More than 10 years prior, David Fowler of the National Film Unit decided that there was enough fascinating old film lying around to make an historical series about New Zealand. After two years’ research and many headaches (old film, made of a nitrate material now out of use, tends to become highly flammable, in its old age) the series was screened. Thirteen episodes provided a nostalgic trip for the older generation, while the young had a revealing insight into the conditions which moulded their country and their parents.
The show was hosted by Bernard Kearns.
“The Years; Back” began in 1900 and continued through until 1960, presenting a comprehensive picture of New Zealand and: New Zealanders. Throughout' the series prominent people and ordinary folk reminisced on past events, with added commentary provided by academic and political figures. Old film footage covered the Two World Wars, the difficulties of the Māori, the Depression and in general most aspects of life in New Zealand from the beginning of: the century. Painstaking care and effort had been taken by the Film Unit team to knit together an enormous diversity of interesting material captured by enthusiastic film-makers. Contributors to the programme included Mr Ray Hayes of the National Film Library, the staff of the N.Z.B.C. Sound Archives, the National Archives and the Alexander Turnbull Library. The series was produced by David Fowler and directed by Derek Wright.
The first episode, called “The Twentieth Century.” included the Declaration of Dominion Status, the Christchurch Exhibition of 1906, the Waihi Strike, and the Gallipoli disaster. It concludes with the end of World War I and the proclamation of the armistice. “The Years Back,” a National Film Unit production.
Comments powered by CComment