The Bank Manager

Inspired by one of Australia’s most cheeky bank robberies, The Bank Manager is now available to watch on YouTube. 

There’s been a story doing the rounds in outback Queensland since 1932, that a group of local larrikins managed to rob two Cloncurry banks and get away with £14,000 – a small fortune at the time. 

For more than 90 years the robbery has lived on as a part of outback folklore. Not just because the money was never recovered and no one was ever caught, but because of the clever, cheeky, distinctly-Australian way it was said to have unfolded. The legend goes that a few local farmers invited the bank manager down to the Cloncurry River, got him drunk, and got him to go swimming – all while his keys were quietly borrowed so impressions could be taken. 

The Bank Manager short film takes this quirky slice of Australian history and reimagines it with humour and a contemporary twist. For the filmmakers, the story was never just local folklore – it was personal. Written and directed by Madeleine Chaplain, and produced by her brother Luke Chaplain. The sibling duo were raised on a cattle station outside Cloncurry, and grew up hearing different versions of the story around the dinner table – including family whispers that their own great-grandfather may have been one of the naughty robbers. 

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Director Madeleine Chaplain said being a couple of generations removed made the family connection feel less scandalous, and more like irresistible filmmaking material. 

“It’s just such a delicious story,” said Chaplain. 

“As filmmakers, we couldn’t not tell it. And as alleged kin, we’re a bit proud of how they went about it. They didn’t use guns or violence. The plan was bold, smart and creative.” 

The film stars Gyton Grantley (Underbelly, The Dressmaker) as the Bank Manager, alongside Jason Wilder (Irreverent, Neighbours), Jordan Abbey-Young (Boy Swallows Universe, Deadloch) and Paula Nazarski (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), as well as the filmmakers themselves, Madeleine and Luke stepping in front of the camera.

Shot on location in Cloncurry, where the original events took place, The Bank Manager was proudly supported by Cloncurry Shire Council and the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone (MITEZ), reflecting the strong regional backing behind the project. 

Following a strong domestic and international festival run, The Bank Manager screened at festivals including Flickerfest and St Kilda, winning People’s Choice and Best Queensland Short at the Australian Independent Film Festival, and receiving nominations for a Screen Producers Australia Award and a Hollywood Music in Media Award. 

After a great festival run, we’re really excited to finally share The Bank Manager publicly for the first time,” producer Luke Chaplain said. 

“We’re incredibly proud of the film, and hope audiences have as much fun watching it as we had making it.” 

The Bank Manager is now available to stream below. 

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