UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 3996, 21 April 1931, Page 5

UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS.

At the Garrison Hall on Friday evening next picture patrons are promised a star attraction, when Mr J. E. Weavers will screen the New Zealand film “Under the Southern Cross.” Referring to the first screening of this picture, the Wellington ‘Evening Post* says: —“A private screening of an unusual picture was shown in the De Luxe theatre last evening to a large and representative audience, including the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph ’Ward) and Cabinet Ministers. -“Under the Southern Cross ” (“Taranga”) was the title of the film, and with a cast of Maoris only, it unfolded a tale of the uniting of two native tribes, the Axikis and Watees, by the marriage of Princess Miro and Prince Patiti. Into this story, but without in any way spoiling continuity, have been cleverly

woven the ancient games and customs and general life of the Maoris, and also some. finely photographed views of the Dominion scenery, including ‘shots’ of the thermal regions, limestone caves, and the gannets at Cape Kidnappers. Indeed, the photography throughout was of a high standard, the moonlight scenes being particularly beautiful. The zest of the Maori actors for this their first picture is, however, the outstanding feature of the film. In nothing have they failed. Individually and collectively their performance was of the highest order, characterised by that freedom of artificiality and general enthusiasm and spirit of fun which are part of the Maori temperament.” '