Streets on Film

Here’s a selection of archival film footage capturing life out on Sydney’s streets.

1. The Kid Stakes (Sydney, 1927). Written and Directed by Tal Ordell.

In the 1920s the social divisions between the genteel mansions of Potts Point and the slums of Woolloomooloo couldnâ??t have been more stark. During that decade the dangerous and colourful atmosphere of the area also saw Woolloomooloo become the location for some of Australiaâ??s first motion pictures.

One of these was The Kid Stakes, a classic 1927 silent film directed by Tal Ordell and set in Woolloomooloo and Potts Point. It immortalizes the streetscapes of the day, and the personalities that inhabited them. In this excerpt Albie Snoops, the posh kid from Potts Point stands at the top of McElhone Stairs, longing to join the fun down in the slums belowâ?¦

The NFSA’s Australian Screen Online website features a number of additional clips from this film.

2. George St, 1906.

George St 1906 from sarah barns on Vimeo.

3. Railway Square, Broadway, Sydney.

Featured in Sydney City Life 1899-1948. NFSA controlled.

4. Traffic on Anzac Parade, c1929

Sourced from Sydney City, Harbour and Beaches held by the National Film and Sound Archive.

5. Darling Harbour, 1934

Darling Harbour, Sydney, in 1934. Excerpt from Ramblings Round Sydney, a ‘semi-professional’ documentary produced by James A Sherlock and held by the AFC National Film and Sound Archives.

6. The White Palace, Rushcutters Bay, 1935

As featured in Ramblings Round Sydney, a ‘semi professional documentary’ produced in 1934. Held by the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA).

7. Construction in Sydney, c1930s