Title

Category

Year

Film stock

Synopsis

Run time (mins.)

Length (feet)

20th Century Fov Movietone news

Documentary (UK)

1969

B/W

Commonwealth conference security - Marlborough house
Ulster on the brink - Belfast

6.5

234

Amazing New Zealand

Documentary (NZ)

1964

Colour (Technicolor)

In this award-winning tourism promo an easy-going narrator guides a postcard tour of New Zealand. The emphasis is on the south seas isles as a land of contrasts - "Where else would you find golf and geysers?" - from frozen to boiling lakes, characterful cities to odd natives (kiwi, takahe, carnivorous snails). Visual highlights include quirky road-signs ("beware of wind", "slow workmen ahead"), toheroa digging and a flotilla of capsizing optimists. It was directed by NFU veteran Ron Bowie, and won a Bronze Medal of St Mark at Venice Film Festival, 1963.

19

684

An Essay on War

Documentary (Encyclopedia Britanica)

1972

B/W

Ponders the paradoxes of war. Considers why civilized people engage in brutality, how it is justified by its perpetrators, ethical sanctions for war, the reasons why individuals go to war. Asses the effects of war on nations and individual soldiers.

50

1800

ARISTOTLE'S ETHICS, Part One: THE THEORY OF HAPPINESS.

1962

Colour (Eastmancolor)

Made by Encyclopedia Brittanica Educational Corporation. Ancient Greece: the philosophers like Aristotle debated important issues. Among these was: what makes the human life good?
Aristotle wrote a book "Ethics" on the subject, and this is the topic of this film.
What constitutes a happy life? Happiness is not made by the pleasures we have nor the pains we suffer. Happiness is the QUALITY of life.
Happiness can be health, wealth, friendships, knowledge, and virtue. It is a COMPLETE life. But that life must be virtuous, or it is not happy.Is a miser happy? No, he is miserable, despite having much wealth.
Good character means making the right choices. Calculating what is good in the long run. We cannot become happy by living in the pleasures of the moment. Happiness is the same for all people.
Aristotle emphasized that virtue is practical, and that the purpose of ethics is to become good, not merely to know. Aristotle also says that the right course of action depends upon the details of a particular situation, rather than being generated merely by applying a law. The type of wisdom which is required for this is called "prudence" or "practical wisdom", as opposed to the wisdom of a theoretical philosopher. But despite the importance of practical decision making, in the final analysis the original Aristotelian and Socratic answer to the question of how best to live, at least for the best types of human, was to live the life of philosophy.

27

972

Australian Movie tone News

News (Australia)

B/W

Golf - Nagle / Player etc.
Air drop in Tasmania
Jane Powell gets married
Skiing

6

216

Australian Movie tone News

News (Australia)

B/W

Rowing, GPS regatta Penrith, Mouth to Mouth, Fencing, Sheep stud (Peppin), ANZACs memorial

7

252

As the Twig is Bent

Documentary (NZ)

1965

B/W

What children learn at home may determine their progress at school. Some do not do as well as others at primary and secondary schools because they had no education during the first five years of their lives. This film, mainly of Maori children and backgrounds, shows what parents can do to prepare children for the school years ahead, and suggests also how important it is for parents to be aware of this responsibility. Commended by educationists for its sensitive approach and understanding, the film is of particular interest to parent-teacher organisations. Made by the NZ National Film Unit. Directed by Ronald Bowie. This film discusses how primary school children can often be confused and unwilling to answer questions in class, but this does not mean they are stupid. They may not have had a very positive upbringing. The film follows the family of a young Maori girl, Marama, showing how her parents do everything to give her the best start in life. Children explore and learn. Observe & imitate. Turn chores into play, and even young children can learn initiative. Children appreciate colours and shapes. To a child, play is serious. Kindergartens and play centres: meet others their own age and learn to interact. Parents are children's most important and influential teachers. We should encourage and quietly nurture them. Encourage children to do things, rather than do things for them.

20

720

Burra &
Yirkkala.

Documentary (Australia)

1977 & 1950

Colour

BURRA (11 mins.): This small town in South Australia was originally a boom town based on copper mining, and once had 40 hotels to slake the miners' thirst! Today, it is quiet, but many old stone buildings and refinery chimneys are still there. The brewery, with its miles of underground tunnels (back when beer was fourpence a pint!) 
YIRKKALA ("Aborigines of the Sea Coast") (20 mins.). This film shows the important photographic recordings from an expedition to Arnhem Land in 1948, and focuses on the Aboriginals living at Yirkkala. Dugout canoes. Children play on beach & build toy boats. Adults strip bark from tree to make canoe. It is completed & launched in 5 hours! Turtle-hunting. Sand pictures train youngsters about animal tracks, edible lizards. Bark also used for home roofs. Hangi cooking. Children learn didgeridoo & dancing. 

31

1116

CANINES, pets & predators.

Documentary Nature (USA)

1980

Colour

Colour film made by Encyclopedia Brittanica Educational Corporation. Wild and domestic members of the canine family are examined for their lifestyle and habits. Wolves, coyotes, jackals, and foxes are seen living according to nature's laws. Different breeds of dogs are shown relying on their masters for care. They are also used for sport and work by industries and institutions.

22

792

Circus day in our town

B/W

22

792

Coulomb's Law

Documentary (Science)

1959

B/W

Manic Princeton professor Eric Rogers hosts, continually removing and replacing his eyeglasses, ordering around lab assistants --- he forcefully breaks a glass test tube in the hands of an assistant to demonstrate the inelasticity of water --- and furiously pounds equations on a blackboard (Leacock says the scribblings must have lasted 45 minutes, in what must be one of the more necessary cuts in the history of educational film.) Rogers finally conducts an experiment with a young girl, placing her in a metal cage, which he then charges with electricity, demonstrating through the inverse square law that his assistant (Leacock's trusting daughter Elspeth) is not harmed by the charge.

30

1080

Do I Have to Kill My Child
(2 reels)

Drama (Australia)

1976

Colour

This is a drama film, featuring a young family with the husband & wife both school teachers. They have 2 small daughters. Hubby accepts a job away in Sydney about the same time as wife gets pregnant. Hubby rejoices at getting a son, but wife gets more & more stressed out, & finds it hard to cope away from her family & friends.
She begins to hate the new baby, who just never seems to stop crying. Hubby doesn't see any problem. Eventually, she throws baby out of cot, and he gets fractured skull. Hubby suggest we all fly to Bali for a break "& your mum can come down & look after the kids."
Wife, still distraught, replies, "That would just be running away from the problem. You never listen to me. What's it going to take? Do I have to kill my child before anyone listens to me?"
Very well-acted drama! Suburbia of Sydney in the 70s.

54

1944

Fighting Big Fish in Australia

Documentary (Australia)

1952

B/W

Deep sea fishing off Australia

10

360

Gaumont British News

Documentary (UK)

1953

B/W

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth

12.5

450

Goodby Gaiety

Documentary (BBC)

1957

B/W

34

1224

High Tide at Noon
(2 reels)

Drama (UK)

1957

B/W

Set on an island off Nova Scotia, the jealousies and loves of the islanders unfold at a casual pace until economic necessity drives them to the mainland. 

109

3924

Holiday in Estonia

Colour

22

792

India

Documentary (Encyclopedia Britannica)

B/W

17

612

It's Our Pleasure

Documentary (NZ)

1977

Colour

A promotional film about the various tourist attractions, scenic and cultural to be seen when touring New Zealand by coach. Also illustrated is the standard of accommodation, meals and coaches are available for the typical New Zealand holiday.
Some of the attractions shown are: Waitomo Caves, Rainbow Springs, Whakarewarewa, Kerikeri Stone Store, Bay Of Islands, Cape Reinga, Pompalier House, Waitangi.
In the South Island are: Christchurch, Mt Cook and Queenstown as well as many others.

24

864

Journey into Spring

Nature (UK)

1958

Colour (Technicolor)

Gilbert White FRS (1720 - 1793) was a "parson-naturalist", a pioneering English naturalist and ornithologist. He remained unmarried and a curate all his life. He is best known for his "Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne". This film looks at Selborne in Hampshire, apparently little changed from White's day, with lots of amazing closeup footage of the wildlife that blossoms in the spring.  Birds. Rivers. Waterbirds. Frogs. Harvest mice. Ants. Hedgehog. Hedgehog swims across river! Bird nests. Floating nests of the babchick. Tadpoles. Rook chicks. New grass & trees. Long-tailed tits. Voles. Cuckoo chick in sparrow nest. Mole. Pond-skaters. Babchick. Sandpipers. Wildflowers. Bees. Caterpillars. House-martins. It won the Best Documentary BAFTA, and was nominated for two Oscars (Best Documentary and Best Short Subject) amongst other awards.

28

1008

Laurel and Hardy - Scram

Comedy (USA)

1932

B/W

Ordered out of town by angry Judge Beaumont, vagrants Stanley and Oliver meet a congenial drunk who invites them to stay at his luxurious mansion. The drunk can't find his key, but the boys find a way in, sending the surprised woman inside into a faint. They revive her with what they think is water, but is actually gin, and all get tipsy in the process. Outside, the drunk realizes he's at the wrong house and stumbles off. Eventually, the real homeowner arrives, none other than Judge Beaumont.

21

756

Laurel and Hardy - We Faw Down

Comedy (USA)

1928

B/W

Stan & Ollie are stuck at home with their wives, unable to sneak out to a poker game. When their friends call to ask why they're delayed, Ollie pretends it's their boss, inviting them to a show at the Orpheum Theatre. En route to the poker game, the boys offer to assist two young women, Kay & Vera, who are trying to retrieve Kay's hat from under a car. The boys also attempt to retrieve the hat, but are doused with water when a street-cleaning truck passes. The ladies invite them to their apartment to dry off. Meanwhile, Mrs. Laurel & Mrs. Hardy hear that the Orpheum Theatre is on fire, and rush out for news. While the boys relax in dressing gowns, Kay flirts with Stan, but he resists her. Suddenly, her tough boyfriend "One-Round" Kelly returns, finds Stan & Ollie, and pulls a knife on them. They escape out a window frantically pulling on their clothes, unaware that they're been seen doing so by their wives. On their return home, the boys tell an elaborate tale of the show they...

20

720

LEAP: good possession from the line-out

Sport (NZ)

1977

Colour

This film discusses rugby training, with coaches Bob Stuart & Jim Stewart. It focuses on the skills needed to do well in lineouts. 
Includes interview with Peter McDavitt of NZ Rugby, and shows players: Kerry Turner, Alex Wyllie, David Thompson, Vance Stewart, Grant Batty, Bryan Williams, & Lin Davis.
Includes interviews with Batty & Wyllie as they pass on skill tips.

27

972

Life on a Kibbutz

Colour

22

792

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review

News (NZ)

B/W

Stanley Holloway & Billy Mayerl in New Zealand
1940 - xmas comes to Petone
Motueka - apple dehydration
J Force settles in

10

360

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review

News (NZ)

B/W

Princess Elizabeth (now the Queen) visits New Zealand State House.
Napier, newest city and its development.

8

288

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review

News (NZ)

B/W

Queenstown bottle house
Hamilton yacht regatta
Anzac day 1959

8

288

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review
&
Fifty Four Forty South

News (NZ)

B/W

The ship "Otranto" arrives in Wellington bringing home soldiers from Italy and Egypt
Making ice cream
Walter Nash pays tribute to the late Franklin Roseveld
The funeral of Mrs. Janet Frazer
(9.5mins)

RNZN "Tulera visits McQuary and Campbell Islands (10.5mins)

20

720

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review #100, #101, #102

News (NZ)

B/W

#101 - V.C. comes home
#102 - Troops coming home, timber milling, sailing ship, returning from the Middle East (Egypt, Nth Africa
#100 - Kiwi mule trail, 2nd NZEF home again, most wearing lemon squeezers

11.5

414

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review #346

News (NZ)

B/W

Rythym & Music

7

252

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review #361

News (NZ)

B/W

RNZAF in Fiji

11

396

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review #406

News (NZ)

B/W

Post war report - Disabled Service Men

11.5

414

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review #414

News (NZ)

1949

B/W

New Settlers
the reception and day to day life of displaced persons at Pahiatua

10.5

378

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review #443

News (NZ)

B/W

Christchurch School for Bakers
Cricket: Australia vs Wellington

6.5

234

New Zealand National Film Unit Weekly Review #450

News (NZ)

B/W

Hualalai
New inter-island ferry
NZ Academy exhibition (Ellis, Sandridge, Higgs etc)
Nelson minerals: Marble

7.5

270

N. Z. Mirror #01

Documentary (NZ)

1950

B/W

New Zealand Mirror was an National Film Unit 'magazine-film' series geared towards the UK market. Accompanied by nationalistic, upbeat narration, this first episode covers 'New Zealand Birds', and efforts to harness 'Rotorua's Natural Heat'. It visits a game park to see Kiwi ("definitely queer birds") where, in a Disney-esque scene, two children meet a one-legged Kiwi with a bamboo peg-leg; and boats over to Kapiti Island to meet rockhopper penguin, tui, kaka and weka. In Rotorua, geothermal cooking, backyard geysers, and heated baths and pools are explored.

10

360

N. Z. Mirror #02

Documentary (NZ)

1950

B/W

New Zealand Mirror was an National Film Unit 'magazine-film' series geared towards the UK market. Accompanied by nationalistic, upbeat narration, this first episode covers 'Tame trout and Eels', 'Find of Moa bones' (north Canterbury), '18 footer yachting'

10

360

N. Z. Mirror #03

Documentary (NZ)

1950

B/W

New Zealand Mirror was a National Film Unit 'magazine-film' series aimed at showcasing NZ to a British market. A clock collector from Whangarei is a quirky choice to open this edition of Kiwi reflections - his display includes a clock that goes backwards. The ensuing segments are more in keeping with Maoriland and Shaky Isles postcard expectations: The annual Ngaruawahia waka regatta includes novelty canoe hurdle races. And there are dramatic shots of 6000ft high "cauliflower clouds" from Ruapehu's 1945 eruption and of the crater lake turned to seething lava.

8

288

N. Z. Mirror #05

News Documentary (NZ)

1950

B/W

Speed boats on Auckland harbour
Carrying building materials up the Southern Alps to build huts
The Lakes of Tutira - Maori legend

8

288

N. Z. Mirror #08

News Documentary (NZ)

1950

B/W

Mountain Power Scheme - Cobb River - Nelson
World record ltter - 19 Piglets Pukekohe
Gannets on Cape Kidnappers

8.5

306

N. Z. Mirror #09

Documentary (NZ)

1951

B/W

Cue Wizard - World champion billiard player Clark McConachy shows his skill with the cue, demonstrating a wide variety of trick shots.
Ancient Art - In some parts of New Zealand ancient cave paintings are found, the origins of which are unknown. They are one of New Zealand's mysteries.
Sea and Sail - The sea-girt New Zealanders have wonderful opportunities for yachting. Everybody who lives near sailing water, from boys who build their own sailing dinghies to people who can afford 'A' class keelers, can indulge in the sport.

10

360

N. Z. Mirror #10

Documentary (NZ)

1951

B/W

Modern Maori Farmers - Hurimoa Sheep Station
Letting off Steam - Otago Model Engineering Society
Quiet harbour - Akaroa cray fishing

7

252

N. Z. Mirror #12

Documentary (NZ)

1952

B/W

Quiet weekend - Tararua tramping club builds new hut
Tale of the Trout - Lake Rotorua - restocking with trout
Fishing for knowledge - Bay of Islands big game fish study

10

360

N. Z. Mirror #13

Documentary (NZ)

1952

B/W

Maori Oven - Hangi - check the size of the crayfish!
Whie Herons (Kotoku) - Kaiapoi - Waimakariri River
Mervyn Taylor - wood carver - Karori, Wellington

8

288

N. Z. Mirror #14

Documentary (NZ)

1952

B/W

Pony club poems - a ride to Rotorua
Eighteen foot yachting championships (NZ vs Australia) - Waitamata Harbour Auckland

11

396

N. Z. Mirror #16

Documentary (NZ)

1952

B/W

Forest fire protection
Tuatara lizards
Canoing & rafting down the Waikato river.

10.5

378

New Zealand and Southeast Asia

Documentary (NZ)

1966

B/W

This film discusses NZ's involvement with Singapore & Malaysia, and focuses on several joint projects. Industrial development in Singapore. Tin mining in Malaysia: a former gold dredge from NZ was moved to Malaysia and is now a tin dredge. Rubber plantations. Singapore. Mosque. Disco. Opening of new fountain at Tanglin. University agriculture faculty: studying rice yield. Malaysian navy: a Kiwi instructor interviewed. Govt staff training building. Former students who studied in NZ reminisce about how they feel now they are home. Singapore National Library. Singapore National Day parade: NZ Canberra aircraft fly above. NZ 41 Squadron based in Singapore. Air NZ jet lands. Leaders of Singapore (Lee Kuan Yew) & Malaysia (Tunku Abdul Rahman) reminisce on how they feel about NZ aid. 

25

900

Nullabor Hideout

Drama (Australia)

1964

B/W

Director: Tim Burstall. Stars: Betty Burstall, Tom Burstall, David Crocker. The Victorian Council for Children's Films and Television ran a competition in 1960 and this film is the product of the contests' winners.

40

1440

Pathe news

Documentary (UK)

1951

B/W

Trooping the colour

6

216

Pathe Pictorial

Documentary (UK)

1950

B/W

Issue 296
Windsor - clock in the footpath
Self protection
Hair styles
Underwater filming of ship wrecks

8

288

Platypus

Documentary (Australia)

1973

Colour

Lots of detail on the life of this amazing creature. Includes lots of underwater shots. Diagram of how they build their underground tunnels. 
The platypus is not affected by pollution, though its food is.
The platypus is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth. It is the sole living representative of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus), though a number of related species have been found in the fossil record.
The unusual appearance of this egg-laying, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammal baffled European naturalists when they first encountered it, with some considering it an elaborate hoax. It is one of the few venomous mammals, the male platypus having a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology and a recognisable and iconic symbol of Australia; it has appeared as a mascot at national events, on several stamps, & is featured on the 20-cent coin. The platypus is the animal emblem of the state of New South Wales.
Until the early 20th century, it was hunted for its fur, but it is now protected throughout its range. Although captive breeding programs have had only limited success and the platypus is vulnerable to the effects of pollution, it is not under any immediate threat.

11

396

Radiological Defence: Radiac instruments

Documentary Science (UK)

1961

Colour (Technicolor)

The Geiger-Muller counter, also called a Geiger counter, is an instrument used for measuring ionizing radiation. 
It detects radiation such as alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays using the ionization produced in a Geiger-Muller tube, which gives its name to the instrument. In wide and prominent use as a hand-held radiation survey instrument, it is perhaps one of the world's best-known radiation instruments. 
The original detection principle was discovered in 1908, but it was not until the development of the Geiger-Muller tube in 1928 that the Geiger-Muller counter became a popular instrument for use in such as radiation dosimetry, radiological protection, experimental physics and the nuclear industry. This was mainly due to its robust sensing element and relatively low cost, however there are limitations in measuring high radiation rates and in measuring the energy of incident radiation. 

16

576

Red Skelton Show

B/W

22

792

Serama's Mask

Documentary (USA)

1979

Colour

Since he was 7, Serama has been learning the intricate, ancient art of the Balinese dance. Now 16, he is skilled enough to teach younger dancers. His teacher is his father, a master dancer. They practice the Rangda Dance that will be the father's final performance, and mark his son as his replacement. Serama carves his beautiful mask fort the dance. In a spectacular night performance at the temple, the dance tradition is passed on to him. 

25

900

Sport Carnival at Madison Sqaure Gardens

News

1956

B/W

Events from the 1956 Sports Carnival at Madison Square Gardens

8.5

306

The Beverly Hillbillies - Hot Rod Truck

Comedy (USA)

1968

Colour

"The Beverly Hillbillies". Season 7. Episode 12. "The Hot Rod Truck". 
Jethro wants a new car, embarrassed by the truck. He buys two new cars for two different images he is trying.
But Jed tells him to just get a few new parts. Granny, who is celebrating her birthday, believes that they are planning to replace her.

21

756

The Desert Rats
(2 reels)

War

1953

B/W

Richard Burton plays a Scottish Army officer put in charge of a disparate band of ANZAC troops on the perimeter of Tobruk with the German Army doing their best to dislodge them. 

88

3168

The Making of James Bond - Selling

Documentary

1977

Colour

"The Making Of James Bond". Episode 8. "Selling". Made in 1977 to publicise "The Spy Who Loved Me". 

25

900

The Plan - Taupo Basin

Documentary (NZ)

1973

Colour

Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand. Taupo itself has a population of 10,000 and is an urban tourist centre. Turangi, with a population of 5,000, is the construction town for the Tongariro Power scheme. 
This film examines the Taupo Basin, which includes the lake and the land which draws the water into it. Known for its natural features, this area draws thousands of tourists annually as a place of recreation and leisure. Holidaymakers by their presence in ever increasing numbers, begin to destroy the environment which they came to enjoy.
There is a plan for the regulated development of the region, "Everyman" and a "Conservator" in stylised treatment, demonstrate the conflict between private enjoyment and public despoilation.

20

720

The Show Business - John Cleese

Training (UK)

1974

Colour

John Cleese made a series of Sales Training Films in the 70s which became wildly popular (amongst salespeople) and are still on sale today - at exorbitant prices.
This is "The Showbusiness" (1974) and offers thorough advice for salespeople on how to present a stand at a show, how to promote your product and how to close sales.
It's very informative, educational and entertaining - but it's not the funniest thing he's done. First and foremost it's an instructional film with retro graphics, animations, a dry voiceover and great sales points which still make great sense today.
A great piece of instructional film history, and a rare and an interesting piece of John Cleese memorabilia.  

20

720

The Three Stooges - False Alarms

Comedy (USA)

1936

B/W

The stooges are firemen who are constantly getting in trouble, they've been warned that one more incident will cost them their jobs. Curly sneaks out anyway to visit his girlfriend. She has two friends who need dates, but the only way Curly can get Moe and Larry out of the station is to pull a fire alarm. The firetruck leaves without Moe and Larry, so they steal the captains new car to make it to the call first. They manage to get Curly and get back to the station, but in doing so wreck the car and must leave on the run. 

17

612

Theatre in the USSR

B/W

34

1224

Universal International News

News

1959

B/W

Nixon in the USSR
Campaign fever in Hawaii
Commandos in Spain
Golf at Mineapolis
Wild pony round up at Chincotegue

7

252

Universal International News

News

1953

B/W

Trieste pact
North West Passage Ice Breaker
Italian fashion
Huge fire in Camden N. J.
Air display in Korea (P51 Mustangs)
USS Missouri
Technology in West Covina California
Big floods in Chicago

7.5

270

Universal International News

News

1962

B/W

Airliner tragedy
Winds and floods devistate Europe
Wedding in California
Track and Field at Madison Square Gardens
Skiing in France

7

252

Universal International News

News

1953

B/W

United Nations bars Red China
New hydro plant in Labrador
Dutch royalty
US military boat at Fort Eustis
Indo China
Big fire in Paris
Thomas Edison film studio opening
Diving in Mexico

8

288

Universal International News

News

1953

B/W

Indo China - Reds repatriated, Catholics rescued
Canada bids farewell to Queen Mother
Belles and Beux - Golf fashions
Locust plague in Morocco
At Sea - USS Handcock steam catapult
Universal Studio visit
Seatle Christmas Parade

7.5

270

Universal International News

News

1951

B/W

77th Kentucky Derby
Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap

5.5

198

Universal International News

News

1959

B/W

Havana Rally - mass rally for Castro in Cuba
Miss Universe - Miss Japan wins in 1959
Philipines - Boy Scout jamboree
Spain - bulls run through the streets before bull fight
Sports - skiing in Italy on plastic
Germany - Sea side horse racing
Germany - Hamburg horse jump derby

7.5

270

Universal International News

News

1965

B/W

Defence complex - new NORAD centre
Keep calm, men - bazaar fashions
Mystery explosion at Boston hotels
Downhill ski competitions in Austria

7.5

270

Universal International News

News

1953

B/W

The Queen mother visits the US
A new look in fashions from Italy
Strikes in Tokyo
Washtub sailor - Washington
Floods in Italy
Canary Island - locust infestation
Universal City casting
Indionapolis - turbo prop power

8

288

Universal International News

News

1959

B/W

Fighting in Laos increases
Paris review - style show on the Seine
Delft tatoo - Martial pagaent in Holland
Algeria - DeGaul visit
Denver - housing development with air raid shelter
Swimming - annual crossing from France to Britain
Austria - single ski water skiing

7.5

270

Years Back
Episode 02
The Twenties

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

In this episode of the archive-compiled history series, Bernard Kearns focuses on the Roaring Twenties. Soldiers returning from the First World War struggle to tame the land as commodity prices fall. The Labour Party, with miners as its backbone, gains a foothold on the political scene, and the Ratana Church emerges as an alternative to more distant Maori leaders. In Dunedin, the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition proves a huge success and members of the Royal Family are popular visitors to our shores. But the Great Depression looms. 

31

1116

Years Back
Episode 04
The New Decade

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

This edition of the New Zealand history series looks at the beginning of World War II. With war declared in 1939 NZ faces the new decade with a call to arms. Presenter Bernard Kearns explains how Kiwis mobilised and set sail for the Middle East, before being sent to Greece and Crete where overwhelming German superiority sent them into retreat. Prime Minister Peter Fraser explains the defeat to New Zealanders in an NFU newsreel filmed in Egypt. The contemporary footage also shows the victory at the naval Battle of the River Plate and looks at some Kiwi war heroes.

26

936

Years Back
Episode 05
The Desert

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

In this episode of the The Years Back presenter Bernard Kearns explores New Zealand's part in the famous campaign against Rommel in the Libyan Desert. Using rare footage of the action and contemporary post-battle reconstructions, the episode follows the New Zealand 2nd Division in the lead up to the battle of El Alamein and pursuit of the German Afrika Korps, and victory under the guidance of legendary British commander Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery. A notable moment is Kiwi Sergeant Keith Elliott being presented with his VC for his deeds at Ruweisat Ridge. 

29

1044

Years Back
Episode 06
The Italian Campaign 

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

In this The Years Back episode Bernard Kearns charts New Zealand's 6th Brigade and Maori Battalion as they fight their way through Italy between 1943 and 1945. Reaching Monte Cassino in 1944, the force suffered 1600 casualties in 12 weeks of bitter fighting. Using NFU pictures, the documentary traces the advance north after Cassino falls, and includes the bloodless capture of Padua and the setting up of the New Zealand Forces Club in the best hotel in Venice. The documentary ends with Kiwi forces facing down Tito's Yugoslav partisans in Trieste. 

29

1044

Years Back
Episode 07
The Women's War

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

This episode of history series The Years Back focuses on the impact of World War II on Kiwi women. Through archive and interviews it looks at home front life: rationing (as recalled by Dame Pat Evison), fashion ('Simplicity Styles'), and the arrival of American troops - around 1,400 women would later emigrate to the United States as war brides. It also shows the liberating effect of the war on many women as they took up the jobs left vacant by men serving overseas. Women joined the services too: with more than 8,000 enlisted across the army, navy and air forces. 

30

1080

Years Back
Episode 08
Making Do

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

This episode of archive-compiled The Years Back series sees presenter Bernard Kearns exploring how New Zealand coped on the home front as World War II expanded into South East Asia and the Pacific. Access to imports was hampered and rationing bit. Fuel and rubber shortages are overcome with novel approaches and farmland becomes the garden for our allies. The episode also examines how industry switched from civilian needs to making war materials. The Home Guard changes from a bit of a laugh to deadly seriousness as the threat grows of invasion by Japan. 

27

972

Years Back
Episode 09
The Unquiet Ocean

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

Focusing mainly on NZ's contribution to the Pacific War - made largely by the RNZAF- this episode details the period from Japan's entry into the war in December 1941 to mid 1944. Interviews with: Wing Commander George Gudsell, Len Donnelly, Brigadier L G Goss, Deputy Prime Minister Walter Nash, Andy Chadler, Vice Admiral Sir Peter Phipps and Trevor Bailey.

32

1152

Years Back
Episode 10
The Final Peace

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

The end of World War II is in sight in the 10th episode of the this NZ 20th Centrury history series. But there's still fighting to be done by New Zealand troops and their allies as they battle tenacious Japanese forces in the Pacific. Future Prime Minister Jack Marshall addresses his men in the jungle, and war correspondent Stan Wemyss recalls being under fire with Fijian troops in a interview (while his footage of the action plays). When the war finally ends Prime Minister Peter Fraser delivers his victory speech and there's dancing in the streets.

29

1044

Years Back
Episode 11
A Place in Asia

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

With the Second World War over, Kiwis stood with their more powerful allies in the occupation of Japan. But with Britain increasingly preoccupied with its home affairs and Europe, New Zealand began to set its own foreign policy agenda. In this episode of The Years Back presenter Bernard Kearns explains how New Zealand turned to its own backyard to create new export markets. That also meant military involvement in Korea and Malaya and a sometimes fumbling attempt at being a colonial power in the Pacific. Includes some of the history of New Zealands involvment with Samoa and Tonga.

31

1116

Years Back
Episode 12
The Big Ice

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

New Zealand's relationship with Antarctica and the explorers and scientists who went there is the focus of this episode in The Years Back series, with Bernard Kearns as guide. Early last century NZ was the starting point for most polar expeditions, including Robert Falcon Scott's fatal attempt to reach the Pole. Footage of Scott on the ice is featured, and as well as clips of Sir Ernest Shackleton's epic survival tale. Of course the Sir Edmund Hillary-led 50s Kiwi expedition is shown: Hillary made a defiant dash for the Pole on tractors, arriving 4 January 1958.

34

1224

Years Back
Episode 13
The State of the Nation

Documentary (NZ)

1973

B/W

This consolidating episode of the archive-based New Zealand history series finds World War II at an end, the return of Kiwi servicemen and the country in an optimistic mood. That's sealed by the 1950 British Empire Games where New Zealand is third on the medal table. But rising prices and low incomes lead to more militant unionism, culminating in the fractious waterfront workers dispute of 1951. At the same time there's a new flowering of the arts. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is established and a new generation of writers and artists take centre stage.

43

1548

Number of titles

83

Total run time (mins.)

1654

59,544

(d:hh:mm)

1:03:34