A Tropic Garden: 'mermaid' Annette Kellerman

A brief appearance from Kellerman in this government tourism documentary from the late 1930s shows her lasting cultural significance.

Reference is made by the narrator to her being likened to a 'mermaid' and her 'perfect form'.

Kellerman is included in this tourism documentary about the Great Barrier Reef because she moved to Queensland with her husband after her vaudeville and silent film career in the US wound down.

She lived in Surfers Paradise until her death at 89 years old in 1975. Her ashes were scattered over the Great Barrier Reef according to her wishes.

Viewed today, this brief clip could be considered offensive for using Aboriginal people as props and featuring animal cruelty. This film must be understood in its historical context.

Notes by Beth Taylor