A look back at the portrayal of women and men as homemakers and breadwinners in cinema advertising from the 1940s.

Narrating the life of bachelor Henry, this cartoon-style advertisement for Rinso washing powder shows how this miraculous laundry product can turn anyone’s life around!

This is a complete colour Tandaco Prepared Stuffing cinema advertisement from approximately 1942.

This black-and-white cinema advertisement for Persil Washing Powder uses the style of a romantic musical to literally sing the praises of the powder’s effectiveness.

This cinema advertisement for MILO shows how to get a good night’s rest and plenty of energy for the morning – just drink a cup of MILO before bedtime!

In this 1940s cinema advertisement, Mrs Howard and her daughter Nancy visit a dentist for a check-up.

This cinema advertisement from the 1940s illustrates the benefits of cooking with electricity and the new electric kooka range.

This black-and-white and colour Kraft Cheddar Cheese advertisement looks at food preparation, food value and how Kraft cheese can make the difference to nutrition.

This cinema ad for the 1946 federal election encourages Australians to stay with the Labor Party, which has successfully led the country through the end of the Second World War.

This is a colour animated cinema advertisement for Bushells tea from 1941. It reassures viewers that no matter what the future holds, you can rely on Bushells tea to remain the same.