Gung Ho - Rewi Alley of China

Expat Kiwi Rewi Alley became one of the best known foreigners in 20th Century China, and an advocate for the Communist Revolution. When China was under siege from Japan in the 1930s, Alley instigated an industrial co-op movement he termed 'gung ho' (work together). Its success led to the phrase entering the global idiom. Alley founded Bailie schools to train youth in the skills needed for industrial co-ops. Director Geoff Steven and a small crew travelled 15,000 kilometres in China in 1979, filming Alley as he gave his account of an engrossing life story. Co-writer Geoff Chapple later wrote a book on Alley.

The continual incredible exploitation of children, thrown up against this vast city — this city of great wealth: enormous fortunes being made. One millionaire after another coming out of Shanghai, and going back to spend his gains abroad. From out of this city, where such a great portion of the population lived in utter destitution and want.

– Rewi Alley on the wealth that was gathered through exploitative child labor practices in Shanghai, in part two

Key Cast & Crew

Peter Vere-Jones

Narrator

Geoff Chapple

Writer

Leon Narbey

Cinematographer

John Maynard

Producer

Annie Collins

Editor

Geoff Steven

Director, Writer