A case of mistaken identity turns social ambition into a musical comedy. Join us for a post-screening discussion about the film’s history with Friends of the NFSA President Ray Edmondson and film historian and distributor Andrew Pike OAM.
George Wallace shows his comedic genius in this early Australian musical comedy, written by the equally talented author, poet and journalist C.J. Dennis. The story follows Tommy Dodds (Wallace), a humble stagehand with a crush on Molly.
Tommy is knocked unconscious and dreams he is the king of Betonia, scandalising the court by gambling with footmen and teaching his Prime Minister to roller skate. Playing on themes of class mobility and performance, His Royal Highness blends song, humour and theatrical staging. As a product of Australia’s brief early sound-film boom, it offers both light entertainment and insight into the nation’s cinematic ambitions during the Depression era.
1932 | 35mm | AUS | D: F.W. Thring
Presented on 35mm film prints from the NFSA collection.
Tickets only $8! (+ booking fee)
Event venue
Mccoy Cct , Canberra, ACT, Australia, Australian Capital Territory 2601
Tickets
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