The Shiralee (1957)
A rugged swagman and his young daughter take to the Australian road in this tender, quietly powerful drama from Ealing Studios.
The Shiralee - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Shiralee
- Release Year: 1957
- Directed by: Leslie Norman
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 11, 1957 (United Kingdom)
- Alternative Titles: Ширали (RU)
- Production Companies: Ealing Studios
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Shiralee - Plot
An Australian "swagman" finds his wife with another man, so he takes the daughter, Buster, with him. On the road together, going from town to town and from farm to farm, father and daughter explore new depths of understanding and bonding.
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The Shiralee - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Leslie Norman
Main Cast
- Peter Finch
- Dana Wilson
- Elizabeth Sellars
- George Rose
- Rosemary Harris
- Russell Napier
- Niall MacGinnis
- Tessie O'Shea
- Sidney James
- Charles Tingwell
Writers
- Leslie Norman
- Neil Paterson
Producers
- Michael Balcon
The Shiralee - FAQs
What is The Shiralee about?
The Shiralee follows Macauley, an Australian swagman who discovers his wife's infidelity and impulsively takes his young daughter Buster with him on the road. Drifting from farm to farm and town to town, the unlikely pair gradually build a tender, complicated bond that neither expected to find.
Who are the main actors in The Shiralee?
Peter Finch leads the cast as the wandering swagman Macauley, with young Dana Wilson delivering a memorable performance as his daughter Buster. The supporting cast includes Elizabeth Sellars, George Rose, Rosemary Harris, Niall MacGinnis, Tessie O'Shea, Sidney James, and Charles Tingwell.
Is The Shiralee based on a true story?
The Shiralee is not based on a true story but is adapted from D'Arcy Niland's acclaimed 1955 Australian novel of the same name. Neil Paterson and director Leslie Norman wrote the screenplay, faithfully capturing the spirit of Niland's portrait of itinerant life in the Australian outback.
What does 'shiralee' mean in the film?
In Australian slang, a 'shiralee' is the swagman's bundle — the bedroll and belongings he carries on his back. In the film, the word takes on a deeper meaning: Macauley's daughter Buster becomes his 'shiralee,' a burden he never asked for but ultimately cannot imagine living without.
Who directed The Shiralee?
The Shiralee was directed by Leslie Norman, a British filmmaker best known for his work at Ealing Studios. Norman co-wrote the screenplay alongside Neil Paterson, and his sensitive direction draws out a remarkably naturalistic performance from both Peter Finch and child actress Dana Wilson.
When was The Shiralee released?
The Shiralee was released on July 11, 1957, in the United Kingdom. Produced by Ealing Studios, the film arrived during a celebrated period for British cinema and was well received for its authentic Australian atmosphere and the warmth of its central father-daughter relationship.
How long is The Shiralee?
The Shiralee runs for 99 minutes — just under an hour and forty minutes. It's a well-paced drama that uses its runtime to let the relationship between Macauley and Buster develop naturally, giving the story room to breathe without ever feeling slow or overlong.
What are some films similar to The Shiralee?
If The Shiralee resonates with you, you might enjoy Paris, Texas (1984), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), Almost Famous (2000), The Man from Snowy River (1982), or Mr. Pig (2016) — all films that explore road journeys, family bonds, or the rugged beauty of life on the move.
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