Adventures of Captain Marvel + Orphan of the Wilderness

Experience a true 1950s Saturday children’s matinee, with Friends of the NFSA presenting a curtain-raising serial followed by the feature film.

Adventures of Captain Marvel: Episode 12 “Captain Marvel’s Secret” 
1941 | 16mm | USA | D: William Witney and John English | 16 mins

The origin story of the entire Marvel universe begins with this action-packed serial showcasing daring rescues, masked heroes and relentless momentum. Originally designed for weekly audiences, they reflect cinema’s early love of suspense and serial storytelling.  

Orphan of the Wilderness 
1936 | Digital | AUS | D: Ken G Hall | 85 mins

A landmark of 1930s Australian cinema, Orphan of the Wilderness is directed by pioneering filmmaker Ken G. Hall. It tells the story of Chut, a baby kangaroo whose mother is killed by hunters. He comes across a homestead where he is befriended by the owner, Tom Henton (Brian Abbot). Years later, Tom places Chut in Shorty McGee’s travelling circus, in which Tom’s girlfriend Margot (Gwen Munro) is a performer. McGee trains Chut to box and the circus act becomes famous. Only later do Margot and Tom discover that Chut is being mistreated and a quest for freedom from exploitation ensues. 

The film was produced by Cinesound at the height of Hall’s commercial success. It was a major hit at home and abroad, admired both for its lush cinematography and ambitious animal sequences. Blending family melodrama with striking wildlife spectacle, it remains a revealing document of Australia’s early screen industry and its evolving relationship with the natural world. 

Presented in partnership with Friends of the NFSA.  

Friends of the NFSA members will introduce the intriguing collection backstory of these titles prior to the screening and be available for a Q&A afterwards.