Lottie Lyell

Lottie Lyell has been called Australia's first movie star - which makes it all the more tragic that little of her work survives. That which does provides ample proof of her prodigious and versatile talent. The actress called the `gladsome centaur' by one critic (for her formidable talent as a horsewoman) acted, directed, scripted, and edited numerous films, with her partner, eminent film director and producer, Raymond Longford. Her best known role is undoubtedly that of Doreen in `The Sentimental Bloke' (1919), an adaptation of the popular poem by Australian poet C.J. Dennis. Its wide appeal, gentle humour and clever use of Australian slang made it one of the best loved films of early Australian cinema, as well as a commendable success in overseas markets such as England and America. Some critics commented that: `Doreen in the book charms us so little that we often feel like throwing things at her; but the little Australian girl who plays Doreen on the film is so sprightly and honest, so womanly and sweet, so un affectedly Australian and human, that we find ourselves really believing in Doreen' (`The Triad', 10th November 1919) Together, Lyell and Longford formed their own production company which, though successful, was liquidated in 1924 for reasons still unclear. Sadly, Lottie Lyell passed away at the age of 34 of tuberculosis, depriving the Australian film industry of one of its most influential early figures. `Everyones' Magazine called her `One who has left the mark of her genius on Australian screen progress'.