Bitter Springs (film)

Bitter Springs is a 1950 British/Australian film directed by Ralph Smart and starring Chips Rafferty, Tommy Trinder, and Michael Pate. The film tells the story of a British family, the Sutherlands, who emigrate to the Australian outback after World War II to start a new life as sheep farmers.

The Sutherlands claim a section of land, unaware that it is traditionally used by an Aboriginal tribe for sustenance. The film explores the ensuing conflict between the settlers and the Indigenous people, highlighting misunderstandings and cultural clashes. Initially, the Sutherlands attempt to coexist peacefully, but escalating tensions due to resource scarcity and misunderstandings lead to violence.

The film is notable for its portrayal of Aboriginal Australians, although it has been criticized in later years for its simplistic and potentially stereotypical depiction of Indigenous culture and its perspective largely favouring the white settlers. Despite these criticisms, it remains a significant film in Australian cinema history for addressing the complex issues of land rights and race relations in the early post-war period. Bitter Springs was filmed on location in South Australia.