The national myth of Anzac, a central narrative in a modern Australian identity, has probably been shaped as much or more by cinema than text, particularly in the modern era. Looking back at film over the years can help us see how Anzac mythology has changed over time, constantly edited to suit changing attitudes and values.
Using extras from the Liverpool Army Camp, the film restaged the Gallipoli landings at Tamarama Bay in Sydney, and grainy footage from the film of boats rowing ashore is still regularly shown in news bulletins every Anzac Day as if it was of the actual landings. It presented the ideal Australian soldier as a wealthy city lad, drawn from his pursuits of sports by his loyalty to the British Empire.
