Henry Murdoch (17 September 1920 - 24 April 1987), born as George Henry Murdock, was an Australian aboriginal actor and stockman who appeared in Australian films of the 1940s and 1950s. He was working as stockman in Rockhampton when discovered by Ralph Smart, who was helping make The Overlanders (1946).[1] The film's director, Harry Watt, later claimed Murdoch and fellow aboriginal actor Clyde Combo "proved to be first-class actors and were exceedingly quick witted and intelligent. They certainly disproved the conventional idea that the Australian aboriginal is an animalistic caveman."[2] Filmink said "It was Henry Murdoch who personified a specific type of role in the 1940s and 1950s, the aboriginal stockman who was a sidekick/tracker to the white hero." [3]

Murdoch thought that was the end of his acting career, but he was called back to make several films by visiting companies in Australia. "I'd like to be a full-time actor and a part-time stockman", he said in 1949. "Film work's good—if there's enough of it."[4] He later made two films for Lee Robinson.

Chips Rafferty claimed Murdoch carried a volume of Shakespeare with him.[5]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1946The OverlandersAborigine NipperFeature film
1949Eureka StockadeFeature film
1950Bitter SpringsBlackjackFeature film
1952KangarooBlack Tracker (uncredited)Feature film
1953The Phantom StockmanDancerFeature film
1957The ShiraleeSamFeature film
1958Dust in the SunSpiderFeature film

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1961WhiplashBilly JoTV series, 4 episodes, (final appearance)

References

  1. ↑ "PETER KINGSTON'S FILMS". The Daily News. Perth: National Library of Australia. 31 August 1946. p. 28 Edition: FIRST EDITION. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  2. ↑ "HOLLYWOOD LETTER". The Advocate. Burnie, Tas.: National Library of Australia. 18 April 1947. p. 8. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  3. ↑ Vagg, Stephen (25 May 2020). "The A to Z of Non-White Aussie Movies and TV in White Australia". Filmink.
  4. ↑ "Abo. Hopes To Be Full-Time Ham". Singleton Argus. NSW: National Library of Australia. 18 May 1949. p. 4. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  5. ↑ ""Chips" Rafferty Pleads for Natives". The Canberra Times. National Library of Australia. 13 January 1947. p. 3. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
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