Nola - Our Own New Zealand Girl

Nola Luxford was one of the first Kiwi actors in Hollywood and a fondly remembered wartime club hostess. This documentary — made before renewed attention thanks to Carole Van Grondelle's definitive bio Angel of the Anzacs — sees Luxford bypass troubled times and adoration from author Zane Grey to recall decades in America. These encompassed pioneering radio work in the 30s and 40s, a film career, and most poignantly, her legendary World War II Anzac club that welcomed 35,000 soldiers to New York. There are also clips from her 1925 silent film The Prince of Pep.

To be a star was the dream of many a young girl in the 1920s. The movie industry had taken off. Thousands of young hopefuls poured into Hollywood.

– Voiceover

Key Cast & Crew

Julienne Stretton

Producer, Writer, Director

Nola Luxford

Subject

Frances Knott

Sound

Steve Marlow

Sound

Ray Ambraziunas

Camera

Simon Sedgley

Editor