William Kelly's War
As the Great War begins, Billy and Jack Kelly together with cousin Paddy enlist in the military and are sent to fight in Europe. Billy, known to be a good marksman, is singled out to lead a highly successful sniper team. Journalist Keith Murdoch is attached to Billy's group for press coverage of the front line. With Murdoch's glowing reports, Billy and the boys become celebrated war heroes. As the war drags on, the defeat at Gallipoli leads to more death and carnage in France. Billy's sniping abilities and courage in hand-to-hand combat astound his fellow soldiers, and he is awarded the Legion of Honour. Back home, Billy's parents are confronted with lawless bush rangers who threaten their lives and livelihood, and fearing they will never see their sons again, begin to campaign to oppose the government conscription policy. In Europe, Billy's team is sent forward to harass the enemy prior to a major assault on the infamous and impregnable Hindenburg Line. Through an amazing feat of determination and courage, Billy and Jack survive, but Paddy is killed in action. When Billy returns from the war he discovers the shallow grave of his father and is informed that his sister has been kidnapped by bush rangers. In an explosive climax Billy finds and confronts his father's killer.
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Released
- 2014
- Country
- Australia
Details
Release year: 2014
Storyline
As the Great War begins, Billy and Jack Kelly together with cousin Paddy enlist in the military and are sent to fight in Europe. Billy, known to be a good marksman, is singled out to lead a highly successful sniper team. Journalist Keith Murdoch is attached to Billy's group for press coverage of the front line. With Murdoch's glowing reports, Billy and the boys become celebrated war heroes. As the war drags on, the defeat at Gallipoli leads to more death and carnage in France. Billy's sniping abilities and courage in hand-to-hand combat astound his fellow soldiers, and he is awarded the Legion of Honour. Back home, Billy's parents are confronted with lawless bush rangers who threaten their lives and livelihood, and fearing they will never see their sons again, begin to campaign to oppose the government conscription policy. In Europe, Billy's team is sent forward to harass the enemy prior to a major assault on the infamous and impregnable Hindenburg Line. Through an amazing feat of determination and courage, Billy and Jack survive, but Paddy is killed in action. When Billy returns from the war he discovers the shallow grave of his father and is informed that his sister has been kidnapped by bush rangers. In an explosive climax Billy finds and confronts his father's killer.
Top credits
Tony Bonner — Mr. Kelly- Josh Davis — Billy Kelly
- Mathew Davis — Jack
- Ella Mcllvena — Jess
Did you know
• In writing letters back and forth in those early days,we wrote on the back of the pages received,or included the letter recd back to the sender....little known by the youngsters of today....but true anyway
• Billy pulls the bullet from the cartridge with his teeth. That is impossible because bullets are put in the cases by machine and cannot be removed by hand. Furthermore, the cartridge is a British or Australian .303 and is loaded with Cordite not loose powder like American cartridges. Cordite is just like it sounds with multiple long stands of what looks like string.
User reviews
Surprisingly Interesting Australian Indie on one families' WW1.
Worth a watch- a good alternative to the 'blockbuster'
David Budget, Goliath Story
Technical specs
- Color
- Color
