Rangi's Catch

I wasn't acting in that ... I was just playing. That was what [Director Michael] Forlong wanted. He told us not to try to act, just to be ourselves and concentrate on the action side of things. Although there was a script, he didn't seem too fussed about us learning it.

– Temuera Morrison, in his 2009 autobiography From Haka to Hollywood

Not only is Rangi’s Catch one of the best children’s films ever made, it is grand entertainment for people of all ages.

– Reviewer Catherine de la Roche in The Dominion (from her 1988 book Performance)

...for the acting profession as well as the country in general, the film is something of a milestone — and we should gain plenty of tourist publicity from it!

– The Evening Post, 16 August 1973

Filmed in breathtaking colour on location amidst the scenic backdrop of New Zealand.

– Movie poster for Rangi's Catch

I can't help thinking we're in a bit of a fix.

– Johnny (Andrew Kerr) from the boot of the robber's car

Us Māoris have relations everywhere.

– Rangi (Temuera Morrison) introduces his friends to a cousin on the streets of Rotorua

The landscape is used with understanding and affection by New Zealand-born Michael Forlong, and presented with the singular qualities normally associated with full characters — interest, unpredictability, depth and variety.

– Sam Edwards in 1997 book New Zealand Film 1912 - 1996, page 57

I'll be able to when I'm big.

– Little Hemi (Vernon Hill) hopes to dive like his big brother Rangi (Temuera Morrison)

They won't catch anything there — that's the wrong place.

– Rangi (Temuera Morrison) observes the hapless robbers trying to catch fish

It's a good thing you've got me with you. Straight into the arms of the law. You need protection, that's what...

– Jake (Ian Mune) lords it over fellow escaped prisoner Bill (Michael Woolf)

Hope you've got a nice bunch of scones there, Mum.

– Farmer Murray (Peter Vere-Jones) looks forward to morning tea after sheep mustering

Safe as a bank. You just leave the thinking to me.

– Escapee Jake (Ian Mune) thinks his plan to hide out in the Marlborough bush is working

Escaped prisoners would find it pretty hard to live around here — unless they brought food with them.

– Rangi (Temuera Morrison) on the news two escaped robbers may be hiding out in Marlborough Sounds

Jane's just like having an extra man around, isn't she Dad?

– Johnny (Andrew Kerr) praises his sister Jane's mustering skills, at the start of Rangi's Catch

Wellington broadcaster, actor and motor fanatic Michael Woolf and I are to play two Keystone Krooks chasing the hero-kids around the country . . . The first part of the shoot involves two weeks in Kenepuru Sound in Marlborough

– Actor Ian Mune, in his 2010 book Mune - An Autobiography, page 154