Watch The Moth of Moonbi for free

Adapted from The Wild Moth, a 1924 novel by Australian author Mabel Forrest, The Moth of Moonbi is the story of a country girl, Dell Ferris, drawn to the bright lights of the big city where her inheritance is soon frittered away through high society revelling. A wiser Dell returns to Moonbi Station where she is beset by the cattle rustler Jack Bronson. She finally finds peace and happiness with the faithful head stockman, Tom Resoult. According to the State Library of Queensland: "The Moth of Moonbi was the first of two silent films Chauvel produced before the “talkies” hit Australia in 1930; the other being Greenhide. Both films are important social and cultural records of Queensland’s history and accurately capture the region as it was at the time. As a director, Chauvel brought the valuable skills and Hollywood experience of a true cinematographer to Queensland. He produced content which showed Australians and Queenslanders in particular, in familiar settings such as Ipswich and Rockhampton, with an eye for detail that created a “complete Queensland atmosphere”. Audiences and reviewers revelled in the opportunity to reflect on who they were, and what role they played in developing Queensland culture. We, too, appreciate this accurate snapshot of Queensland life and history, with screenings of this iconic film still being shown in old Queensland picture theatres for film enthusiasts."