Under the Southern Cross

The Maori tribe, Ariki, separated from its enemy, the Watee, by the volcano "Dragon Pit" wages war with its neighbours for centuries until Chief Pakura asks that his daughter, Miro, be offered in marriage to Prince Patiti as a peace gesture.

Under the Southern Cross, USA/NZ, 1929

Universal Studios
Director: Lew Collins
Titles: Hugh Hoffman
Editor: Ray Curtiss
Photographers: Wilfrid M Cline; Harold I Smith
Supervising Film Editor: Maurice Pivar
Distributor: Palace Films

With: Witarina Mitchell (Miro), Patiti Warbrick (Patiti), Hoana Keeha (Rangi), Ani Warbrick (Anu)

16mm, 57 minutes, G

The Maori tribe, Ariki, separated from its enemy, the Watee, by the volcano "Dragon Pit" wages war with its neighbours for centuries until Chief Pakura (Ariki) asks that his daughter, Miro, be offered in marriage to Prince Patiti (Watee) as a peace gesture. On the condition that he win the 'Contest of Spears' competition against Rangi (Ariki) - the victor will win Miro's hand. The sullen and vain Rangi discards his mistress, Anu, through an unfair trick he wins the contest. Miro secretly continues to see Patiti and is caught by Rangi. The two fight and Patiti throws Rangi into the volcano. War is declared, the volcano erupts. Peace is made. Miro and Patiti marry.

In February 1928, Universal sent a film crew to NZ to film a "Maori folk drama." Filming began (with the working title Taranga) around Rotorua, Waitomo and White Island, under the direction of adventurer Alexander Markey. By July, with 28,000ft shot for a 6,600ft feature, but only half the story completed, Markey was recalled and replaced by his assistant Lew Collins.

Previewed in April 1929, the film was now called Under the Southern Cross. The Australasian premiere was held at the De Luxe Theatre (now the Embassy) in Wellington, on 28 April 1929. Renamed The Devil's Pit, it was released in a synch-sound version and Movietone prologue featuring Bathie Stuart in US, Britain & Europe. The film was later lost until in 1980, British film historian Kevin Brownlow located a silent print (now known as The Dragon's Pit)

Witarina Te Miriarangi Parewahaika Harris QSM (1906–2007)
Witarina Harris (nee Mitchell) of Ngati Whakaue was born in the village of Ohinemutu on the shores of Lake Rotorua. She became one of our first movie stars in 1929 when she was chosen for the lead role in Under the Southern Cross. She gave a luminous performance but chose not to pursue a fillm career. Much of her life, in addition to raising five children, was dedicated to Maori and community activities – in particular the teaching Te Reo Maori at pre-school levels.

In the early 1980s, soon after the Film Archive was established, the feature film was rediscovered and her work was recognised for its significance by Archive Director Jonathan Dennis. Witarina was then invited to become the organisation’s kaumatua. In this influential role she travelled extensively bringing aroha and immense dignity to the showing of Maori images.

Screenings: Under the Southern Cross screened on 31 October 2009 with musical accompaniment by Warren Maxwell, Maaka McGregor and Himiona Grace.