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The Alfred, Melbourne: One of Australia’s Greatest Hospitals
Title:
The Alfred, Melbourne: One of Australia’s Greatest Hospitals
NFSA ID
316
Year
1931
An ambulance delivers the victim of a road accident to the emergency entrance of Alfred Hospital. Stretcher bearers transport the patient inside where he is taken to casualty. Another patient wears headphones to relax as she waits outside the operating theatre. Nurses tend to patients in one of the hospital wards, including the accident victim who is now recuperating from surgery. In the laboratories of the pathology department, scientists are researching various ailments and treatments. A shot of the X-Ray department is followed by the hospital kitchen where staff prepare meals for patients. The clip employs voice-over narration.
Summary by Poppy De Souza
The tone of the commentary highlights the great public service that the hospital fulfils and the incredible work of the staff for their patients. As the on-screen images show the facilities and typical hospital scenes, the voice-over emphasises that the 'latest scientific methods’ are used to research disease, and 'special diets’ aid in the treatment of ailments. The film finishes with a plea to audiences to provide financial assistance to the hospital and to donate at the door of the theatre upon leaving. After witnessing the important work of the hospital in this clip, it would have been hard for audiences to refuse.
Synopsis
This four-minute cinema advertisement made by Australian Sound Films promotes the activities of the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne in order to raise funds. The film shows the hospital’s activities, facilities and grounds and includes a persuasive voice-over commentary.
Curator’s notes
In 1931, Melbourne-based Herschells Films joined with the Australian Herald newspaper to form Australian Sound Films. The company had produced the Herald Newsreel for less than a year when it was absorbed by Cinesound in 1932 and became the Herald Cinesound News Review (and later the Cinesound Review).
Notes by Poppy De Souza
Production company
Australian Sound Films
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia acknowledges Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and gives respect to their Elders both past and present.