Featurette on Charles Chauvel, his wife Elsa, the films and their importance in Australian film history.

Based on the book 'The Life and Cinema of Charles Chauvel' by Susanne Chauvel Carlsson, this feature documentary explores one of Australia's great filmmakers, considered a master of action. Detailing his upbringing, early experiences and his formidable partnership with wife Elsa, The Big Picture incorporates archival material, rarely seen family footage and in-depth interviews to reveal the many remarkable achievements of his life in film. Covering early works such as Greenhide in 1926, through the monumental war films Forty Thousand Horsemen and Rats of Tobruk, to the boldly realized Jedda in 1955, The Big Picture celebrates Chauvel's considerable contribution to cinema culture.

Produced by Umbrella Entertainment, directed by John Doggett-WIlliams, and based on the biography/ memoir 'The Life and Cinema of Charles Chauvel' by Susanne Chauvel Carlsson, this feature documentary shines the spotlight on formative master film maker Charles Chauvel and his impact upon the Australian cinema landscape. Featuring in depth interviews with Susanne Chauvel Carlsson, Ric Carlsson as well as fascinating archival material, including rare footage of Charles and Elsa Chauvel, Chips Rafferty and Michael Pate, 'The Big Picture: the films of Charles Chauvel' is an important documentary depicting a vital piece of Australian film making history.—Official Synopsis