Aussie New Wave: Stone
Article by Bindi Lavelle

The 1974 film Stone, altered the perception of bikies and independent film. Stone broke the mould in its subject matter and development.
Stone was made a shoe string budget, with members of the cast doubling up as crew, to asist in the work load; as well as Writer/Director Sandy Harbutt playing the role of gang leader Undertaker.

The film follows Sydney Dective Stone (Ken Shorter) as he is sent undercover to investigate the murders of memebers of the Grave Diggers motorcycle gang. As gets to know the members of the gang and forms friendships Stone's loyalty becomes blured between his role as a police officer and bond he shares with the Grave Diggers.
The film was well received amongst the bikkie community due to their contribution to the film itself; the extras as well as smaller roles of the film were played by actual bikkies invited to be a part of the film.

Stone eptomises the contrast between the 2 schools of Aussie film at the time. Stone was the exact opposite of the high art films gaining critical acclaim, it did however attract its own cult status for its gritty story and raw asthetic.
Stone is a stand out film because it explores the post Vietnam war enviroment in a manner that was very Australian and yet not looked at by anyother films of the time.
Sandy Harbutt's couter culture film remainds a classic to fans of alternative film because it takes Aussie film in a new direction, broadening the spectrum of Aussie new wave and yet still remaining true stylistically to the conventions of Australian new wave.