The Story of the Kelly Gang

The Story of the Kelly Gang (also screened as Ned Kelly and His Gang) is widely regarded as the world's first feature length film. Its 70 minute length was certainly unprecedented when it was released in 1906. The movie traces the life of the legendary Australian "bushranger", Ned Kelly (1855-1880). It was written and directed by Charles Tait.

Related Topics:
Film - 1906 - Australian - Bushranger - Ned Kelly - Charles Tait

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The film's actual reel length is 1219.2 metres. It was released in Australia on the 26th December 1906 and in the UK in January 1908. The film costed an estimated $2,250 and was filmed in the following locations, Eltham, Greensborough, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Mitcham and Rosanna which are all located in Victoria, Australia.

Related Topics:
UK - Eltham - Greensborough - Heidelberg - Melbourne - Mitcham - Rosanna - Victoria - Australia

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Only about 9 minutes have survived the almost 100 years since its filming. However, a copy of the programme booklet has also survived, containing both extracts from contemporary newspaper reports of the capture of the gang, and a synopsis of the film, in six 'scenes'. The latter provided audiences with the sort of information later provided by intertitles, and can help historians imagine what the film may have been like.

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