''One Hundred Crowded Years'' is a 1940
New Zealand
New Zealand () is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and List of islands of New Zealand, over 600 smaller islands. It is the List of isla ...
historical documentary film. It was produced by the
government film studios at
Miramar for the centenary of New Zealand.
Cinemas agreed to air the film without charge to the government, and to donate the sixpence fee from children to "patriotic funds".
About 8,000 schoolchildren in Wellington saw the film, raising £200 for those funds. However, not all showings were well-attended. One showing was cancelled because the local body did not allow screenings on Sundays. Another local council rescinded its ban on Sunday screenings to allow this film to be shown.
Content
The film is a history of New Zealand, from pioneer settlers in 1840, gold rushes, Māori wars, stage coaches and frontier towns. There are also panoramas of New Zealand's scenery. Also showing social and economic development from 1840 to 1940.
Production
For the government to celebrate the centennial, the Hon
Frank Langstone
Frank Langstone (10 December 1881 – 15 June 1969) was a New Zealand Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister and High Commissioner to ''Canada'' .
Biography Early life
Langstone was born in Bulls probably on 10 December 1881. He was the four ...
decided on the production of a promotional film.
The inspiration was the official 1938 New South Wales government film commemorating the sesquicentenary of the founding of Australia, ''
A Nation is Built'' directed and produced by
Frank Hurley
James Francis "Frank" Hurley (15 October 1885 – 16 January 1962) was an Australian photographer and adventurer. He participated in a number of expeditions to Antarctica and served as an official photographer with Australian forces durin ...
.
Reviews
The ''
Auckland Star
The ''Auckland Star'' was an evening daily newspaper published in Auckland, New Zealand, from 24 March 1870 to 16 August 1991. Survived by its Sunday edition, the ''Sunday Star'', part of its name endures in ''The Sunday Star-Times'', created i ...
'' described the documentary as "a short but colourful sketch of New Zealand's history".
''
The Evening Post'' gave a detailed review and synopsis, saying "It excels on the pictorial side, and the Government photographers show that in this respect they have but little to learn from overseas competitors."
''
The Northern Advocate
''The Northern Advocate'' is the regional daily paper for the city of Whangārei and the Northland Region in New Zealand.
History
''The Whangarei Comet and Northern Advertiser'' was founded in 1875 as a weekly paper by George Alderton and, des ...
'' called it "an excellent feature" and added "Remarkable bird studies, and some striking scenic glimpses, give the film a wide appeal."
References
External links
*{{IMDb title, id=24516944
One Hundred Crowded YearsYouTube
1940 films
1940s New Zealand films
1940s English-language films
National Film Unit
New Zealand documentary films
English-language documentary films