Was he a crook? Probably not; a romantic with a dream of creation which got out of control. He attempted to produce a film in the period when cinema went through its biggest change ever, from the silent era to the talkies.
– Narrator Martyn Sanderson, at the end of this documentary
I found the Maoris fascinating: their isle of ghosts and chanting, their friendship exhilarating, and I’m keen to share with you the pleasure of my experience with them…
– American filmmaker Alexander Markey introduces his movie Hei Tiki
Well of course I have no proof in saying that a man is a crook; it's a pretty big thing to say isn't it. But he certainly was a gentleman who had a wonderful way with him. I think he knew how to put it over people. And I think he did that. Undoubtedly.
– Cameraman Ted Coubray describes Alexander Markey, in the final clip (in clip two)
Some would have enjoyed making it. There were others who didn’t, and I for one remember my father in particular…at some stage he was in total rejection of the whole idea . . . when I think back, I think he was right, because…although we were invited by relations from the Tūwharetoa tribe to take part in the film, I still think it wasn’t right for a tribe from the river to go up, you know. It was tantamount to a trespass.
– Then child extra Nepia Nikorima on taking part in Hei Tiki with his father
I think he treated them…as a 'dark' race and just an inferior race, and that was certainly, they were not that. They were very intelligent and a very lovely race I think because…their manners were beautiful. They used to come up from Poukawa and we liked them very much. But they didn’t like being treated as though they just didn’t count.
– Caterer Margaret Goulding on Alexander Markey’s treatment of the Māori cast, in clip three
I think it’s my build I think, and the height . . . just a he-man, that’s what it is. And the camera seems to take me right, to his way of looking at it. So I didn’t give a damn whether it’s right or wrong . . . fit and hardy, really hardy. The country fears me man, fears my shadow. [laughter]
– Actor Ben Biddle's account of why Alexander Markey chose him as his male lead, in clip two
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