One Hundred Crowded Years: The Centennial Film

Plot

This comprehensive documentary chronicles New Zealand's first century of European settlement from 1840 to 1940. The film begins with the arrival of pioneer settlers in 1840, showing their struggles to establish homes in the wilderness and adapt to the new land. It covers pivotal historical events including the gold rushes that transformed the economy and society, the Maori wars that shaped race relations, and the development of transportation through stage coaches. The documentary presents a sweeping panorama of New Zealand's evolution from isolated frontier towns to a developed nation, highlighting both the scenic beauty and the social and economic progress achieved over a century of nation-building.

Historical Background

Produced in 1940 during the early years of World War II, this film served as both a historical document and a piece of wartime propaganda. New Zealand, like other Commonwealth nations, was mobilizing for war while also celebrating its centennial of European settlement. The film was created during a period of intense national reflection and identity formation, as New Zealand sought to establish itself as a mature nation rather than a colonial outpost. The timing was particularly significant as the country was sending troops overseas while also dealing with the threat of Japanese expansion in the Pacific. The documentary's emphasis on pioneer resilience and national unity resonated strongly with wartime audiences and helped reinforce national morale during a period of global uncertainty.

Making Of

The production of 'One Hundred Crowded Years' was a monumental undertaking for New Zealand's nascent film industry. Directed by H.H. Bridgman, who was a pioneering figure in New Zealand documentary filmmaking, the project required extensive research into historical archives and coordination with historical societies across the country. The filming crew traveled to remote locations to capture authentic settings, often working in difficult conditions. The production team faced the challenge of creating compelling visual narratives from limited historical records, often relying on still photographs and paintings which they brought to life through camera movements and narration. The film's narration was carefully crafted to present a balanced view of New Zealand's history, including both European and Maori perspectives, which was progressive for its time.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Stan Jones employed a range of innovative techniques for the era, including sweeping panoramic shots of New Zealand's dramatic landscapes to establish the sense of scale and isolation that characterized early settlement. The filmmakers used a combination of newly shot footage, historical stills, and early film clips, creating a visual narrative that spanned a century. The camera work emphasized the contrast between the wilderness encountered by early settlers and the developed nation of 1940. Technical challenges included filming in remote locations with bulky equipment and creating compelling visuals from static historical photographs through techniques such as slow zooms and camera movements. The black and white photography was particularly praised for its contrast and clarity, effectively capturing both the rugged beauty of the landscape and the determination of the pioneer subjects.

Innovations

The film was notable for its innovative use of archival materials and reconstruction techniques. The production team developed new methods for animating still photographs and paintings, creating the illusion of movement from static historical images. They also pioneered techniques in location sound recording in challenging New Zealand environments. The film's editing was particularly sophisticated for its time, seamlessly blending footage from different sources and time periods. The production also experimented with early forms of color tinting for certain sequences, though most of the film remained in black and white. The documentary's success in maintaining narrative coherence across such a vast historical span was considered a significant technical achievement in documentary filmmaking.

Music

The musical score was composed by Douglas Lilburn, who would later become one of New Zealand's most celebrated composers. The soundtrack represented one of the first major film scores composed by a New Zealander for a New Zealand production. Lilburn incorporated elements of traditional Maori music alongside European classical traditions, creating a sound that reflected the cultural fusion at the heart of New Zealand's identity. The score used orchestral arrangements to enhance the emotional impact of historical scenes while also featuring period-appropriate music for different eras depicted in the film. The narration, delivered in a formal documentary style typical of the period, was carefully synchronized with the musical elements to create a cohesive audio experience. The soundtrack was later released as a recording and became popular in its own right.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence showing the first European ships arriving in New Zealand waters, accompanied by dramatic music and sweeping coastal photography
• The reenactment of gold rush scenes with miners working in rivers and the establishment of boom towns
• The powerful montage showing New Zealand's contribution to World War I, transitioning to the centennial celebrations of 1940
• The sequence depicting the construction of the first railways and roads across challenging terrain
• The final scenes showing modern (1940) New Zealand cities and industries, contrasting with the wilderness scenes from the beginning

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for its ambitious scope and patriotic value, with reviews in New Zealand newspapers highlighting its educational importance and technical achievement. The Auckland Star called it 'a magnificent testament to our nation's progress' while the Christchurch Press noted its 'powerful emotional impact and historical significance.' International critics, particularly in Britain, were impressed by the technical quality and narrative sophistication, considering it remarkable for a film from a small Commonwealth nation. Modern film historians view it as an important document of its time, though they note its limitations in perspective and the inevitable biases of its era. Recent reassessments have focused on both its historical value and its role in shaping New Zealand's national identity.

What Audiences Thought

The film was enormously popular with New Zealand audiences upon its release, playing to packed theaters across the country during the centennial celebrations. Many viewers were moved to see their nation's history presented on such an epic scale, with particular emotional responses to scenes depicting pioneer struggles and wartime sacrifices. The film became a staple in schools for decades, with generations of New Zealand children watching it as part of their history education. Audience feedback from the period indicates that the film fostered a strong sense of national pride and unity during a challenging time. The documentary's success led to increased public support for the National Film Unit and helped establish documentary filmmaking as an important cultural institution in New Zealand.

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