The Pioneers (1916 film)

[3] The film was inspired by The Pioneer, a 1904 painting by Frederick McCubbin of the Heidelberg School movement, also known as Australian impressionism.

A convict, Dan Farrel, escapes from Van Diemen's Land and throws himself on the mercy of a farming couple, Mary and Donald Cameron.

Dierdre grows up and agrees to marry a local pub keeper, McNab, to stop him from revealing that Dan is a convict.

[7] Rock Phillips of J. C. Williamson Ltd wrote that the film ushered a new level of professionalism in Australian filmmaking: The local productions, to date, with the exceptions of, say, half a dozen, have been absolutely ruined by - inferior acting, being badly cast and carelessly dressed.

When they offer the capable artist a fair salary commensurate with his or her ability, then, and not till then, will Australian-made pictures hold their own with the best on the other side...