Rangi's Catch

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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