The Guns of Muschu - Feature Film

Writers: Tom Broadhurst, Jack Brislee

Director: Matthew Holmes

Executive Producers: Russell Cunningham, Tom Broadhurst, Jack Brislee

Synopsis:

This is a true story.

April 1945.

When two 140mm Japanese naval guns are discovered on Muschu Island, eight Z Special soldiers are ordered to pinpoint their location for RAAF bombers. If the guns are left intact, they could destroy the planned amphibious attack on the Japanese position at Wewak.

But there are problems. Only one of the soldiers, Sapper Mick Dennis, has experience fighting the Japanese, the equipment they are given is inadequate and, at the last minute, they are ordered to capture a Japanese prisoner.

In the dead of night, the Z Specials paddle towards the Island of Muschu. Currents sweep them south of their intended landing place, and the heavy surf swallows some of their weapons and equipment. Nevertheless, they determine to continue with their mission.

They find the naval guns fairly easily, but the second part of their mission presents problems. They capture a Japanese soldier, but he refuses to go with them, and the patrol Commander, Lieutenant Barnes, orders Mick to shoot him. Mick obeys, but the act of shooting an unarmed man whose hands are bound weighs heavily on his conscience. 

In the meantime, a Japanese soldier spots a paddle stuck on a reef. There is only one explanation – Australian Commandos! This sends the Japanese headquarters into a frenzy, with alarm bells ringing and air raid sirens wailing.

The Japanese find the Z Specials’ kayaks, discover the body of their dead comrade and search for the Australians.

The Z Specials build a raft and attempt to leave the island at nightfall. Unfortunately, the raft breaks up in the surf, forcing them back to the beach. In the process, they lose just about all their equipment, and Mick is the only one left armed with a Sten Gun.

Half the team try to escape the island on logs, while Mick and three companions opt to try to get the radio working to arrange an evacuation by patrol boat.

All hell breaks loose, when the Japanese ambush the Australians. Mick tries to hold them off, blasting the Japanese with his Sten Gun. But his three companions are captured and Mick witnesses their executions. 

Of the four Australians who tried to escape the island on logs, two drown and two are captured and executed by the Japanese.

Mick has pretty well resigned himself to dying on Muschu, but when he stumbles across four shot-up Japanese landing craft, he finds a wooden plank that might just work as a surfboard. Although it is water-logged and lies low in the ocean, it floats, and Mick paddles away from the island at night.

Mick crosses the five-mile strait in a drenching thunderstorm, fights off a shark and eventually hits the mainland. But his ordeal is not over. He has landed twenty-three miles behind Japanese lines.

The next couple of days are spent running from, hiding from, and occasionally ambushing the enemy. He also narrowly escapes an encounter with a crocodile when he crosses a swollen river. His pursuers are not so lucky.

Mick finally makes it back to the Australian lines. During his debriefing, when he points out the deficiencies of the equipment the Z Specials were given, his superior officer, Major Cardew, accuses him of impertinence and insubordination. 

Cardew wants Mick off the base immediately, but his intelligence offer recommends Mick for a medal. General Stevens, commander of the 6th Division agrees, and Mick receives the Military Medal. He then flies back to Australia and is reunited with his mother and his sister.

The RAAF bombs the guns at Muschu and, during the Wewak invasion, the guns are silent.

By a series of title cards, we learn that the bodies of Mick’s companions were recovered after the war, and Mick lived to the ripe old age of 96.

The mission to Muschu, Operation Copper, remained top secret until 1985.

OPERATION COPPER - DOCUMENTARY

Writers: Tom Broadhurst, Jack Brislee

Director: Tom Broadhurst

Producers

Lionel Aitken

Tom Broadhurst

Genre: Documentary

Synopsis:

"Operation Copper: The Untold Story of Z Special Unit" is a gripping and emotionally charged documentary that delves into the remarkable true story of the covert mission undertaken by the legendary Australian commando unit during World War II. This groundbreaking film presents never-before-seen footage and reveals the astonishing experiences of Mick Dennis, the lone survivor of Operation Copper, who risked everything to land on Muschu Island in April 1945.

"Operation Copper" sheds light on a chapter of history that has been largely forgotten, focusing on the brave men of Z Special Unit, a group of highly skilled Australian commandos who were known for their audacious and daring operations behind enemy lines. Their objective: to infiltrate Japanese-occupied Muschu Island, located in the Pacific, and gather crucial intelligence for the Allied forces. The mission was considered one of the most perilous of the war, and its true extent has remained shrouded in secrecy, until now.

Key Elements:

1. Unseen Footage: The documentary showcases an extraordinary collection of previously unseen footage of interviews with Mick Dennis, the sole survivor of Operation Copper.

2. Personal Testimonies: Through in-depth interviews with Mick Dennis, as well as other veterans, the documentary captures the personal stories, emotions, and memories of the courageous men who participated in Operation Copper. Their accounts provide a visceral and human perspective, revealing the sacrifices, camaraderie, and resilience of these unsung heroes.

3. Historical Context: The documentary places Operation Copper within its historical context, providing a comprehensive understanding of the war in the Pacific and the strategic importance of Muschu Island. Archival material, expert analysis, and interviews with historians help viewers comprehend the broader significance of this audacious mission in the final stages of World War II.

4. Reconstruction and Animation: To further enhance the narrative, the documentary utilizes cutting-edge techniques such as detailed reconstructions and powerful animations. These visual elements bring to life the events, locations, and challenges faced by Z Special Unit, transporting viewers back in time and immersing them in the high-stakes world of covert warfare.

5. Legacy and Reflection: "Operation Copper" goes beyond the events of 1945 to explore the long-lasting impact of Z Special Unit's mission. The documentary examines how the experiences of these commandos shaped their lives, influenced subsequent military operations, and fostered a lasting legacy of courage, dedication, and resilience. It also reflects on the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by these extraordinary individuals.

   
   

"Operation Copper: The Untold Story of Z Special Unit" aims to shed light on the remarkable achievements and sacrifices of the courageous Australian commandos who risked their lives for their country. Through unprecedented access to Mick Dennis' unseen footage and compelling interviews, the documentary will provide a riveting, emotional, and informative account of Operation Copper, highlighting the importance of honoring the forgotten heroes of history.

JACKA - FEATURE FILM / documentary

Writers: Tom Broadhurst, Michael Lawrinsky, Jack Brislee

Producers: Tom Broadhurst, Michael Lawrinsky

"Jacka " is a compelling biographical drama that brings to life the remarkable story of Albert Jacka, an Australian war hero and recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC). Based on the book by author Michael Lawriwsky, this film adaptation chronicles Jacka's extraordinary journey from his humble beginnings to his courageous acts of valor on the battlefields of World War One.

Set against the backdrop of the brutal Gallipoli Campaign and the Western Front, the film delves into the heart and soul of Albert Jacka, a young Australian soldier who enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in 1914. Jacka's character is shaped by his working-class background and a strong sense of justice, which becomes his guiding force as he navigates the horrors of war.

The story follows Jacka's experiences as he forms strong bonds with his fellow soldiers, endures the devastating realities of trench warfare, and displays exceptional bravery in the face of enemy fire. The film highlights key moments of his military career, including his heroic actions at Gallipoli, where he single-handedly defended his trench against a Turkish assault, earning him the Victoria Cross for his exceptional courage.

As the narrative unfolds, "Hard Jacka" explores the personal toll of war on Jacka, his comrades, and the loved ones left behind. It delves into the psychological and emotional struggles he faces, the bonds of brotherhood that sustain him, and the sacrifices he makes for his fellow soldiers and his country.

The film not only showcases the harrowing realities of war but also delves into Jacka's complex character, delving into his motivations, doubts, and internal conflicts. It paints a nuanced portrait of a man driven by his principles, haunted by the horrors of battle, and torn between the desire for peace and the call to duty.

"Jacka" is a deeply human story that pays homage to the resilience, bravery, and sacrifice of the men and women who served during World War I. It explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the enduring spirit of the Australian ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps).

With its compelling narrative, rich historical context, and poignant character exploration, "Jacka" aims to captivate audiences and honor the legacy of Albert Jacka, a true hero of the AIF during World War One.