Eureka Stockade (1949)

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Eureka Stockade (1949) – H. Watt

Another slab of Australian history from director Harry Watt.  This is the story of the organized and democratic resistance by Victoria’s goldminers (“diggers” of course) against the heavy-handed tax collectors of the Queen led by Governor Hotham.  Although there is initial danger of mob rule when the diggers react to the brutal killing of one of their own, Peter Lalor (played by Chips Rafferty) rises to the occasion to take over the leadership and quell the angry group.  They build a stockade at Ballarat, design their own flag (the Southern Cross, of course), and prepare to defend their rights against tyranny.  They want the right to vote and to represent themselves as part of the governing body of the colony (this is 1854, before Australian Federation (which did not happen until 1901).  Unfortunately, the Governor attempted to stomp out the uprising by massacring the lot of ‘em and very nearly wiped them out (including Lalor).  But this action turned the public sympathy to the diggers and when survivors were brought to trial for sedition, they were found innocent.  Lalor later became a member of parliament for Ballarat.  The film itself is brisk, well-edited, a bit rangy but earnest and engaging.  It might help you to pass the citizenship test!