Don’t Let It Get You (1966)

Iconic Maori singer Howard Morrison starred in this lighthearted, low-budget, poor cousin of A Hard Day’s Night (1964) from New Zealand. Howard invites drummer Gary Wallace to Rotorua for the summer pop music festival.

Rubber-faced Gary sells his drums (but keeps his drumsticks) for the airfare from Sydney and once in Rotorua, he tangles with pompous British drummer William Broadhead (Harry Lavington).

The two are both after the same drumming gig (with The Quin Tikis) and the same young Aussie tourist, Judy Beech (the lovely Carmen Duncan).

Australian pop star Normie Rowe makes a couple of guest appearances, and though the humour is laboured, the script and acting are weak, and the cinematography and direction are ordinary, this curio is worth seeking out for the musical performances from Morrison, Rowe, and a gorgeous young (pre-damehood) Kiri Te Kanawa.

Herma Keil (of The Keil Isles) & The Quin Tikis (New Zealand’s premier Maori showband) also deliver some powerful rock & soul numbers.

The fast-moving black and white film is enlivened by pleasant and affectionate shots of the New Zealand countryside and small-town life – but it’s really the songs that hold the film together.

Gary Wallace (born Gary Wahrlich) was left partially paralysed by a stroke in 2004. He passed away in an Auckland nursing home where he was resident.

Howard Morrison
Himself
Gary Wallace (Gary Wahrlich)
Himself
Judy (Judith) Beech
Carmen Duncan
Normie Rowe
Himself
Kiri Te Kanawa
Herself
William Broadhead
Harry Lavington
Mrs Beech
Alma Woods
Queen of the Surf
Tanya Binning
Ernie Leonard
Himself
Service Station Attendant
Eric Wood
Anne Sharland 
Herself
Rim D. Paul
Himself
Gerry Merito
Himself
Herma Keil
Himself
The Quin Tikis
Themselves
Gwynn Owen
Herself
Lew Pryme
Himself
Eddie Low
Himself
Eliza Keil
Herself
Keri Summers 
Herself
Paul Walden
Himself

Director
John O’Shea

Video