Film tells story of unsolved 1932 outback Queensland bank robbery
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
The outback town of Cloncurry had become part of the electorate of Carpentaria just before the Queensland election of 1932.
On June 11 that year, the people of the district 1700 kilometres north-west of Brisbane elected the Labor candidate, John Mullan, as his party swept the Country and Progressive National Party from office.
Sometime that night, thieves broke into the strong room of the local National Bank and made off with £11,000. They also stole £3,000 from the nearby Bank of New South Wales.
The crimes remain unsolved, but there’s been plenty of theories down through the years on who did it and how.
It’s commonly said that five men were involved, and that they stole and copied keys belonging to bank staff while they were swimming or sleeping.
The story is being made into a short film with support from the Cloncurry Shire Council’s Film Incentive Program.
Luke and Madeleine Chaplain, from Quamby Studios, grew up on Malakoff Station outside Cloncurry, hearing about the legend of the bank robbery.
Luke said he and his sister had long wanted to film the story where it happened.
“It’s quite revolutionary what Cloncurry Shire Council is doing with their film incentive.
“It’s been a collaborative approach from the very beginning. Their willingness to pivot and adapt is a huge incentive for filmmakers.
“This problem-solving attitude, along with the region’s diversity of architecture and landscapes, makes it the perfect filming location.”
Madeleine and Luke have been told by family they are related to some of the alleged robbers.
The all-Queensland production has just spent five days filming in Cloncurry, sourcing 50 extras and 10 crew locally.
Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor, Greg Campbell, is calling on filmmakers the world over to create movies in his shire.
“There are not many backdrops as dramatic as the rugged outback landscape of Cloncurry.
“The red ranges, spinifex ,and waterways have already played host to Channel 10’s Survivor in 2021.
“Now, in a wonderful serendipity, we have The Bank Manager, written and produced by two brilliant outback Queensland-born creatives, starring some of Australia’s best-known actors.
“Cloncurry has a truly unique landscape and is one of few places that can offer extraordinary terrain, open plains, and waterways all in one location.
“It also offers a range of local businesses that are able to support film making in the region.
“We welcome any film makers to consider Cloncurry as a film location and encourage them to make the most of Council’s support.”
