11 minutes of pure chaos: crocodiles, colonial exploitation, and questionable 1940s narration.
In the estuaries and lagoons of the Northern Territory, freshwater and saltwater crocodile are hunted for their hides by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous hunters. This film shows Aboriginal people using age-old hunting techniques to land crocs either for food or for skins. The methods employed by the professional hunters, who earn as much as 3000 pounds during the season, are also depicted, followed by a brief look at how the hides are skinned and prepared before being transported to the leather factories of Sydney and Melbourne.
Practical Effects
Real crocodile hunts with zero safety equipment.
Production
1949 remote Northern Territory location shooting.
Director
Lee Robinson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Lee Robinson later became a key figure in Australian cinema, producing the iconic 'Kangaroo' and helping establish the local film industry—making this early doc a fascinating, uncomfortable look at his raw beginnings.
The casual mention of Indigenous hunters working alongside white professionals while remaining unnamed and voiceless perfectly encapsulates 1940s Australian documentary ethics—or the lack thereof.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
AU
