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Rewi's Last Stand (1940)

Rewi's Last Stand (1940)

Drama History War

If men can die, the women and children can die also.

Release Date: 1940, March 31
Directors: Rudall Hayward
Countries: New Zealand
Production: Frontier Films, Frontier Films
Cast: John Gordon, Peter Hutt, Leo Pilcher, Ramai Te Miha, Henare Toka, Stanley Knight, A.J.C. Fisher, Colonel J.D. Swan, Bernard Britain, Raureti Te Huia, Mr. C.S. Wood, Phoebe Clarke

Overview:

Star-crossed lovers, Robert and Ariana, are caught up in the New Zealand wars of the 1860s. Ariana is claimed by the Maniapoto people as one of their own and, despite Robert's chivalrous defence, is taken by them and must help them prepare for war. Robert likewise must do his patriotic duty and enlists to fight on the other side. He volunteers to ride despatch, thinking it may give him an opportunity to see Ariana again, which it does, but their joy is short-lived; Maniapoto women fight beside their men, and furthermore she is a Rangitira (noble) and will not let her people down. The climax is the siege of Oraku Pa where 300 Maori hold off 2000 troops for three days. The Maniapoto are defeated, but Ariana, although wounded, survives to be reunited with Robert.

Keywords:

british colonialism maori