The Squatter's Daughter

I don't think anyone other than serious students of Australian cinema could sit through this film. It starts off very slowly and takes a long time to get going. BUT, it does have its redeeming features. For example, it provides an interesting and reasonably accurate glimpse back into the world of Australia's prewar "Squattocracy". There are some adequate performances and the climax was quite effective. For the most part, however, "The Squatter's Daughter" is fairly typical of Australia's early sound movies. It lacks pace, is technically primitive and looks cheap. Still, the cards were well and truly stacked against film-makers in this country who had to struggle with tiny budgets, unworkable distribution deals and public indifference. However,they battled on and paved the way for those who followed. And for that we owe them a debt of gratitude.

It's easy to look back and be critical.But it's worth remembering what they were up against.