The Lighthouse Keeper

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Published 2021-07-08

From the Film Australia Collection. Made by the National Film Board 1949. Directed by Lionel Trainor. The life of the lighthouse keeper is a lonely one, but his work is vital to the safeguard of shipping. His first duty is to care for the light which must be kept working accurately at all times. A six months supply of food must be kept in store. His children are taught by correspondence. The transmission of messages and warnings to ships in storms and back to the authorities on the mainland is a vital part of his work. The arrival of the supply ship brings a welcome break to the loneliness and monotony of his life. This film illustrates the life of the keeper on remote and barren Maatsuyker Island off the coast of Tasmania.

All Comments (21)

@janinecawthray9398 2 years ago

Lovely to see my mum (Colleen Seymour) as a young child, my grandfather and my grandmother. My mum remembers her time on the Island with great memories.
@PeterHalil 3 years ago

As an ex British Lighthouse Keeper, I really enjoyed this movie. It is nice to see the Keepers at work mixed in with their Family life as well. I just missed out on the weight driven lenses and oil lights, so it was great to see this recorded here for posterity, thanks and stay safe.
@bigears4426 3 years ago

A tough life but probably enjoyed , memories for a life
@danielryan4050 3 years ago

It's a shame to see that the lighthouses these days are now, in the majority, automatic and unmanned. The grit and determination shown by both the keepers and their families is something that people these days can scarcely comprehend, but that I suppose is the price of progress. Thankyou for continuing to bring to light our small history in these archived films. It really helps people today witness to a small extent how their parents, grandparents and great grandparents lived.
@andrewhill8289 2 years ago

Thanks for posting this, Colleen the little girl is my mother
@Dreamtime-Walker 1 year ago

I Thoroughly Enjoyed This! Thanks 😊
@drunkdunc8738 3 years ago

For Glen Seymour his work was the highlight so understandably his family life was constantly on the rocks🤔🍻
@shannongreene1623 2 months ago

What an amazing little film. Really enjoyed watching this
@kevdimo6459 3 years ago

A time so long ago, but never forgotten i hope. Thank you for that.
@tanyapetersen8354 1 year ago

Good to know that that some of the footage was on other islands and I could have sworn I recognised some of Tasman Island itself. Grew up on Tasman island. Terry Petersen, Dad was keeper and mum, June, raised 6 little kids there including 2 baby boy twins.
@danrobinson572 3 years ago

Very interesting video and boy it would get lonely on that island.
@officialWWM 3 years ago

I’ve been there!
@alexajnas 3 years ago

Thank YOU!! That was great to watch!!
@mickgatz214 3 years ago

Now that would be a great job! (I know, they all automated by now) :(
@thelighthousekeepers8177 3 years ago

Nice to know I can upload it now, I've had a copy of this for 5 years.
@gaiuspliniussecundus1455 1 year ago

Doing crochet. It all seems very relaxing.
@olivei2484 3 years ago

Wonderful film.
@abundantYOUniverse 3 years ago

Incredible thanks!
@mrcats1249 3 years ago

Reminds of ‘The day of the Triffids”
@mozzie888 3 years ago

Music score has horror film vibes lol