SHOT TO DEATH”

Southland Times, Issue 18938, 11 May 1923, Page 11

SHOT TO DEATH”

FAIRBANKS SEEKS NEW SETTINGS. HIS REPRESENTATIVE ARRIVES. Douglas Fairbanks arrived in Wellington on Friday by the Maunganui—by proxy in the person of Mr 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 nearly true to tradition as may be the customs of the Maoris and pakehas of the 40’s, will be “shot.” The production will occupy 150 people during its making, and will cost, it is estimated, well over £250,000. Mr 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 were not always found in the same street. While the majority of the scenes will be taken in New Zealand, where the chief interest and climax in the story develop, a good deal will be done in the Fairbanks studios in California, and something, perhaps, in Tahiti. “The Fairbanks estate in California is all ‘shot’ to death,” said Mr 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 specially written story by the author of ‘Robin Hood’ will admirably adapt itself) that he has determined to make his latest and biggest picture here. The tendency to-day is to big pictures only, and the contest between Mr Fairbanks and rivals is so keen that an 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 country to choose our location. Accommodation is quite a serious matter for our big company, which includes Elton Thomas (author), Aitken Edeson (kinematographer) and most of the 'Robin Hood ’staff.”

Great interest was displayed by the Californian visitor in Maori customs, arts, and occupations, and he was emphatic that he desired to make the film as correct in these respects as possible. He was much impressed with the possibilities of the Waitomo 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 the best light may be awaited until January. “Douglas Fairbanks, as Bully Hayes, will surpass himself,” said Mr Blair. “The rest of the cast has not yet been selected. Mr Fairbanks nearly yielded to the persuasion to make the film in colour, but he was not

satisfied that as good technical results would be obtained, as the process still presents elements of difficulty. ‘The Black Pirate’ is going to be the 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 likely that the picture will be made there.”