| The Enemy Within | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Roland Stavely |
| Produced by | Roland Stavely |
| Written by | Roland Stavely |
| Starring | Snowy Baker |
| Cinematography | Franklyn Barrett |
| Release date(s) | 11 March, 1918 |
| Running time | 5,500 feet |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | Silent film English intertitles |
The Enemy Within is a 1918 Australian silent film starring renowned Australian sportsman Snowy Baker in his first screen role.
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Jack Airlie (Snowy Baker) is a secret agent battling foreign agents working in Australia. His girlriend Myree (Lily Molloy) is kidnapped by the agents and Jack has to rescue her from downing by climbing down a cliff and jumping into the water.
The film was concocted a vehicle for Snowy Baker, with plenty of action sequences to demonstrate his physical prowess, including climbing down a 300 foot cliff, leaping from a moving car, diving 80 foot into Sydney harbour and hand-to-hand fighting.[1]
The story was partly inspired by the real-life raid of the SMS Wolf in the Pacific during World War I, and the sinking of the Cumberland off Gabo Island.[2][3] The villains were based on the International Workers of the World, and shown to be operating in Sydney high society.
Filming started in December 1917. The director, Roland Stavley, was a stage director for J.C. Williamson Ltd.
The part of Snowy Baker's assistant was played by Sandy McVea, an aboriginal boxer.[4]
The film was specifically advertised as "not a war picture but a thrilling drama of a special agent's fight against spies in Australia".[5] It was a hit and led to a number of action movies starring Baker.
A novelised version of the script was published in 1919. Unlike many Australian silent movies, it is possible to see the full film today.
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