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Curated by NZ On Screen Team
Sir Howard Morrison (1935 - 2009) was a Kiwi show business icon. This collection is a celebration of 'Ol' Brown Eyes' on screen. From classic concerts and performances of 'Whakaaria Mai', to riffing with with Billy T James; from hosting Top Town, to starring in 60s feature film Don't Let it Get You, to a This is Your Life tribute. Ray Columbus: "He was a master entertainer".
In this documentary Sir Howard candidly discusses his life and career: his Te Arawa whakapapa, his whānau, and his Anglican faith. Includes footage of his knighthood investiture, a visit to his old school - Te Aute, and performances by the Howard Morrison Quartet and throughout his career.
“The big ALL FUN show for the whole family to enjoy!” was the tagline for this musical comedy feature film. Sir Howard stars as himself in the tiki-flavoured tale, that moves from Sydney to a Rotorua music festival. It features a young Kiri Te Kanawa, Lew Pryme and Aussie star Norman Rowe.
Here Morrison is in his white-suited cabaret prime. He pokes fun at his recently-awarded OBE – Ordinary Brown Entertainer – but this show proves he is anything but, as he belts out the favourites, including hit single ‘Whakaaria Mai’, which, following this show, would go on to spend five weeks atop the charts.
In April 1990, Billy Taitoko James came back from ill health, and made a triumphant return to performing (sadly his swansong). His mate Sir Howard Morrison was a guest, and in an excerpt here “the two brownies” are in fine form reading the news and ribbing race relations and economic reform.
In the year of his knighthood, Sir Howard performs with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra; it’s a classic big show blend of cabaret, humour and Māori culture. He performs ‘My Old Man’s An All Black’, with Billy T, and has ex-All Blacks captain Buck Shelford lead a haka alongside nephew Temuera.
This long-running travelling battle for small town bragging rights was TV light-entertainment gold. This 1977 final, in the Okara Park sun, is presented by Howard Morrison and radio host Paddy O'Donnell. It features short shorts, jockettes, greasy poles, and beautiful scorer Theresa.
This TV tribute was an emotional reunion of Morrison’s showbiz friends and whānau. Bob Parker consults his big red book to revisit Howie’s major career milestones. The show brings back his first singing teacher; his Mum, sisters, and many friends; the list is a roll call of NZ showbiz history.
‘Ol’ Brown Eyes’ celebrates 40 years in showbiz with this 1995 TV variety concert, performing with his mates (Ray Columbus, Bunny Walters). Sir Howard acknowledges his upbringing and Māoritanga. The show ends with the Morrison whānau performing, followed by ‘How Great Thou Art’ solo.
This doco backgrounds pioneering filmmaker John O'Shea and his company Pacific Films. At the beginning of the third clip Sir Howard recounts his experiences making Don’t Let It Get You; including lessons learned and a tale of Lew Pryme’s hairsprayed blonde coiffure acting as a sticky fly trap.
Singer Ray Columbus offers a heartfelt reflection on his long relationship with Sir Howard, a friend he revered as ‘The Man’. Read more >
Comprehensive NZHistory.net entry on the life and illustrious career of the performer known simply as ‘Mr Entertainment’.
Many thanks to Ray Columbus and the Morrison whānau for their support in putting together this collection.
Finalist - Most
Outstanding Website
The ONYAs 2010 & 2011
Best Entertainment Website
Finalist – Website design
Qantas Media Awards 2009
NZ ON SCREEN 2012
This website has been made with funding from NZ ON AIR ›
