Exploring the life of Pearl Schweig, an actress from the 1930s Cinesound casting books who features in the NFSA exhibition Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits.

Film curator Tara Marynowsky looks at a preserved collection of 16mm home movies of Wirth's Circus and the family that ran it.

Cast photo in Palm Beach for the film, Tall Timbers (1937).

This silent newsreel clip shows Princess Alice, the most beloved and famous elephant of Wirth's Circus. It's unclear whether the truck has broken down or if Alice in unable to climb back

Production photo for the film, Let George Do It (1938). Pearl Schweig second from left.

Production photo for Tall Timbers (1937). Pearl Schweig second from left. 

Production photo from the film, Let George Do It (1938). Pearl Schweig second row, second from left.

Page from a Cinesound casting book. Peal Schweig top right.

This newsreel footage shows the diverse range of attractions at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 1933. There is no narration; instead, ambient noise from the show fills the soundtrack.

International rodeo riders practice for the Royal Sydney Show in 1936.