The well known children’s novel They Found a Cave was written by Tasmanian author Nan Chauncy, and published in 1948.
Some years ago my partner and I visited the writer’s longtime home, Chauncy Vale, near the small town of Bagdad.
The adventure story was inspired by a sandstone cave on the property in which a bushranger is said to have hidden from his pursuers. Here is a brief summary of the book’s plot.
SOURCE – OZ MOVIES,COM
Chauncy Vale has long been a wildlife reserve. Birdlife is prolific, and wallabies casually hopped across our path as we went in search of the cave through unspoiled bush. Oh yes, and I seem to remember a rustic toilet block at the starting point with a sign outside saying ‘Beware Of Snakes.’
Twenty minutes later we clambered up a series of rocky outcrops and sheltered in the cave during a sudden downpour. I was delighted to find fragrant, wild boronia flowering in crevices nearby. Even the most sophisticated, world weary children love secret places and discovering this cave would delight them, especially if they have read the book, which is still in print. A warning though, some passages, particularly where the youngsters are discussing Tasmanian Aborigines, would now be considered very insensitive.
In 1961 the novel was made into a film (it was released the following year).
SOURCE – WIKIPEDIA
Five hundred Tasmanian schoolchildren auditioned for the leading roles. What an incredible experience it must have been for the five who were chosen.
The majority of the movie was filmed on location at Chauncy Vale, with interior shots at Hobart’s Elwick Showground.
This is my favourite image of the children, presumably taken after they had been in the bush for quite a while. 😎 I especially love the footwear of Nigel (Michael Nation) on the far right. Are they very distressed Dunlop Volleys he’s wearing?
SOURCE – OZ MOVIES.COM
The young stars even featured on the cover of The Australian Womens Weekly.
The accompanying article included a brief profile of each child.
Peter Conrad fulfilled his dreams. He was a Rhodes Scholar and became an academic teaching, English Literature at Oxford University. He wrote several books, including the memoir Down Home.
I wonder what became of the other child actors?
An opening shot from They Found a Cave, as the children arrive by train.
NOTE – YOU CAN WATCH THE BEGINNING OF THE FILM HERE.
I’m guessing the opening shot was filmed somewhere along the north-west coast, maybe Burnie area? As a young ABC reporter in the 1970s, I had the privilege of working with the TFAC cameraman, Merv Gray … I also met Barbara Manning while working for the Salamanca Theatre Company. Next, you’ll have to do John Honey’s film ‘Manganinnie’! R (Tasmania)
Yes, I thought that looked like the North West Coast rail line. I lived at Ulverstone in those days. 😊
I saw the film about 60 years ago. Still remember the excitement.
I think I was taken to see it as a school excursion.
Another great story, Pauline. You have reminded us of a much less complicated past compared to our lives today. Thank you.
I seem to remember the book was serialised on the ABC radio. I would have been about 10.
Someone else mentioned that Anne, so you may be right.
It took very little to make us happy Warren. 😊