today. As Prime Minister and Treasurer, he had a profound effect on the path of Australian history following World War Two, and many advantages enjoyed in our society that we take for granted today are the product of his vision. This film is an exercise in "People's History": an attempt to find and share the communal memory of Ben and his wife, Elizabeth, that lives on in their hometown of Bathurst, New South Wales. Chifley's extraordinary compassion and idealism are still treasured 50 years after his death. In Bathurst, stories about the Chifleys are treasured memories, valued almost as family heirlooms to be passed on from generation to generation. Simple, everyday artefacts - a tea cosy or an old pipe - can carry a special meaning. Similarly, places which seem "ordinary" but are associated with the Chifleys, such as their simple terrace home on Busby Street or the railway community meeting hall where Ben studied and taught, have strong meaning. In this film, the stories and memories of over 50 friends, neighbours and colleagues contribute to an emotional and eloquent portrait of a remarkable community and a national leader."Pike's film only touches slightly on Chifley's political achievements during the four years of his tenure as Prime Minister (1945 - 1949), which included the building of the Snowy Mountain Scheme, expanded ABC funding and Australia's own car, the Holden. Instead, it concentrates on the humanity of the man, his sincerity and his simplicity. This is an unpretentious film about a unpretentious man, whose favourite song was 'I'm a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch' and whose vision was grounded in his community instinct. You do not have to be interested in Australia's history, or in politics. All you need is an interest in humanity to be fascinated by this moving insight into a man who shaped the future - our present Australia." - Louise Keller, www.urbancinefile.com.au "'The Chifleys of Busby Street' is made with warmth, care and respect for the persons and characters of Ben and Liz Chifley, and also for the people and communities who knew and loved them and whom they knew and loved. Ben would rejoice more in their place in this story than in all the just praises and fond memories this film finally gives them the chance to share." - M.C.Martin, great-great-niece of Ben Chifley

In Process Record

Originally produced by Ronin Films in 2008

Mode of access: World Wide Web

In English