Last Outlaw... Any more news?
From: Daniel Lee Pearson [qwarta76@hotmail.com] 30 Jun 03
I was just wondering if you have heard any more from channel 7? God I hope they give in! Cheers. Keep up the awesome work! There should be some good news before the end of the year, which ever year that may be...

A few short words
From: Alfred Fitzpatrick [fitzpatrick806@hotmail.com.au] 26 Jun 03
Saw the new movie DISAPPOINTING but what could you expect from an American made movie.I am a Fitzpatrick but thankfuly not related, I am a Kelly sympathiser. Made a visit to Beechworth Glenrowan Stringybark Creek and Mansfield in August 2002 'Most enjoyable' One point of interest is that Alex Fitzpatrick the fool that started the trouble mother's maiden name was NEILSON the same as my better half. Funny isn't it.

Sparked an Interest
From: Megan Hicks [hicksme87@hotmail.com] 25 Jun 03
Earlier this year, I went and saw the Ned Kelly Movie and ever since then, I've been really interested in him and whether the portrayal of him and his life was entirely accurate in the movie. This site has answered many of my questions and encouraged me to explore deeper into the legend of Ned Kelly. This movie is famous for the Heath Ledger and Naomi Watts affair. I was just wondering whether anything like that really happened during his lifetime. Keep up the great work and thanks for a wonderful website! I'd like to think Ned experienced some joy before his early death

Poem
From: Peter Stephenson Jones [petersj@bigpond.com] 19 Jun 03
You might be able to help. I found in the archives of our theatre company a poem called  Stringy Bark Creek. Could you tell me where I might buy this in book. The poem may have been written by Joe Byrne according to some ones notes in the margin of the tattered old typed copy I found.I think it is anomimous though. I am the artistic director of The Actors Showcase Theatre School here in Melbourne and also director of The Flying Bookworms. The web site is brilliant. I might have been able to find it but iI got a bit stuck. If you can help me it would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure Brian McDonald could shed some light on this...

Constable Bracken's statement
From: Simon Liddle [liddle40@optusnet.com.au] 19 Jun 03
I'm searching for a copy of any official statements that Constable Bracken may have made about his being taken hostage at Glenrowan. Is there anything on the web? I'm particularly interested in what went on during the hour and a half that Kelly was in the police barracks before Bracken was taken to Jones' hotel.

Umm?
From: Merinda [Edwards_Mindy@ggscorio.com.au.edu] 16 Jun 03
Nice, dont really know what to say. I think that Ned is very inspirational. Isnt it funny that one of Australias best known people is a criminal? Criminal is only a frame of mind. Just look at George W. Bush....

Ned Kelly The Hero
From: Jess [jess_979_47@hotmail.com] 16 Jun 03
My name is jess from western australia and i for one, am a great fan of the ned kelly movie. Through research and viewing the movie i have learned that ned kelly wasnt a bad guy after all, he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. I would have liked it better if the movie included more information on the other characters in the movie such as joe bryne, dan kelly, steve hart and aaron sherritt. Im maybe the only one who wants to see these people tell there story the way they seen it. Although i do have doubts that ned kelly maybe be guilty im convinced just by watching the movie. I mean, is it really hard to believe that the coppers were crooked? Even in our society today we have crooked cops so why  not back in the 1870s? Anyway i would really love to find out more information on ned kelly and the others that played an important roll. Keep up the good work! Seek and ye shall find!

Mrs Ned Kelly?
From: Samantha Hobart [samhobart85@hotmail.com] 14 Jun 03
Hi, I want a question answered. I was wondering if Ned Kelly was married before he was hanged? Nup

Police Uniforms
From: Taryn McPherson [davejadeoffice@optusnet.com.au] 09 Jun 03
I am doing a school project on the poice officers in the past and I need some information on the clothing and equipment that police officers used to use in Ned Kelly's time by the 10th of June. I f you could help me I would deeply appriciate it. Nothing like leaving your run a bit late. Try the Victorian Police Historical Unit, Flinders Street, Melbourne

A question on Ned Kelly the movie
From: Jess [jhaley01@postoffice.csu.edu.au] 09 Jun 03
I am currently studying film and television production at Wagga university and I was interested in gaining any information about special effects used in make-up. Such as gun shot wounds in the film. Is there any information I could obtain on technology, special effects and make-up? The only special effects I am aware of was by the director Gregor Jordan. He managed to turn the totally crap novel ‘Our Sunshine’ into a film script!

How Tall?
From: Thomas Whiteside [swhiteside@netscape.net.au] 08 Jun 03
I am doing a bit of personal research about who owned which suit of armour and I would like to find out Dan Kelly’s or Steve Hart’s build and height. I was wondering if you knew or if not where to find that out?

Wanted Poster
From: Kevin Sturgiss [ksturgiss@dodo.com.au] 06 Jun 03
Would you be able to give me some information about a  Ned Kelly wanted  poster? A friend of mine has a poster  "wanted Ned Kelly." It looks original, it was found behind a cupboard in a pub in Victoria when he was a child. The time frame would be approximately 30 years ago. Would there be such a poster?  If original would you have an idea of its value? Very highly unlikely it is an original but that doesn’t stop people flogging anything remotely Kelly on eBay. So give it a shot and start with a big price tag in US dollars — say 10 grand

The Ned Kelly Movie
From: Phil [Philjak@aol.com] 05 Jun 03
I am an Austalian  film enthusiast an am very interested in The Kelly Gang movie starring Heath Ledger I live near Detroit and I don't know if this film has been released. Has it? Or should I look for it at the video store? It will be launched in US cinemas later this year, probably Christmas

The Last Outlaw
From: Ben Whitworth [thebutcher@bigpond.com] 05 Jun 03
What exactly is the go with The Last Outlaw? Last I heard was that Channel 7 (dickheads!) were in negotiation with Ian Jones. I have emailed Jenetsky or whatever his name is, on many occasions and he's been ever so receptive NOT!! and not bothered to reply. Are there any VCD versions available in the meantime? I taped it when it was on TV but my copy is pretty woeful. Any info would be greatly appreciated. What I have heard is that because there were no contracts drawn up for distribution, EVERY actor with a talking part in the mini series is entitled to a share of the profits. And as it was filmed over 20 years ago many of these people have moved on and would need to be sought out. A copyright nightmare!

Ian Jones’ Documentary
From: Shayne Clarke [topshop@austarnet.com.au] 30 May 03
Hello again, I am ultra - interested in the documentary that Ian Jones is about to produce (the man is a genius). Could you possibly impart any further info on the said film? Thank you. Details are sketchy, but it appears Ian’s wife Bronwyn wrote a script before she passed away last month. At the launch of the re-release of “Ned Kelly. A Short Life” Ian vowed to produce the film. Whether it will be a documentary or drama we will be posting all the information as it comes to hand

School Assignment
From: Yvette Wynne [Wynne.Yvette@stbrigids.wa.edu.au] 29 May 03
Please could you email me any information about Ned Kelly and/or his gang because I need it for an in class assignment. If possible, could it please be before late next week. Sorry, I have no idea what you’re talking about this is a Cooking website

Pat Cain
From: Michele Barrick [Gbarrickdrfc's@aol.com] 27 May 03
When I was a young girl my grandfather gave me some letters to read. They were written to Pat Cain who was a relative of my paternal grandmother and whose family had originated in Ireland. One of the letters was from Ned Kelly, the others were from his brothers who at the time were living in Canada. My grandfather told me that Ned Kelly was married to Pat Cain at some point, but I have no idea if this is true or if it was the infamous Ned Kelly or a name sake. My son is interested to know if we are related and I wondered if you could point me in the right direction? I hope Pat is short for Patrica and not Patrick. According to the official record written by Peter Carey, Ned Kelly married a Mary Hearn not a Pat Cain

A New Kelly Movie?
From: Bernadette Nester [alex26@dodo.com.au] 27 May 03
Just a quick question. As we don't seem to get as many Ned articles where I live as in Vic, I was wondering if you had heard anything about another, (better) Australian made and more historically accurate movie that is supposedly being made about Ned and the boys? I know Ian Jones is about to produce a new documentary

Our Irish Born Ned
From: Tom [kktkelly@aol.com] 27 May 03
What I am trying to find out is when the Ned Kelly movie be on DVD. Also what part of Ireland was Ned Kelly born in County Kerry? Valentia Island? Please get back to me ASAP. Call me a cynic but I think he was born in Australia

Edgar F. Penzig
From: Aidan Phelan [angela_thornton@optusnet.com.au] 26 May 03
re: Books: Reference
I just browsed through your book reviews. I took interest in your review of Edgar Penzig's book. I must admit I had the displeasure to read it myself and couldn't agree with you more about the man's oversized ego. I have no doubt most of his info on Ned came from Hare's book and I discovered that the man is not a real historian but a firearms specialist (he knows a lot about historical guns). The painting on the front cover of his book is one of the most obnoxious things about the book, in that he tries to make himself look like a real frontier man but makes himself look more like a real twat. Although I must admit his knowledge on firearms is very commendable however. Some may wish he would use that knowledge on himself...

Tom Lloyd
Lola Rowe nee Lloyd [lola@winnet.com.au] 25 May 03
Looking at a message sent by Peter Hocking on 24 January 2003, he showed a photo of Joe Byrne and maybe Tom Lloyd. When was it taken and which one do you think is Tom? Peter states his family was in Omeo in 1850. My Grandfather Thomas Peter Lloyd was not born until 1857. My family spent time in Swifts Creek near Omeo, in the late 1940s.

The Lost Outlaw
From: Eric Woolley [michael105@hn.ozemail.com.au] 24 May 03
I am 11 years old and I was wondering if you know where I can get the seris of Ned Kelly movies by Jeff Jarat?

Kelly Language
From: Jacqui [jbbadgirl@aol.com] 23 May 03
I am just wondering what would you call the language Ned and the Gang used, for example informal or exaggerated? Well, not as exaggerated as the Heath Ledger movie

Steve Harts Armour
From: Jamie Gee [geezai@optusnet.com.au] 21 May 03
Great Website. I've just been having a look at the armour section and was wondering about Steve Hart's helmet. The aperture for eyesight in his helmet is massive compared to the rest of them. Has anyone postulated as to why this might be. The other helmets suggest that they were quite worried about getting hit in the eye as they were quite narrow. Why then the difference. Did Steve request this or did it just happen. I suppose it would have been easier to aim through the bigger gap. Being so different could it mean that it is a replica or have the origins of the helmet been properly verified. I know that there was a photo taken the next day of a collection of the armour. I remember seeing it in Ian Jone's a short life but can't remember if that helmet was there so that might be a silly question. Is there a known reason for the large aperture? While Ned wasn’t a great wrap for Steve, calling him “a bloody thing” on occasions — usually when he misbehaved— I think the large aperture is due more to the inaccurate science of bush armour rather than any deliberate attempt to get Steve’s brains blown out. Though I must admit, I wouldn't be too keen to don that helmet, not when you compare the eye slit  to Joe’s. Great question Jamie, at last someone not asking me to do their school assignment!

I've got a question!
From: John [feongtaekim@optusnet.com.au] 21 May 03
Hi! My name is John. I have a question to ask you. What were the conditions in Australia at the time Ned Kelly was alive? Can you explain his status as a legend? Please send your answers by today or tommorrow. Thank you! Actually you asked two questions

The Last Outlaw
From: Ruth Moran [ruthholland@bigpond.com] 19 May 03
I would like to purchase the video The Last Outlaw that was shown on ABC TV recently, could you please advise where I can purchase it, I live in Alice Springs. The ABC!

The Quinns
From: Jamie Gee [geezai@optusnet.com.au] 18 May 03
Is there any particular reason why the Quinn family does not rate much of a mention in the Kelly history. From what I can gather they would have had a profound influence on his life. It's been suggested that one of the Quinn's convinced him to join Harry Power and not his mother as Peter Carey's book would have you believe. They Quinn's seemed to be as crooked as a dogs hind leg and with them being so close to him this must have played a big role in his upbringing. Ned is often portrayed as an innocent wronged man. I wonder how true that all was in his youth. Don't get me wron I'm a huge Ned fan but get the feeling that a lot of historians glance over it as if it's not worth mentioning. Perhaps you can inform me of a book that does goe into their influences on Ned a bit more. I’m sure we’ll hear from some of the Quinn relatives very soon...

School Assignment
From: Evil Evoleen [evo_rustybuses@hotmail.com] 18 May 03
I am currently in year 12 and doing History extension. for my major works i have decided to do Ned Kelly, my question is: how did Ned Kelly, the son of an irish catholic convict and an outlawed criminal himself, become a hero of the australian culture. i wondering is you would be able to send me any information regarding this topic or point me in the right direction. i have not really found much myself. if you could it would be wonderful, thanks. Are you asking me to research your assignment?

The Royal Commission
From: Brian McDonald [brianmac@isp.net.au] 17 May 03
Hi Brad. That person has listed the original Kelly Royal Commission again. As I mentioned below it was first listed at 12,000 American dollars and it didn't sell. They listed it again at 15,000 American dollars ... still didn't sell ... now it's 18,000 American dollars — about 27,563 Aussie dollars! Keep an eye on this one! I'll wait for the movie...

JJ Kenneally
From: John [johnno@mail2me.com.au] 16 May 03
i have Ned Kelly the authentic illustrated story ( 1984) and Inner history of the kelly gang (9th edition) by jj kenneally. jj kenneally states there was only one helment with the armour (neds) and keith mcmenomy says there was four. both books are spose to be good and was wondering why such a differencence in opion. jj kenneally states other helment's are bogus and repilica's made by police. can you help with your opinion why the difference? All is revealed in our Armour section

Ned's final place of rest
From: Roxanne Epps [birox@alphalink.com.au] 16 May 03
I just wanted to tell you that you have an awesome Ned Kelly website and that while many people have criticised your site, and your research, I'm sure it is not as easy as many think to create a website devoted to Ned and his 'companions'. Good job! While e-mailing you,  I would really like to ask you for any information you could give me regarding Ned's place of burial at the Old Melbourne Gaol. I would really appreciate it as I'm a loyal Ned Kelly fan! MANY people have criticised my site and research?

Chopped Up
From: Kate [coolchic_kate@hotmail.com] 13 May 03
Does anybody know why Ned Kelly was cut into peices after he was hung? Hi I have to do a school project and one of the questions is why was ned kelly cut up into peices? I have read things but havent found the answer. Try looking up the word Phrenology. It seems everyone wanted their “pound of flesh”. By the way pictures are hung, people are hanged

Family History Research
From: Dean Mayes [dmayes@picknowl.com.au] 13 May 03
I am a descendant of Joseph Mayes who was a Constable then Sergeant in the Victorian Police Force and who served under Superindendant Frances Hare during the hunt for the Kelly Gang. He was a member of the Cave Party who hunted throughout Victoria for the Kelly Gang and was a prominent witness in the Royal Commision into the Victorian Police Force which took place in 1881 and 1882 (he gave evidence in May 1882). I am seeking to get in touch with people who may help me find information concerning my great great grandfather or people who may be descendants of Victorian Police Troopers who served with my great great grandfather. I have enclosed a photograph of Joseph Mayes. I would appreciate any assistance anyone can give.

re: Old Book
From: Brian McDonald [brianmac@isp.net.au] 12 May 03
You are quite right Brad, there were a lot more copies of the original Royal Commission, Minutes of Evidence printed in 1881. On the reverse of the title page it states that there were 800 copies printed at a cost of 760 pounds. The Pioneer Facsimile Edition in 1968 only had a run of 250 numbered copies. The eBay copy for sale at 15,000 American dollars is a little bit pricy considering a copy was sold by Kenneth Hince a few years ago at 1,200 Australian dollars! Interesting enough the copy on eBay failed to sell a week ago when the selling price was only 12,000 American dollars! I wonder what price will be next week! I suppose as the seller you can put it any price. It all depends on how much the suckers are willing to part with

Contradictions
From: Lola Rowe [Lola@winnet.com.au] 12 May 03
How is this for a contradiction, a High school in a small country town in Western Aust. studying Australian History, asked to read Peter Careys, FICTIONAL STORY, while on T.V. The Last Outlaw was showing. Of courrse the kids did not know what was true and what wasn't, such a shame when we have such an exciting anand true story that does not need, fictional make believe.

Old Book
From: Alanna Horgan [alijuana@hotmail.com] 10 May 03
Firstly I just want to say GREAT website, and congratulations in particular on the Joe Byrne section - a rare achievement indeed! I noticed your huge selection of Ned Kelly books, and just wanted to let you know that on eBay a guy is selling the original 1881 copy (one of four in the world I believe it said) of the Royal Commission book that has complete trial transcripts and a bunch of other stuff about Ned Kelly and his dealings with the police. An American is selling it, and it would be such a shame if the book didn't come back to Australia. It's pretty danged expensive though - about $25,000!!!! I just thought I'd let you know, as maybe someone who reads your site (with that kind of dosh!) would be interested. Cheers and keep up the good work. Ni neart go guinness! I think the seller is actually based in Queensland. Either way I would like to know where it originally came from as a number of Royal Commission copies were permanently “borrowed” from libraries over the years. And despite the sellers claims, there were a lot more than just four copies produced!

Ian Jones
From: Christine Williams [mattauto@net2000.com.au] 09 May 03
I have searched for an email address to Mr Ian Jones & am hoping you can help me. He is, in my opinion, the most authoritive person to talk to in regards to Ned Kelly & the Gangs history. I am hoping to write a book on the subject and I would really appreciate his input as I have the utmost respect for his & his wife's knowledge of the subject I am truly passionate about I would love to contact them anyway I can. If you could plese provide me with an email address I would be eternally grateful. Thankyou for your time & consideration Are you planning on writing a book on Ian Jones? Surely you’re not planning one on Ned!

The Last Outlaw
From: Joanne [dakota3@iprimus.com.au] 09 May 03
Can you please tell me where I may be able to get a copy of The Last Outlaw?  I was 8 years old when it was filmed. I remember watching it on TV and would love to be able to show my children. Thanks. Call back in a few months as I’m planning on selling them online if Channel Seven gives the production run the go ahead

McPherson
From: Carol [cazlyn@iprimus.com.au] 09 May 03
First, what a great site! I am researching a family named McPherson who originally came from the Euroa district, then moved to the New England district of New South Wales. There has been a story passed down for generations of how the family used to leave food hidden in the bush for the Kelly boys when they were on the run. I have read about an Ernie McPherson who was a mate of Dan Kelly and wondered if there is some connection. Edith McPherson, who married Thomas Dodd in Inverell in 1911 said she remembers her mother leaving food out for the Kellys when she was a young girl. Anyone know anything about this story?

Rescued from drowning
From: Brian O'Connor [brianoco@iprimus.com.au] 06 May 03
The following info is probably known to you but in case it isn't I am sending it to you. On 16th April this year I was listening to the John Law's show at about 11.45am when I heard the latter part of a conversation with a man who stated that he was the grandson of the boy who was rescued from drowning by the young Ned Kelly. This caller now lives at Hartford in Melbourne. At the time John Laws was discussing inaccuracies in the Ned Kelly film and mentioned that it was a pity that the producers had not taken the trouble to contact person's such as the caller. I presume that info re the caller's name and telephone number can be obtained from the radio station if someone from your website is interested in speaking to him. My grandfather Pat O'Meara arrived in Melbourne from Tipperary about 1888. He told me that he had met Ned Kelly's sister Kate when she worked at a Melbourne hotel as a barmaid. I believe that she worked at Young and Jacksons hotel. I recently found your website after viewing the Ned Kelly film. I enjoy your website. Always good to gain another recruit. As for the drowning boy — grand father of Essendon legend Ian ‘Bluey’ Shelton, Ben Collins in interNED has just run a story on him and other footballers associated with the Kelly legend

Royal Mail Hotel
From: Brant James [rensquiz@hotmail.com] 05 May 03
Its a great site one particular part of your information is totally incorrect. Several others sites also state the same. The Royal Mail Hotel, where Ned drank and kept everyone in the bar still stands today. It was the Royal Hotel which burnt to the ground. The Royal Mail Hotel is currently being renovated, the Royal Mail Hotel was a single storey building when Ned visited. However the Royal Mail is now a two storey with the ground floor being the original part of the hotel visited by Ned Kelly. Recently in Febuary — March, 2003 many historians visited the hotel with inspecting the oldest parts of the hotel that remain. The local council will confirm this they are actively involved in the resotration and renovation of the said hotel. Well I wasn’t totally incorrect. I did get the Royal and Hotel part right...

The Kelly Family
From: Arch King [phonesel@xtra.co.nz] 02 May 03
My Great Grandfather Frederick King (a boot maker in Greytown Wairarapa New Zealand) was married to Catherine Kelly. My grandfather (Richard John King) was born in 1873 so the ages matchhup. Does anyone know if there was a Catherine Kelly related to Ned Kelly? My parents always said we are related, but would not give any details. I would appreciate any information to prove or disprove the story. Many thanks in anticipation. No, research shows you have no connection. Nice try though

Script
From: Maddy [madeleine_else@yahoo.com.au] 30 Apr 03
Hello, i think that ned kelly was just misunderstood. i have seen the new movie with heath ledger and orlando bloom and i would really really really really really like to be able to read the script. could someone please tell me a website that I can find it on? You can buy a copy of the movie script from one of the larger bookstores, or if you can’t find one, just pick up a copy of “Young Guns”...

Ned Kelly Sydney Movie Premiere
From: Paul O'Keefe [okeefe@smartchat.net.au] 29 Apr 03
Well I waited for our V.I.P tickets to arive for the Sydney Premier of “The Movie” but they must of forgotten my address or they just didn't obviously want any Kelly Gang relatives to vomit on their red carpet. Not from their over indugence from after movie party festivities, but out of sheer horror of how some bunch of Arty Farty Yuppie movie makers have yet again misconstrued one of the great true stories of our nation. I acutally thought Peter Carey did a good job at that but Jordan's interpretation (with Robert Drewe's book Our Sunshine's help) has taken this fantastic story to a new low. Throughout the movie if you shut your eye's you would of thought you were surrounded by a bunch of Irish backpackers, There were so many inconsistancies and fictional occurances throughout the movie which really makes me very angry. For Example:

• The scene where Ned's dictation of the Jerilderie Letter occured, infront of his captive audience (no pun intended)... Imagine having to stand there and listen to this letter being dictated. The size of the Jerilderie letter is over 50 pages, a document of over 8,000 words. I think any one of the captives there that day would have pleaded for Ned to shoot them.
• The relationship with Julia Cook (Naomi Watt's character) totally ficticious. I guess something to please the Yank audiences, at least there is no mention of a wife and child like in Carey's book!
• Then to kill and drink the blood of a horse. What happend to all the toasted wildlife Kangaroo's etc. etc. But any good story wouldn't be complete without featuring a circus! I was waiting for a scene of Bozo the clown to trip over his big floppy red shoes as he escaped from the Glenrowen Inn. Then the Lion getting shot, my God Could it get any worse I thought to myself?
• Well it did, to see the four gang members in full armour side by side shooting and deflecting bullets on the verandah of the Inn reminded me of a 1960s B grade spaghetti western.

There are so many other gut wrenching gems in this movie I lost count. But the last word on this movie must go to my 10 year old son Ryan who I took there to show him his famous ancestors portrayed on the big screen. After the movie I asked him “Well what did you think of the movie mate?” He replied “It was crap Dad”. Such is the movie. Regards, Paul O'Keefe, Kelly Gang decendant “Jaysus Ned dav takin Mar!”

We salute you!
From: Daniel Lee Pearson [qwarta76@hotmail.com] 27 Apr 03
Cheers, why so many awards? Easy answer! This is easy to navigate, full of relative and great learning material for anybody and a  tribute to Australian history. Keep up the out standing work! All the best. I salute you anyway.

Glenrowan, the last stand
From: Geoff Davidson [geoffda@alphalink.com.au] 26 Apr 03
I've just seen the latest film on Ned and a bit disappointed with the action scenes. Would you please let me know how many people in total in all places Ned and the gang are supposed to have killed, how many troopers were at Glenrowan, how many troopers and others killed at Glenrowan. The impression left with me by the film is that Ned had about 200 rounds of amunition in 2 revolvers, scored with every shot he made, the troopers killed some of the innocent and that dozens of troopers were shot. Hope you can clear it up for me. The only trooper shot by the Kelly's during the Glenrowan siege was Inspector Hare during the first volley. He sustained a “life threatening” graze to the wrist which saw him rush back to Melbourne to convalesce, leaving the police without a commanding officer. Nice work. There were a number of civilian casualties which the police seem reluctant to acknowledge, even Victoria’s overweight Chief Commissioner has trouble recalling this aspect of the siege

re: Ned's accent
From: Mick Fitzsimons [mickfitzsimons@hotmail.com] 23 Apr 03
Brad, I could not agree with you more on your comments after this piece. This topic is well documented and can be viewed at: education.curtin.edu.au/iier/iier3/pyvis.html. Indeed our films, newsreels and radio announcers were nearly all compelled to speak in a refined British accent. One exception are the films that were made by Chips Rafferty. Rafferty always had trouble raising money for his Australian films, as they did not fit the pattern of those who controlled the money and the industry. Rafferty even mortgaged his house to finance at least one film. American films are no different, with actors having to learn what is termed the Mid Atlantic or New England American accent. This is even more noticeable in their earliest talking films where they can sound quite British at times. Another problem that causes conflict in the portrayal of our language is that, “The Australian English language has a formal style as well as a colloquial style. In writing, Australian still has a formal style while it sustains an informal style in speaking”. (Quoted from History of Australian English). So you have the clash between how we write something and how we say it. I personally think we write things so they are better understood abroad and/or to make the writer appear more intellectual. Our language and accent is an extremely complicated issue and can not be simplified by the assertion of what one individual thinks. Ned spoke with what was “then”, an Australian accent and should be portrayed as such now. The proof is there, one only has to look. P.S. Have seen the latest film and although the cinematography and the sets were second to none, the story and accents were a disgrace, making a mockery of what whole Kelly saga. Chips Rafferty, now there was a true Australian legend....

Ned's accent
From: Aidan Phelan [angela_thornton@optusnet.com.au] 20 Apr 03
To all those who have argued about Ned's accent without resolve. Allow me to put forward my own personal ideas on the accent of Australia's greatest enforced outlaw. People wonder if he used an Irish accent or an Aussie one. I was watching some Aussie films from the late 1950's to the 1960's and noticed a quite peculiar thing. A lot of those older people who would of been more colonially educated, so to speak, spoke with English accents. Odd isn't it? Now researchers claim an Australian accent was derived even back in the 1820's, but still people in the mid-1900's talked like the English! What's to say that a creole like Mr. Kelly who grew up in a largely Irish community wouldn't talk like an Irishman? Especially in his earliest days when he wasn't around as many English, Welsh or Scottish, let alone people already bearing an Australian accent? I believe that Ned would have spoken with a largely Australian accent that had an Irish twang. There was a concerted effort by many Australian broadcasters and actors in the 1930s and 40s to speak like they had just stepped up to a BBC microphone

Ned Kelly the movie
From: Aidan Phelan [angela_thornton@optusnet.com.au] 16 Apr 03
I recently had some friends over for a Ned Kelly movie marathon. We started with Ned Kelly 1970, one of my friends fell asleep two minutes into it. We followed that up with The Last Outlaw, which I am forever grateful that my uncle taped it for me. Then yesterday we saw Ned Kelly 2003. The verdict was: While NK 1970 was terrible, The Last Outlaw was very informative and enjoyable. However NK 2003 drives the story into you (Whether it is fictional or not they still got what it was about. Unfourtunately, the rising generation finds fiction more entertaining and thus will block out fact if the situation allows it. After the film we looked in Angus & Robertson booksellers, and suprise suprise, Our Sunshine has been re-released with Heath Ledger's face emblazoned upon the cover. Though I was half considering buying it to bulk up my Ned Kelly library, I figured, if it were toilet paper I wouldn't use such crap to wipe my arse. I may get NK 1970 on DVD though as it's just been released! Aidan, books are supposed to be used at the other end of your body

Hello
From: Renee Luttrell [luttrelr@rsh.tas.edu.au] 15 Apr 03
My name is Renee and i was just reading the website that you have on Ned Kelly and i think that it is quite good because you have wrote a lot  things on thee that i never even new about. I have just been t see the movie Ned Kelly and in class all we ar talking about is Ned Kelly and we had t go home for home work and research him and the first site that i came to was this but the main thing is that i got all the qustions that i had were answered but yeah that is all i really have to say but i would like it i you could e-mail me back. Is this some sort of pen pal invite?

The Last Outlaw Petition
From: Geoff Crapper [crappers@netcon.net.au] 15 Apr 03
Hi Brad, I am curious to know how long The Last Outlaw petition has been running for. By chance I was up at Glenrowan about 10 days ago and Gary Dean from the Kelly Store commented that The Last Outlaw was easily the best cinematographic version of the Kelly saga. I figured that he should know seeing that the Kelly saga was his livelihood. I have a few connections with the era. Firstly my wife's grandfather was delivered by Rose Kennedy in 1875, the local Mansfield mid-wife and mother of Sgt Michael Kennedy. Secondly, Agnes Byrne, a relation (of some sort) to Joe Byrne, worked in my wife's grandfather's bakery in Mansfield (in the 1930's, I suspect). Thirdly, Thomas Curnow, the school teacher who flagged down the police train moved on (as you might expect) to Ballarat where he taught my grandmother in the late 1880's or early 1890's. Finally, one of my wife's cousins provided the large stone on which the recently dedicated memorial at Stringybark Creek is now located. Best regards, TLO signatory No. 319. The petition has been running for about three months

Beveridge Homestead
From: Jan Shipley [warungan@bocnet.com.au] 13 Apr 03
Just found the ironoutlaw site... superb! wonderful job you are doing was unaware of the "Kelly" house until coming here... I am appauled at the thought of loosing it... have much stronger language in my head that can not be repeated here. we live in a very young country hisory wise... the amount of visual history is very small... love Ned or hate him that is not the point  he IS history... to see things disappear for the lack of $s is just the pits. have watched as old buildings are torn down... only to say after they have gone... ooops... it trully amazes me... as an Irish/Aboriginal... (mum Irish... dad aboriginal)... seeing what little we have in the way of visual history disappear turns my stomach. thank you for your time ...No...problem...

The Last Outlaw (mini-series)?
From: Simon Steele [saturnv10@hotmail.com] 12 Apr 03
I watched the recent showing of this series on telly but unfortunately I was as poor as an irishman at the time and my video was at Cash Converters. I couldn't tape it but I know that scores of people did. So secretly would you know of anyone who might be able to slip me a copy? I've signed the petition and contacted Peter at Channel Seven so I've tried. PS I actually look like Ned himself complete from hair to beard!

Last Outlaw > DVD > Legal Action
From: Steve Gerlach [gerlach@ains.net.au] 12 Apr 03
I am not a lawyer, but a friend of mine is. If Mr Jones would like some legal advice on the Channel 7 contract, I'm sure we could help out. If Channel 7 marketing say they Channel 7 doesn't have the rights, then surely Mr Jones can move forward. We just need to get that in writing from Channel 7. Or, assume that Channel 7 WILL expect a cut and draw up contracts for them to sign giving them 10% of the take. Let's be pro-active on this and not wait for Channel 7. Let's face it, if they can't hold onto AFL Football, what chance have they got to actively come to the party on this one? So simple!

Station Master Stanistreet?
From: Jess Stanistreet [jess2469@hotmail.com] 12 Apr 03
Date: Sat Apr 12, 2003 9:00:55 AM Australia/Melbourne
My name is Jess Stanistreet and I was wondering if knew anything about the Station Master or something along the lines of that and his last name was Stanistreet. I found out that he was my great great great grandfather and I would really apprieciate any info you have. Anyone got any leads?

The Petition
From: Daniel Pearson [qwarta76@hotmail.com] 12 Apr 03
I remember when the series was on and that i never watched it then! Man I know can only imagine what I have missed! Thanks for doing all that man, hopefully it will get some action! Well, after ignoring me for years Channel Seven now know who I am

Damn great work!
From: Daniel Pearson [qwarta76@hotmail.com] 09 Apr 03
Hey guys, through your web-site and Ian Jones' book A short life, I have treasured the information I have learned about The kelly revolution. I would have to put myself down as a biased sympathiser but i wasn't before reading all the information, now ymhert really feels for him and his plight! I am also an artist and after being struck with such passion from the Kelly story, my goal now is to do what I wish i had a long while ago. I want to learn some more about the places and do a series of art peices on the man and the time! I hope to do this by visiting the places, using ian jones' book as a guide and portray the man the way i see him. As the leader of a revolution and a falsely accused outlaw! Sure the man wasn't a saint but I don't know how he didn't go insane and into a blood bath frenzy earlier in his life. my opinion of him is high and I think he was a fair man! Anyway, to cut my long dribble short, thanks so much for this web site! it's great!

Reciprocal Link
re: nedkellyart.com
From: Nam Trak [namtrak@hotmail.com] 08 Apr 03
We have included a link to your wonderful Kelly site (sincerely). And we were wodnering if you could include a link to new and developing gallery site. Hmm, some of your images look VERY familiar...

This website
From: Shayne Clarke [topshop@austarnet.com.au] 08 Apr 03
I know you have heard this countless times before but after suffering sleep deprivation for weeks because of your website I felt compelled to drop a note to say congratulations on putting together such an amazing testimonial to the whole Kelly saga. Having grown up in Violet Town and Benalla, I always had an interest in the Kelly gang, which only flourished after studying the story at school in 1980 to co-incide with the centenary of Ned's death and then viewing the amazing mini-series The Last Outlaw.

Re: Interesting article
From: Mick Fitzsimons [mickfitzsimons@hotmail.com] 08 Apr 03
Many thanks to Kate Blake for that reference to The many histories of the Kelly Gang by Martin Flanagan. It was indeed a most interesting and well written article and I note that the author also question the use of Irish Accents in films and I quote, “The effect of the two most recent films is to portray the Kelly myth as a case of the English versus the Irish. In each film, the Kellys, and those around them, speak with Irish accents. I am not persuaded they did.” And a bit further along, “What the films miss are the Australianess of the story. Ned was born the year of the Eureka Stockade. His early years, the ones when his accent would have formed, were spent in that central corridor of Victoria that was awash with traffic to and from the goldfields.” I was also surprised Brad that you never posted the link to the article I brought to your attention from the Sydney Morning Herald, that also questioned using Irish accents. Maybe this was an oversight, but Im sure that some visitors to Ironoutlaw would like to view the article and make up their own minds. I never posted the article as you forgot to supply the link

Ned Kelly blooper
From: Daniel Kinsey [kinsey@poczta.onet.pl] 08 Apr 03
Saw Ned Kelly as part of a school excursion along with all the historical mistakes (i spotted a couple, look forward to seeing an exhaustive list on your website sometim, perhaps?) i spotted this beautiful blooper fitzpatrick has just been shot, aaron or dan (who ever...) empties the gun at his feet and then throws it at his feet.  Fitzpatrick then picks the gun up WITH HIS WOUNDED HAND and gets on his horse - my personal highlight of the movie.. :-) thanks very much for your beautiful website, i've only had the chance to have a quick look - it's an invaluabel resources

The Last Outlaw Mini Series
From: Neil Mylott [nmylott@optusnet.com.au] 08 Apr 03
Do you know if the 1980 Mini Series is available on DVD or VHS? Never heard of it!

Restore the Kelly's Homestead
From: Em Lukas [emi_roo@hotmail.com] 07 Apr 03
My names emma and i love Ned Kelly and everything about the gang! Sometime in my life i would love to see some of the historical sites, and i know the Kelly house is going to ruins so i was woundering if you would like to start a petition with me. Something like The Kelly Home at Beveridge is in a disgraceful state, it is an Australian landmark and should be restored immediately. Interested, i know you know its a good cause!

The Last Outlaw
From: Schurmann, Andrea [Andrea.Schurmann@citigroup.com] 07 Apr 03
Just wanting to know if you know of anywhere where i can buy the lat outlaw series on video or dvd? So do I

The Last Outlaw Video
From: Ausilia Cristiano [a.cristiano@odysseytravel.com.au] 07 Apr 03
I am desperately try to find out if I can purchase the Last Outlaw. Do you have anything that could help me. Now you can't tell me you've read the feedback below...

The Last Outlaw - Let's release it!
From: Steve Gerlach [gerlach@ains.net.au] 07 Apr 03
Well, very interesting what Channel Seven had to say to you... as it's exactly what they said to me on the phone on Friday! Ian - go ahead and release it! They say it's not up to them and that it's not in the original contract (which would be correct - as at the time VHS and DVD sales would be non-issues). That's Channel Seven's official line. So, let's get to work on releasing the DVD with extra features such as a commentary by Jones, Binns and Jarratt! Looking forward to this one! Hmm, I don't for one minute believe Channel Seven wouldn't take legal action on anyone who started distributing The Last Outlaw on DVD or VHS without them getting their cut

Please reply
From: Pat Nicholson [paulbuilt@optusnet.com.au] 05 Apr 03
To whom it my concern, I don't know who I am writing to but I would like to know what other exhibitions are coming up I live in Brisbane, I have also entered my husbands tattoos into the competition but never heard any thing from any one I have seen on your web sight that the competition ended in April last year but no let us know what happened can any one please tell us what has been happening, thank you. What competition? I think maybe you mean the guys who ran Ned: The Exhibition. As for upcoming events look no further than our very own Exhibition page

Review: The Legend of Ned Kelly
From: Aidan Phelan [angela_thornton@optusnet.com.au] 05 Apr 03
I am submitting a review of the magazine that was released in conjunction with the Legend of Ned Kelly exhibition (appropriately titled The Legend of Ned Kelly). It is an in-depth look at the story of Ned, not disimilar to the book from Ned: The Exhibition. It has plenty of great pictures, including some from that dreadful Mick Jagger flick. It gives plenty of information for anyone interested. Well worth the $9.95 price tag. Yes, with loads of photos from the camera of Matt Deller it is VERY similar to Ned: The Exhibition, which by the way, is available to buy here for only $14.95 including Australia wide delivery...

Excellent website
From: Shaun McCarthy [kierbo@optushome.com.au] 04 Apr 03
I just wanted to congratulate you on your excellent website which I discovered tonight whilst browsing on the Village Cinemas website. I was particularly impressed by the scans of the original press from 1980 when "The Last Outlaw" was released.  I watched this mini-series last week on Channel 7 and was very impressed.  It was great to be able to read the press from the time! I have now seen the 1970 movie (which was last shown on Channel 7 a few years ago), the new movie, and 'The Last Outlaw'.  With a bit of luck, Channel 7 might show the 1970 film again. Keep up the great work.  The website is a credit to you :-) I should get you to put in a good word to my ex—boss

Facts not Fiction
From: Lisa [lisaannon@bigpond.com.au] 04 Apr 03
Just wondered if I could please comment about the new Ned Kelly film. When I first read about a new film being made, like everyone I was excited about it. I thought in this day and age they would make a brilliant film about the boys. But no, as soon as I saw the word 'fiction' I knew I wouldn't bother with it. And after reading the reviews here on Ironoutlaw,and after seeing the previews, I know I have made the best decision. I have just always hated fiction about Ned, Joe, Dan and Steve, I just think it is disrespectful to them. I have never read Our Sunshine and I wouldn't spit on Peter Carey's book. I can't believe they based the film on a fictional book. The Kelly Gang story