Not quite Hollywood...

Much excitement ensued amongst Campbelltown locals in October 1955, when a film unit from Australian Tradition Film Company arrived to film in Queen Street. The Wheelwright Arms, (a historic inn turned private home) became the "Woolpack Hotel" for the purposes of the film. Throughout the day residents and passing motorists stopped to watch the filming process.





Movie still from "Joe Wilson's Mates" (www.ozmovies.com.au)



The Wheelwright Arms 1960 (Photo: Alex Goodsell)

"Joe Wilson's Mates", part of a film trilogy called "Three in One" was based on a Henry Lawson short story named "The Union Buries It's Dead". Directed by Cecil Holmes, the film tells the story of a young man who dies along in a small town. With no friends or family, and only a Union Card for identification, the local Union members combine to give him a decent send off.
Cecil Holmes was a passionate and determined man who started making significant Australian films in an era in which finance for local features was drying up. Despite a positive reception overseas, "Three in One" was denied general release, probably due to its Socialist overtones. "Joe Wilson's Mates" was however shown individually as a support film.

Movie poster
https://alchetron.com/Three-in-One-(1957-film)

Written by Claire Lynch


Sources
Campbelltown Ingleburn News October 4th 1955
Museum Macarthur Facebook page - Brendan Leenders
http://www.ozmovies.com.au/movie/three-in-one
https://aso.gov.au/people/Cecil_Holmes/portrait/
https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecil_Holmes_(director)
https://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_in_One_(1957_film_