In the Last Stride is a 1916 Australian silent film directed by Martyn Keith based on the 1914 popular action novel by Arthur Wright.
[5][6][7] Wright later described it as "a film of action, depicting the racecourse, opium-running on the Harbor, a football match, and a glove fight in which Dave Smith and Les O'Donnell participated.
Dave Smith, retired heavyweight boxing champion travels around Australia having various adventures, including working as a swagman, fighting Les O'Donnell, a speedboat chase across Sydney harbour, a football game involving rugby league stars, and a climax in which Dave's horse Sunlocks wins the Sydney Cup.
[8][9] Alick Wallace, a champion rugby player and boxer, is loved by Enid King, who is desired by a football umpire, Norton, who also dabbles in opium smuggling.
You might doubt it in finding a professional pugilist play football in the afternoon with a big fight booked for the evening; but the author admits that 'it looked an act of pure madness,' and it was necessary for the story.
One scene was shot on Mosman Oval featuring rugby league stars Dan Frawley, Bob Tidyman and Harold Horder.
[15]The movie was previewed at the Globe Theatre in Sydney in November 1915 where, according to one account, "all present were fully convinced that the production was quite equal to any of the Imported films.