DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4561, 9 May 1923, Page 4

DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS.

SEEKING NEW SETTINGS. TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND. On Friday last Mr S. Blair, agent for Douglas Fairbanks, arrived in Wellington by the Maunganui (says the Dominion). Mr Blair, who will spend a month selecting the spot where “The Black Pirate,” a historical film reproducing earlv days in New Zealand, and including, as nearly true to tradition as may be the customs of the Maoris and pakehas of t.nc 40’s, will be “shot.” The production will occupy 150 people during its making, and will cost, it is estimated, well over a quarter of a million sterling. Mr Blair was most anxious to learn of beauty spots- combining rugged coastline, bush scenes, rapids,, caves, and a large Maori population, but he did not seem downcast when informed that these were not always round in the same street. While the majority of the scenes will be taken in New Zealand, where the chief interest and climax in the story develop, a goo J deal will be done in the Fairbanks studios in California, and something, perhaps, in Tahiti. “The Fairbanks estate in California is all 'shot* to death,” said Mr Blair, “and he is anxious to break new ground. He has heard so much of New Zealand scenery (to which the powerful scenario of the speciallywritten story by.the author of 'Robin Hood’ will admirably adapt itself) that he has determined to make his latest and biggest picture, here. The tendency to-day is to big pictures only, and the contest between Mr Fairbanks and rivals is so keen that an attempt will be made t,o excell all former productions from the Fairbanks studios in this historical ,New Zealand tale. We will spend a month in touring the country to choose our location. Accommodation is quite a serious matter for pur big company, which includes Elton Thomas (author), Aitken Edeson (kinematographer), and most of the ‘Robiu Hood’ staff.’’. Great interest was displayed by the Californian visitor in Maori customs, arts, and occupations, and be was emphatic that he desired to make the film as correct in these respects as possible. He was most, impressed with the possibilities of the Waitomo •Caves as a setting for a tribal romance. Ships, costumes, and weapons will, of course, be those of the period, anl New Zealand traditions and some of the old whaling days will be reproduced from reliable authorities. Most of the preparations will be complete in November, but the best light may be awaited until January. “Douglas Fairbanks as Bully'Tfayes will surpass himself,” said Mr Blair. “The rest of the cast has not yet been selected. Mr'Fairbanks nearly yielded to the persuasion to make the film in colour, but he is not satisfied that as good technical results would oe obtained, as the process still presents elements of difficulty. ‘The Black Pirate is going to be the best advertisement New Zealand has ever had. As far as I have heard to date, the Wanganui River will best suit - the scenario, and it is very likely that the picture will be made there.”