| Captain Starlight, or Gentleman of the Road | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Alfred Rolfe |
| Produced by | Charles Cozens Spencer |
| Written by | Alfred Rolfe |
| Based on | Captain Starlight (play) by Alfred Dampier Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood (novel) |
| Starring | Alfred Rolfe Lily Dampier |
| Cinematography | Ernest Higgins |
| Studio | Spencer's Pictures |
| Release date(s) | 16 March, 1911 |
| Running time | over 3,000 feet |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | Silent film English intertitles |
Captain Starlight, or Gentleman of the Road is a 1911 Australian silent film about the bushranger Captain Starlight. It was based on Alfred Dampier's stage adaptation of the novel Robbery Under Arms.[1]
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Dampier played the role of Captain Starlight on stage many times to great acclaim. Alfred Rolfe, his son in law, played Dick Martson.[2][3]
Although the movie is considered a lost film it is possible to gauge some idea of the plot from contemporary reviews. One critic wrote that "plenty of relief in the way of comedy has been introduced; and whilst there are many grim incidents, these are not allowed to unduly obtrude themselves." [4]
The film started at the home of the Marstons. Some troopers, led by Sergeant Goring, are looking for Captain Starlight when he appears, introducing himself and telling them to put their hands up. Then there was a sequence where Starlight and his friends go to the horse races and Starlight participates in the Goldfield Cup on his horse Darkie, only to be chased off the course by police. There was also a sequence involving the robbery of the mail coach at Rocky Rises, and one where Sir Ferdinand Morringer is threatened with death in Terrible Hollow at the hands of the villainous Dan Moran and his rescue by Starlight.
The finale involves Moran leaving Sergeant Goring and the troopers to Starlight's stronghold. During the final battle, Moran is mortally wounded but Starlight's life is saved by his faithful aboriginal servant. Starlight and Dick Marston are subsequently pardoned for their crimes. (This happy ending was in contrast to the novel).[5][6]
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