Terror Down Under: A History of Horror Film in Australia, 1897-1973

The Australian government banned horror films in 1948, impacting the early production of horror movies. This book explores the history of censorship and the early production of horror movies in Australia, covering the earliest films, imports, and Australian television. It concludes with a look at the first Australian horror films produced after the ban was lifted in 1969.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 309 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The Australian government's decision to ban horror films in 1948 was a significant move aimed at appeasing religious communities and entertainment watchdogs. This book, based on previously unseen government documents, private letters, and contemporary newspaper accounts, provides a comprehensive history of censorship and the early production of horror movies in Australia. Beginning in the late 19th century, the book documents the earliest horror films, such as Georges Méliès' "The Haunted Castle" (1896), and how Australians enjoyed such films before the ban. It then explores how certain imports, like 1954's "Creature from the Black Lagoon," were able to circumvent the ban while others were not. Additionally, the book reveals how Australian television, despite being similarly impacted by government censorship, was occasionally able to broadcast films technically banned from cinematic release. The work concludes with a look at the first Australian horror films produced after the ban was formally lifted in 1969, such as Terry Bourke's "Night of Fear" (1973).

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476688411