Voyage of the Courtesans [videorecording] / a Film Australia/Essential Viewing Production for Thirteen/WNET, New York in association with The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the BBC ; written and directed by Mark Lewis ; produced by Sonja Armstrong.



Video Recording

  • Share

Loading Player .......

Information About

Based on the book, The floating brothel by Siân Rees. Special features include: interactive menus; scene selection; website information. An episode of the television program "Secrets of the dead". Not rated (US). Executive producer, Film Australia: Mark Hamlyn; Executive producer, Essential Viewing: Chris Hilton; Karin Steininger, editor; Jaems Grant, camera; Brett Aplin, original music. Liev Schreiber, narrator; Michael Flynn, Marilyn Lake, historical consultants. Closed-captioned.

Title
Voyage of the Courtesans [videorecording] / a Film Australia/Essential Viewing Production for Thirteen/WNET, New York in association with The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the BBC ; written and directed by Mark Lewis ; produced by Sonja Armstrong.
Artist
Lewis, Mark.
Subjects
Language
English
Type
Video Recording
Abstract
"In the spring of 1789, a ship left port in London bound for the Botany Bay penal colony in Australia. The ship carried precious cargo - women, sent to keep the desperate male colonists from engaging in what their governor called 'gross irregularities.' But these women were hardly quiet homemakers - they were a hardy raucous lot rounded up from London's notorious Newgate prison and other jails around the country, and they did not submit quietly to their forced voyage and the rough life they knew was ahead. Once aboard the Lady Juliana, these destitute convicts -- thieves, prostitutes and con artists -- turned their banishment into opportunity, setting up a business before they arrived in Botany Bay. As they traveled from port to port en route to Australia, many offered themselves to sailors from other ships. With liquor flowing and bodices bursting, they took control of their destinies, and eventually arrived in Australia, healthy and ready to take on the new world. Voyage of the Courtesans brings to light the true story of the voyage of Lady Juliana. The film will delve into the history with the help of these ladies modern-day descendents. The audience will follow as these women uncover their pasts, unearthing the truth about their spirited ancestors, and comparing themselves to the women of the Lady Juliana, who managed to play the tough cards they were dealt into an unexpected winning hand"--Container.
Year
2005
Original Publisher(s)
Digital Publisher(s)
Rights Statement
For private home use only.