Direct third film in Tassie river (8)

I believe the answer is:

franklin

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'tassie river' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'direct third film in' is the wordplay.
'direct' becomes 'frank' (similar in meaning).
'third film' becomes 'l' (3rd letter of 'film').
'frank'+'l'+'in'='FRANKLIN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for franklin that I've seen before include "[PILGRIM in the CANTERBURY TALES]" , "Tale-bearer" , "One with a tale to tell" , "Statesman" , "old landowner" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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