We acknowledge Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and give respect to their Elders, past and present.

Read our Statement of Reflection

Your Cart

Your cart is empty right now...

Discover what's on
Your Stuff
Lists
No lists found
Create list
List name
0 Saved items
Updated: a few seconds ago
Getting Started
Get started with Your Stuff

A free Your Stuff account allows you to save, list and share your favourite collection items and articles. This account will give you access to Your Stuff, NFSA Player and Pro. You will need to create an additional account for Canberra event tickets.

Confirm
Skip to main content
National Film and Sound Archive of AustraliaNational Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive

A Year to Remember 1932: Harbour Bridge opening controversy

1932

A Year to Remember 1932: Harbour Bridge opening controversy

1932

  • NFSA IDPH8WCCFT
  • TypeFilm
  • MediumMoving Image
  • FormSeries
  • Year1932

A Cinesound Movietone newsreel summary of the year of 1932. This excerpt mentions the Great Depression and covers the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge opening with NSW Governor Sir Phillip Game and NSW Premier Jack Lang.

It shows footage of Francis de Groot cutting the ribbon and the official opening by Lang after the ribbon was retied. Horse-drawn floats carry a procession of Harbour Bridge workers and other themed floats.

The voice-over notes the 'good sorts and good sports' in the surfing carnival procession.

It is estimated that over 300,000 men, women and children crossed the bridge that day. People and cars cross the bridge after the opening.

Toll collectors in uniform stand out in the open collecting tolls.

Scenes from outside the Sydney's central police court where Francis de Groot appears and is fine five pounds for offensive behaviour. Colonel Campbell - one of the founders of the far-right paramilitary group the New Guard of which de Groot was a member - appears outside the court.

There are noisy demonstrations from both supporters and detractors of the New Guard.

Notes by Beth Taylor

Courtesy of
Cinesound Movietone Productions

A Cinesound Movietone newsreel summary of the year of 1932. This excerpt mentions the Great Depression and covers the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge opening with NSW Governor Sir Phillip Game and NSW Premier Jack Lang.

It shows footage of Francis de Groot cutting the ribbon and the official opening by Lang after the ribbon was retied. Horse-drawn floats carry a procession of Harbour Bridge workers and other themed floats.

The voice-over notes the 'good sorts and good sports' in the surfing carnival procession.

It is estimated that over 300,000 men, women and children crossed the bridge that day. People and cars cross the bridge after the opening.

Toll collectors in uniform stand out in the open collecting tolls.

Scenes from outside the Sydney's central police court where Francis de Groot appears and is fine five pounds for offensive behaviour. Colonel Campbell - one of the founders of the far-right paramilitary group the New Guard of which de Groot was a member - appears outside the court.

There are noisy demonstrations from both supporters and detractors of the New Guard.

Notes by Beth Taylor

Courtesy of
Cinesound Movietone Productions
  • Production company
    Movietone Productions
Industry professional? Go Pro

Need to license this item? A/V professionals and researchers can shortlist licensing enquiries via our NFSA Pro catalogue search and membership.

Get started with PRO

Collections to explore

More in Stories+

Personalized your experience

Save, create and share

With NFSA Your Stuff