Sir Zelman Cowen has made significant contributions to the academic world and civic life. An outstanding Rhodes Scholar and public speaker, he was professor and dean of the Law Faculty at Melbourne University, vice-chancellor of the University of New England and the University of Queensland and provost of Oriel College, Oxford. From 1977 to 1982, he succeeded Sir John Kerr as Governor-General of Australia. In this interview, Sir Zelman reflects on his many achievements and some of the reasons behind them - his mother’s ambition, his wife’s support and 'incredible luck' and 'good fortune'.

(2006, 26 mins) A Film Australia National Interest Program.

© National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.