It’s incredible to think the Australian motion film (and smash hit) Crocodile Dundee was initially released in 1986. Two follow-up instalments would also follow, starting in 1988 with Crocodile Dundee II and later in 2001 with Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles. But how much do you know about the legend of Crocodile Dundee and its origins? Have you ever wondered what made the character such a cultural phenomenon? This documentary delves into the original movie and explores why the character remains beloved and widely discussed today.

Love of an Icon: The Legend of Crocodile Dundee introduces actor Paul Hogan and his best friend, John Cornell. We learn about Paul’s early life, including his work on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where he eventually met John, who was then working with A Current Affairs. Their strong friendship and immediate bond led to a successful partnership. Together, they significantly impacted Australia with the launch of The Paul Hogan Show in 1974. The documentary features some fantastic clips from the show, showcasing Paul as the quintessential Aussie—the person everyone aspires to be.

Although the show succeeded, Hogan and Cornell had one primary concern: the world knew little about Australia. Hogan was particularly frustrated that Australia remained a mystery to many. In response, they launched a variety of highly creative commercials and campaigns featuring memorable catchphrases. The impact was impressive, as Australia climbed from a low 57th preference to the 5th choice for vacation destinations among Americans. Hogan dedicated his efforts to this cause without compensation, driven by his passion for Australia. However, Cornell had always dreamed of making a film, and they wondered why they should stop there.

This brings us to the documentary’s focus: the creation and making of Crocodile Dundee. The idea originated with Hogan while walking down a busy street in New York. He then quickly jotted down notes and developed a complete story in his hotel room. Cornell joined as the producer, and together with Ken Shadie, the three transformed Hogan’s story into a screenplay, aiming to create a film that would appeal to audiences aged seven to seventy.

While the film had many strengths, it also faced significant challenges. These included finding a director and crew to work on the project, securing funding from sceptical investors, and ultimately, the difficulty of casting an actress from America. Additionally, there were filming challenges due to the contrast between Australia and New York, as well as the task of finding the right sound and music with composer Peter Best.

Love of an Icon: The Legend of Crocodile Dundee (2025) marks the directorial debut of Delvene Delaney and Victoria Baldock, who also penned this documentary. Delvene Delaney, the wife of Cornell, unearthed old footage and camera negatives that bring this heartfelt story to life. Focusing on love and cherished memories, this documentary highlights the deep bond between Hogan and Cornell, showcasing their wonderful experiences while filming Crocodile Dundee. For fans of physical media, the movie also explores the discovery of all the negatives and film reels from the original production, along with the extensive restoration work needed to address dirt, mould, and significant damage to the original materials.

Overall, fans of Australian comedy, filmmaking, and the iconic Crocodile Dundee will leave this documentary with a smile and a renewed appreciation for one of Australia’s greatest cinematic icons. Beyond discussing the details of the legendary film, the documentary features many touching moments that honour John Cornell and Paul Hogan, along with a wealth of insightful interviews and behind-the-scenes clips that have never been shown before.  This documentary covers all aspects of the phenomenon, including The Paul Hogan Show, famous Australian commercials, and the creation of Crocodile Dundee, capturing both the highs and lows of its production (mostly highs!). As someone who grew up watching Crocodile Dundee on Beta as a child, I find it fantastic to see such iconic figures still being celebrated today.

Love of an Icon: The Legend of Crocodile Dundee (2025) is now available in Australian Cinemas, thanks to Kismet Films!

FINESSE!

Published: 27th March 2025

Written by: Peter Walkden

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