THE PICTURE HOUSES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XV, Issue 214, 9 December 1925, Page 3

THE PICTURE HOUSES.

MUNICIPAL. “REWI’S LAST STAND.” It * s expected the Hastings Municipal neatre will be packed to the doors this evening on the occasion of the initial screening in Hawke’s Bay of the famous picture, “Rewi’s Last Stand.” Written and produced for Maori Mar Films Ltd., by Rudall Hayward (the historical correctness being attended toby .Mr James Cowan) the picture deals with the period o.t the Waikato War, and especially with the historical defence of Orakau, the most dramatic and picturesque incident in the history of Ike Dominion. With all the races with which British arms have come in conflict none were finer fighters than the Maoris; and of all the battles between Maori and Pakeha none showed to better advantage the war-like qualities of the former than the Battle o' Orakau. Shut up in a hastily-construc-ted pa a force of 300 poorly-equipped Maori men, women, and children, with little food and no water, endured continuous rifle fire for three days, and kept at bay a British force of 1800 men. History scarce affords a parallel to the dauntless reply of the natives, when, after three days, they were offered their fredeom if they would surrender. “We will fight on for ever and ever! ” they declared, and when the answer came in the same spirit: “The offer was made to let women go free the women will tight as well as the men!” It was impossible for the Maoris to hold out long under such conditions, however, and seizing a favourable opportunity they slipped out of the pa and made a dash for the bush. But for the fact that a troop of cavalry was handy at the time they would have es-

caped practically scot free. But th horsemen rode down the fugitives, ami many of them fell before they could reach safety. A special music score has been arranged, and picked supports will be included in the programme. COSY DE LUXE. A double-feature programme will be presented this evening at the Cosy Theatre, Hastings. “Cheap Kisses,” is a comedy drama of to-day, laid in New Yrrk City and nearby, and deals with the mad whirl of the jazz age and its victims, old and young. It tells a story with a punch and with a lesson and tells it with intense dramatic episodes. “Her Husband’s Secret” stars Antonio Moreno and Patsy Rutn Miller, and is an entertaining picture throughout. There will be the usual supporting films.