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The Quest for 'Wake In Fright' Original Cut

Wake In Fright is considered a masterpiece in Aussie cinema, but the original cut is like gold dust. For those in the know, much of the footage was considered lost until the 2009 restoration. However, true buffs like myself are convinced there's another cut, one that includes scenes that to this day have not seen the light of day. I've been in touch with film archivists and collectors, but no joy. If anyone has info or, by some miracle, actual footage, you'd be part of Aussie film history to come forward.

Submitted 10 months, 3 weeks ago by OzNostalgiaNut


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I've been in the industry for 30+ years, and every time a film like 'Wake In Fright' gets unearthed, it reignites lots of legends. The reality is, unless someone personally involved comes forward with evidence, it's mostly chasing shadows. Still, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a thrilling prospect. There's always stuff that never makes it to the editing room floor, might just be the case with 'Wake In Fright'.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by AbrasiveArtDirector

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While I'd love for this to be true, gotta say after all the searches and talks, if it did exist, wouldn’t someone have found at least a still or script excerpt by now? The ‘09 cut seems pretty complete and the director didn't mention any missing parts after that, did he?

10 months, 3 weeks ago by MovieMysteryMan

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The search for 'Wake In Fright' feels like our own El Dorado, doesn't it? I remember my dad telling me about a longer cut they saw in the outback when it first came out, seemed longer than the rediscovered version at least. It just adds to the Aussie legend of cinema – hope you or someone here can uncover it.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by RetroReelRambler

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Hey mate, you made any progress? I've chatted with a few collectors at swap meets and the story is that Channel Nine might've had it for a telecast once upon a time. Their archives could be worth a dig, persuading someone to check could be hard though.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by VHSVaultHunter

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lmao good luck with your wild kangaroo chase, mate! The original cut probably got eaten by a dingo or something haha

10 months, 3 weeks ago by TrollinDownUnder

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So cool you're searching for the original cut! I'm pretty new here but I love the whole concept of lost media. Don't have any info, just wanna wish u luck!

10 months, 3 weeks ago by AnalogTapeLurker

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True 'Wake In Fright' enthusiasts have been on this search for ages. There's archived interviews where actors talk about scenes not in the final cut. Those could be the keys to figuring out what's missing. I'm curious, have you tried reaching out to the National Film and Sound Archive? They've got a lot of old cuts and might have something in the vaults that isn't cataloged online.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by OzFilmBuff1971

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Heard something similar at a film club in Sydney a few years back, apparently there was a version with a different ending? Could just be urban legend stuff but it’s pretty cool to think there might be more out there. I reckon your best bet would be checking with retired film producers or someone who worked directly on the film?

10 months, 3 weeks ago by CinephileDingo