Unfolding Florence: The Many Lives of Florence Broadhurst

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Unfolding Florence: The Many Lives of Florence Broadhurst

2006

1h 22m

Documentary

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4 Reviews

71%

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500+ Ratings

In this documentary, reenactments, stock footage and animation are used to examine the life and murder of Australian socialite Florence Broadhurst, who became a successful wallpaper designer late in life. Born in 1899 in rural Queensland, Florence joined a singing group and toured Asia in the 1920s. Afterward, she moved to England, married and dabbled in painting before returning to Australia, achieving her greatest success with wallpaper before her unsolved murder in 1977.

Sura Wood

Hollywood Reporter

[A] thoroughly original, whimsical documentary bio with dramatic recreations, sly wit and animation by SV2, who created collage-like imagery.

Jan 26, 2006

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Russell Edwards

Variety

A feisty faker is held up as a feminist idol, but her bloody death and exact source of her appeal remain a mystery.

Jan 25, 2006

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Urban Cinefile Critics

Urban Cinefile

Gillian Armstrong's documentary is more than a tribute to a unique woman whose artistic impact is still felt today. With its tone echoing the essence of its central character and leading lady, the film is cheeky and irreverent, while remaining respectful

Aug 16, 2006

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Film Threat

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 7, 2006

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Audience Member

An interesting Australian documentary about a little known female designer. Everything you ever wanted to know about wallpaper, with some murder and mystery along the way. S

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

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Audience Member

All to often the problem...Interesting subject matter, poorly executed

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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Audience Member

Awesome doc about the life and work of the wall paper designer and maker.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Audience Member

i hated the first part of this film - the angela anaconda-esque stuff was a really poor way to go through FB's really fascinating early life. the second part about her print factory in sydney was interesting but only by virtue of the subject matter. All in all, a pretty poor documentary of an incredible woman.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

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Audience Member

This was an excellent documentry on the life of Florence Broadhurst.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

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Audience Member

clever way to bring the famed designer back to life. Less interesting if you have already read the two bios on her though.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Gillian Armstrong

Director

Katherine Thomson

Writer

Sue Clothier

Producer

Charles Hannah

Producer

Mark Hamlyn

Executive Producer

Nicholas Beauman

Film Editing

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Synopsis

In this documentary, reenactments, stock footage and animation are used to examine the life and murder of Australian socialite Florence Broadhurst, who became a successful wallpaper designer late in life. Born in 1899 in rural Queensland, Florence joined a singing group and toured Asia in the 1920s. Afterward, she moved to England, married and dabbled in painting before returning to Australia, achieving her greatest success with wallpaper before her unsolved murder in 1977.

Director: Gillian Armstrong
Producer: Sue Clothier, Charles Hannah
Screenwriter: Katherine Thomson
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 22m