Kangaroo (1952 movie) facts for kids
Kangaroo is a 1952 American-Australian western movie. It tells an exciting story set in the Australian Outback. The film was directed by Lewis Milestone. It stars famous actors like Maureen O'Hara, Peter Lawford, Finlay Currie, and Richard Boone. 20th Century Fox distributed the movie. Later, it was remade in 1967 as The Jackals.
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About the Movie 'Kangaroo'
Kangaroo is a unique film because it mixes a western style with the Australian landscape. Most westerns are set in America. This movie brings the adventure to a different part of the world. It was released in 1952, bringing a fresh setting to moviegoers.
The Story of 'Kangaroo'
The movie follows a young American named Richard Connor. He is a drifter looking for a way to make money. Richard meets a man named Dell. Together, they plan to trick a rich Australian rancher, Michael McGuire. They want McGuire to believe Richard is his long-lost son.
Richard and Dell travel to McGuire's ranch. There, Richard meets McGuire's daughter, Sheila. She is played by Maureen O'Hara. As Richard spends more time with the family, he starts to feel guilty. He begins to care for them. The story explores themes of honesty and family. It shows how choices can change a person.
Meet the Stars
The film features a talented cast.
- Maureen O'Hara was a well-known actress. She was famous for her fiery red hair and strong roles. She often starred in adventure films.
- Peter Lawford played the main character, Richard Connor. He was a British actor who became popular in Hollywood.
- Finlay Currie played the rancher, Michael McGuire. He was a respected Scottish actor.
- Richard Boone played Dell. He was known for his roles as villains or tough characters.
Behind the Scenes
The director, Lewis Milestone, was a very experienced filmmaker. He directed many successful movies before Kangaroo. His skill helped bring the Australian story to life. The movie was filmed on location in Australia. This helped make the scenery look very real.
Filming in Australia
Filming Kangaroo in Australia was a big deal for its time. It was one of the first major Hollywood movies to be shot there. The film shows off the vast and beautiful Australian Outback. Viewers get to see kangaroos and other unique wildlife. This setting adds a lot to the movie's adventure feel. It also made the film stand out from other westerns.
Legacy of the Film
Kangaroo is remembered for its unusual setting and strong cast. It showed that western-style stories could work in different parts of the world. The movie was later remade as The Jackals in 1967. This shows that the story had lasting appeal. It remains an interesting example of early international film production.
