Rewi's Last Stand 1940

Synopsis:

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.

Directed by: Rudall Hayward
Written by: Rudall Hayward
Runtime: 63 minutes
Tagline: If men can die, the women and children can die also.
Cast:
Leo Pilcher
Leo Pilcher
Robert Beaumont 
Ramai Te Miha
Ramai Te Miha
Ariana 
Henare Toka
Henare Toka
Tama Te Heu Heu 
Stanley Knight
Stanley Knight
Corporal Ben Horton 
John Gordon
John Gordon
Brigadier Generl Carey 
A.J.C. Fisher
A.J.C. Fisher
Sir George Grey