Community Notices
NFSA screening "They're a Weird Mob" (22 Nov)

14 November 2026

See the 60th anniversary restored version of this Australian comedy classic

THEY'RE A WEIRD MOB (1966)

Directed by Michael Powell.
Adapted from the novel by John O'Grady

The beloved comedy about migration, mateship and learning the language of a new country, it offers a revealing portrait of Sydney and suburban Australia in the 1960s.

The film captures a pivotal period in Australian history, reflecting post-war migration and changing ideas about national identity through humour and cultural misunderstandings.

About the film

Directed by Michael Powell and adapted from John O'Grady's best-selling 1957 novel (written under the pseudonym Nino Culotta), the movie follows an Italian sports journalist who moves to Sydney, expects a magazine job, and instead works as a builder's labourer while adapting to Australian slang and culture.

The cast stars Walter Chiari as Nino Culotta alongside Alida Chelli, Chips Rafferty, and John Meillon, plus a memorable feature film cameo by Graham Kennedy.

NFSA archival holdings

The NFSA houses original collection items, clips, and historical documentation related to the film, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a restored 4K version by Umbrella Entertainment.

View the restored promo clip

(Click on image below)

When: Sunday 22 November at 2 pm

Where: Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive
McCoy Circuit, Acton

Bookings required (see below)

Related link

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