James FitzPatrick filming on Bondi Beach
Photographer
Henry Gawthorpe
DateFebruary 1951
Object number00018090
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 165 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Henry Gawthorpe
DescriptionThis photograph depicts the American documentary filmmaker, James Fitzpatrick, filming at Bondi Beach. Fitzpatrick was visiting Sydney on board RMS CARONIA in February 1951.HistoryJames Anthony FitzPatrick (1894-1980) was an American filmaker who made travel documentaries from 1930 to 1955. During the three days RMS CARONIA was in Sydney, in February 1951, Fitzpatrick filmed the sites and attractions of the city. MGM distributed the documentaries under the title "Fitzpatrick Traveltalks".
SignificanceFitzPatrick made nearly 300 films in a career that spanned five decades. He once estimated that he covered more than 500,000 miles in producing his movies and has a star on the Hollywood Star Walk.