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.
- Status
- Released
- Production
- Frontier Films
Keywords
- maori
- british colonialism
Links
Top Cast
Leo Pilcher as Robert Beaumont
Ramai Te Miha as Ariana
Henare Toka as Tama Te Heu Heu
Stanley Knight as Corporal Ben Horton
John Gordon as Brigadier Generl Carey
A.J.C. Fisher as Sir George Grey
Peter Hutt as A.D.C. to Grey
Colonel J.D. Swan as General Cameron
Top Crew
Rudall Hayward · Director, Screenplay
Alfred Hill · Composer
Reviews
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