This short excerpt from Venus of the South Seas (James Sullivan, USA, 1924) shows Annette Kellerman performing underwater as both a mermaid and a princess.

Kellerman was 52 years old when her husband and manager Jimmie Sullivan filmed this rare silent footage. She is performing the underwater adagio - a slow ballet dance.

Kellerman was 52 years old when her husband and manager Jimmie Sullivan filmed this rare footage of her performing the underwater adagio - a slow ballet dance.

Audiovisual Co-Assistant Kerry Yates explores the films and artefacts donated to the NFSA by the son of speargun pioneer Bill Heffernan.