An Australian war movie to be specially screened in Maitland in time for Remembrance Day will have a powerful message for everyone, said actor Tony Bonner who plays a part in the film.
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A former National Service soldier and cadet who served at Singleton, Mr Bonner, 70, is best known for his role as helicopter pilot Jerry King in the iconic Skippy series of the 1960s.
In Kelly’s War he plays the part of a father killed in his Australian home by bushrangers while his son is fighting in Gallipoli and in France.
The soldier Billy, played by actor Josh Davis, returns home to the horror of his father’s death.
A crack marksman, Billy confronts his father’s killer and settles the score.
Mr Bonner welcomed the movie, Kelly’s War, being shown in Maitland for a week, starting on October 29.
“There is a community spirit in Maitland that does not exist in big cities any more,” Mr Bonner said.
“It is in such communities that a movie like this will be really appreciated.”
A grandfather with three daughters and four grandchildren, Mr Bonner said the role of Billy’s father had been an easy one to play.
“I get shot and knifed in the movie by the bad guys,” he told The Mercury.
“This will be a great movie to see on Remembrance Day and I hope members of the RSL will attend.”
The movie is being promoted by cinema manager Yvette Cavanagh, who is contacting ex-service people about it.
The film is a low-budget movie based on a true story from World War I,” Ms Cavanagh said.
“It will also be a great learning experience for many young people who may not know much about World War I and the problems faced by Australians at home.”
Maitland RSL sub-branch vice-president Fred Goode said the screening over Remembrance Day would also provide an ideal chance for ex-service members and young people to meet.
