Graham McLean Movies

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For people born into non-Western cultures, even if they have been "modern" for many generations, finding one's inner ground can be a difficult process. In this story by first-time director Martyn Sanderson (better known for his acting in Australian and New Zealand action/adventure movies), a young man comes to grips with his Samoan background in the context of the demands placed on him by modern life. The story is based on the novel Flying Fox In A Freedom Tree by Albert Wendt. Pepe (Faifua Amiga, Jr.) is interested in the old culture, and his place in it. His father is purely concerned that he should adapt to the present day, and Pepe is forced to look elsewhere for guidance and inspiration. One of his role-models is an unlikely half-breed, the dwarf Tagata (Richard von Surmer), who, like the flying fox, seeks opportunity where he finds it. Another inspiration is the high chief Toasa, who teaches Pepe the genealogical lists he needs to know in order to assume his full place in Samoan society. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide

Starring:: Faifua Amiga, Jr., Richard von Sturmer, (more)

Should I Be Good?: 1985

This is a routine tale of the transformation of an addict into a crusader for justice, a story that may be stretched thin across the credibility gap but is enhanced by good songs worked into the script. Nat Goodman (Harry Lyon) leaves his drug-dealing life behind him once he gets out of prison, and after helping his ex-flame Anne Marie (Spring Rees) to mend her own errant ways, he joins forces with an attractive broadcast journalist (Joanne Mildenhall) to take on a few serious criminals. His singing career as a nightclub performer introduces the music and other singers as well, providing some of the better moments in the film.
~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide

Starring:: Joanne Mildenhall

The Lie of the Land: 1985

In a humorous look at a serious subject -- life and death on a small remote farm in New Zealand -- the underdeveloped characters in the story sometime lean toward a full parody, and sometimes are just simply funny. Alwyn (Roberta Wallach) runs a farm with her son Henry (Dean Moriarty) while many of the men are away fighting in World War I. After Major Martin Hudson (Marshall Napier) comes back at the end of the war, he takes up residence in Alwyn's farm as a hired hand. She certainly needs the help, especially since a local cattle baron is after her holdings. To make matters worse, she has been threatened with a Maori curse since her land is considered by the Maoris to belong to them. Martin and Alwyn have their work cut out for them as they tackle the threats to her farm and their own feelings for each other at the same time.
~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide

Starring:: Marshall Napier, Roberta Wallach, (more)

The Scarecrow: 1982; PG

This gothic hillbilly horror thriller was produced in New Zealand and centers around a small rural town, circa 1953, where unusual events lead a teenager to cross paths with a serial killer. Ned (Jonathan Smith) and his pal Les (Daniel McLaren) are a pair of teens in trouble with local bullies after they steal some prize chickens. Their troubles are compounded by the arrival of a carnival, employing the sinister Salter (John Carradine), an evil magician and sideshow hypnotist. The presence of Salter seems to bring out the worst in the local citizenry, inspiring nascent lust and perversion to surface in disturbing ways, much of which is centered on Ned's nubile sister Prudence (Tracy Mann). When a girl is slain in the woods, the trial leads to Salter, who is not only guilty of the crime, but of many more. The Scarecrow (1982), based on the novel of the same name by Ronald Hugh Morrieson, was shown at the Cannes Film Festival. The film was the feature debut of co-writer and director Sam Pillsbury, who went on to direct numerous television movies and series episodes in the U.S. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide