[George Malins Home Movies: Reel 26]

George William Malins (1910–2007) was an amateur filmmaker who made home movies in Australia and overseas from the 1940s to 1970s. According to his daughter, George was ‘optimistic, happy and enthusiastic’, an outlook reflected in his films which are a history of home life and a love of travel.

George came to Australia from England as a young man by way of the merchant navy, after having seen South America and some of Asia. He met his future wife Sybil, who was impressed by George’s world travels and his dreams for the future.

The family lived in the Melbourne suburb of North Balwyn, spending their summers camping at Wye River on the Victorian coast often with extended family and friends.

George and Sybil must have shared a sense of adventure as they eventually sold the family home and sailed on the ‘SS Orontes’ to England, travelling around Britain for two years.

The George Malins Home Movie Collection was donated to ACMI by the creator’s daughter, Ruth Hargrave. The films were made on 16mm film.

This film captures two cake cuttings at two occasions. One is the 21st birthday party for a young woman in the family and the other her engagement celebration.

Selected highlights list:
00:00:02:00 happy guests surround a very happy and smiling young woman ass cuts a decorated party cake
00:00:49:00 the young woman and her young man kiss, hug and smile in among the guests and then turn to the camera to show off her engagement ring
00:01:13:00 another cake cutting at another occasion with the same couple
00:01:49:00 couples dancing