“THE BLACK PIRATE.”

Gisborne Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 9690, 11 May 1923, Page 5

“THE BLACK PIRATE.”

- . j DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS AS BULLY HAYES. PICTURE TO BE MADE IN NEW ZEALAND Douglas Fairbanks arrived in Wellington on Saturday by the Maungainii —by proxy in the person of Air. >S. Blair, who will spend a month selecting the spot where “The Black Pirate,” a , historical film reproducing early days , in New Zealand, and including, as j nearly true to tradition as may he the customs of the Alaoris and pakehas oi Die 40's will be “shot.” The production will occupy 1")0 people during j its making, and will cost, it is estimated, well over a quarter of a million sterling. Air. Blair was most anxious to learn of beauty spots combining rugged coastline, bush scenes, rapids, caves, and a large Maori population, but he did not seem downcast when informed that these wore not always found in the same street. AVliile the majority of the will ho taken in New Zealand, where the chief interest and climax in the story develop, a good deal will Iredone in the Fairbanks studios in California. and something, perhaps, in Tahiti. “The Fairbanks estate in California is all 'shot' to death,” said Air. Blair, “and he is anxious to break new ground. He has heard so much of New Zealand scenery (to which the powerful scenario of the speciallywritten story by the author of Robin Hood' will admirably adapt itself) that ho has determined to make his latest and biggest picture liore. The tendency to-day is for big pictures only, and ( the contest between Air. Fairbanks and rivals is so Ivccn that ail attempt will be made to excel all former productions from the Fairbanks studios in this historical New Zealand tale. We will spend a month in touring the coimtij to choose our location. Accommodation is uite a serious matter our big company, which includes Elton Thomas (author). Aitlceii Edeson (kinematographer), and most of the ‘Robin Hood’ staff.” Great interest was displayed by tlie Californian visitor in Maori customs, arts, and occupations, and lie was emphatic that he desired to make the film as correct in these respects as possible. He was much impressed with the possibilities of tlie Wnitomo Caves as a setting for a tribal romance. Ships, costumes, and weapons, will, of course, be those of the period, and New Zealand) traditions and some of the characters of the old whaling days will be reproduced from reliable authorities. Most of the preparations will be complete in November, but tlio best light may be awaited until January. "Douglas Fairbanks, as Bully Hayes, will surpass himself,Z said Mr. Blair. “The rest of the cast has not yet been selected. Mr. Fairbanks nearly yielded to the persuasion to make the film, iu color, hut he is not satisfied that, a, good technical results would he obtained, as the process still presents elements of difficulty. * ‘The Black Pirate' is going to he tlie best advertisement New Zealand has ever had. As far as I have heard, to date, the Wanganui River will best suit the scenario, and it is very likely that the picture will ho made there.”