One Hundred Crowded Years

One Hundred Crowded Years is a 1940 New Zealand historical documentary film. It was produced by the government film studios at Miramar[1] for the centenary of New Zealand.[2] Cinemas agreed to air the film without charge to the government, and to donate the sixpence fee from children to "patriotic funds".[1] About 8,000 schoolchildren in Wellington saw the film, raising £200 for those funds.[3] However, not all showings were well-attended.[4] One showing was cancelled because the local body did not allow screenings on Sundays.[5] Another local council rescinded its ban on Sunday screenings to allow this film to be shown.[6]

One Hundred Crowded Years
Directed byHerbert Howard Moulton (Bert) Bridgman
Written byMichael Forlong
Narrated byB.V. Beeby
CinematographyC.D. Barton
R.M. McIntyre
Edited byCyril James Morton
Music byF. Crowther
Production
company
Distributed byNZ Film Archives
Release date
  • 28 November 1940 (1940-11-28)
Running time
54 minutes
CountryNew Zealand
LanguageEnglish

Plot

Covers 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.[2]

Production

For the government to celebrate the centennial, the Hon Frank Langstone decided on the production of a promotional film.[2] 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.[2]

Reviews

The Auckland Star described the documentary as "a short but colourful sketch of New Zealand's history".[1]

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."[7]

The Northern Advocate called it "an excellent feature" and added "Remarkable bird studies, and some striking scenic glimpses, give the film a wide appeal."[8]

References
  1. "100 Crowded Years". Auckland Star. 19 June 1941.
  2. Renwick, William (2016). "Creating a National Spirit: Celebrating New Zealand's Centennial". Victoria University of Wellington. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  3. "One Hundred Crowded Years". The Evening Post. 10 May 1941.
  4. "Poorly Patronised". Franklin Times. 25 July 1941.
  5. "No Sunday Films". Auckland Star. 6 February 1941.
  6. "Sunday Pictures". Nelson Evening Mail. 13 February 1941.
  7. "Tribute to Pioneers–Centennial Film". The Evening Post. 28 November 1940.
  8. "100 Crowded Years: Centennial Film". The Northern Advocate. 28 November 1940.
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