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The Story

The Moth of Moonbi tells the story of Dell Ferris, a country girl who – according to her intertitle introduction – lives “a life of blows and rough words” with her abusive father on Moonbi Station, a cattle property. 

When Dell’s father suddenly dies, she receives a £500 inheritance and is drawn – like a moth to flame – to the bright lights of Brisbane in search of “life, liberty and happiness”. In the company of high-living flappers and well-to-do dandies, Dell’s money soon runs out. 

A “moth with singed wings”, she returns to the bush and finds love with local jackeroo, Tom Resoult. However, the young couple’s happiness is threatened by villainous cattle duffer, Black Bronson, who is determined to have Dell for himself.

Characters

Black and white photograph of a young woman with curly hair, looking slightly upward with her mouth slightly open, against a dark wooden wall background.
Black and white photograph of a man with short, neatly combed hair, wearing a collared button-up shirt, standing in front of a textured wall with some objects in the background.

Dell Ferris (played by Doris Ashwin)

Dell Ferris is a resilient country girl shaped by hardship. Her search for freedom and belonging leads Dell from Moonbi Station to the bright lights of the city.

Tom Resoult (played by Marsden Hassall)

Tom Resoult is a jackeroo on Moonbi Station. He loves Dell but his involvement in the death of her father, Ferris, complicates their relationship.

A man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and dark clothing with crossed arms, smiling outdoors in a rural setting with mountains in the background.

Black Bronson (played by Arthur Tauchert)

Black Bronson is a cunning cattle thief who roams the Moonbi Ranges. Bronson hatches a plot to steal cattle from Moonbi Station and take possession of Dell.

A black and white photo of a man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a button-up shirt, standing in front of a wooden house with a window.

James Ferris (played by Charles O’Mara)

James Ferris is Dell’s father and overseer on Moonbi Station. His death presents a major obstacle to Dell and Tom’s relationship.

Black and white photo of a man wearing a wide-brim hat, suit jacket, and tie, holding papers, standing outdoors in front of a house with a porch.

Rodger Down (played by Michael Dwyer)

Rodger Down is owner of Moonbi Station. 

A woman with curly hair wearing a hat and a patterned coat, smiling and looking out of a car window.

Margery Daw (played by Colleen Richards)

Margery Daw is a city socialite. She lives with Dell in the city and introduces Dell to members of her fast-living social set.

Black and white photo of a man in vintage attire looking out the car window, smiling, holding a cane, wearing a suit and a hat.

Martin Brooks (played by Edward Lyon)

Martin Brooks is a well-to-do man-about-town who is a member of Margery’s social set in the city. He is attracted to Dell and attempts to woo her.

A young girl with curly hair wearing a dress, sitting outdoors against a wooden fence.

Little Dell (played by Darla Townend)

Little Dell Ferris is a motherless and uncared for country urchin. She spends her time amongst the cattle yards of Moonbi Station but yearns to explore the world beyond the Moonbi Ranges.