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National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive

Menzies RG: Our Coronation Tour - Winston Churchill

1953

Menzies RG: Our Coronation Tour - Winston Churchill

1953

  • NFSA IDNHZEZJQZ
  • TypeFilm
  • MediumMoving Image
  • FormHome movie
  • Year1953

This clip from a Sir Robert Menzies home movie begins with a close-up of Sir Winston Churchill. It then shows him sitting on a rock beside a small waterfall, playing fetch with a dog. We then see Sir Robert and Sir Winston feeding bread to black swans. The clip ends with Sir Winston walking arm in arm with Menzies’s wife, Dame Pattie Menzies. Summary by Elizabeth Taggart-Speers.

This clip from a Sir Robert Menzies home movie begins with a close-up of Sir Winston Churchill. It then shows him sitting on a rock beside a small waterfall, playing fetch with a dog. We then see Sir Robert and Sir Winston feeding bread to black swans. The clip ends with Sir Winston walking arm in arm with Menzies’s wife, Dame Pattie Menzies. Summary by Elizabeth Taggart-Speers.

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  • This clip from a home movie filmed by Australian Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, during his Coronation Tour in 1953, captures rare footage of Sir Winston Churchill relaxing in the gardens of his home.

    Menzies RG: Our Coronation Tour synopsis

    This home movie filmed by the Australian Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Robert G Menzies, records the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the official ceremonies and parades associated with the event.

    Menzies RG: Our Coronation Tour curator's notes

    Shot on 16mm colour film, this home movie filmed by Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, on 2 June 1953 is a significant historical record that captures the official ceremonies for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It begins with an official welcome. Sir Robert captures prominent leaders including the Queen of Tonga and The Prime Minister of Canada.

    Heather Henderson, the daughter of Sir Robert Menzies, revealed in an interview for The Canberra Files, that although Menzies shot most of his home movies, much of the Coronation Service was filmed by his secretary while he was outside the Abbey.

    Notes by Elizabeth Taggart-Speers

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