Maori War Film

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 189, 12 August 1939, Page 7 (Supplement)

Maori War Film

THE final stages have now been reached' in connection with the production of the New Zealand film, "Rewi's Last Stand," by Mr. Rudall C. Hayward for Frontier Films, Limited, of Te Awamutu and Auckland. Mr. Hayward has many successes to his credit as a film producer, but in his latest picture he eclipses all previous efforts. "Rewi's Last Stand"' centres roiuid Rewi Maniapoto, that colourful Maori warrior in the turbulent tinier of the sixties. A delightful human story is unfolded against a historical background. Governor Grey. Bishop -Selwyn, Wireruu Tamihana and General Cameron, people well-known for the part they played in the early history of New Zealand, appear in tile storv. With its scenes of the. Maori rising in the Viaikato and its culmination in the battle of Orakau. it should be of great educational value. It comes at a

time when, on account of the Centennial, the minds of New Zealanders are turning with added interest to the stirring story of the pioneers of their country, the men who established the colony on a firm foundation. In "Rewi's Last Stand," the producer has tried to present a reliable impression of the anxieties, of those eaTly days, that through it New Zealanders might learn to appreciate more the rich heritage that is theirs because of the steadfastness of purpose of their forefathers. Not the least important feature of the film is that its incidental music has been written by the famous composer, Alfred Hill. Mr. Hill has a world-wide reputation as an interpreter of the Maori in terms of music. He has written some haunting refrains which, it i» said, make a pleasing accompaniment to the story of the film. It is interesting to note that a book ba>ed on the lilm has been written by Mr. Hay ward in collaboration with Mr. A. \\ . Reed. Ihe book, illustrated with scenes from the picture, was reviewed in thi.- publication a few weeks asro.