Figure 2.--This scene from "Her Majesty" shows a group of boys at Elizabeth's school waiting to ambush her and take away the ‘Tiki’ given to her by Hira Mata.

"Her Majesty" is faithfully depicts New Zealand school fashions. The film is set in 1953. It is a sympatheticlly told coming of age story about a girl who realizes a dream when Queen Elizabeth visits New Zealand after her coronation and comes to her small hometown. Here we see the depiction of New Zealand's ties with Britain and the monarchy. It has been said that New Zealand is more British than the British, but that has begin to change in recent years. It had not in the era depicted in the film. The film is set in New Zealand, but indeed addresses a range of universal themes. The main character and her school mates wrestle with tolerance and real truth, youthful love and friendship, and bravery. The main character is Elizabeth Wakefield, a 13-year old schoo girl. They live in Middleton, a small New Zealnd town with its own destinctive character. Elizabeth idolized the youthful young queen, Elizabeth II. Elizabeth was not the only one excited about the schedulked visit. Even her father wanted to be part of the royal visit. Elizabeth comes to make friends with an elderly Maori woman--Hira Mata. The established women of Middleton looked down on Mata, but the plot comes to a boil because her house is prominently on the parade route.

Filmology

This comedy drama set around a coming of age story addresses some big issus. "Her Majesty" was Mark J. Gordon's first feature film.

New Zealand and Britain

Here we see the depiction of New Zealand's ties with Britain and the monarchy. It has been said that New Zealand is more British than the British, but that has begin to change in recent years. It had not in the era depicted in the film.

Setting

The film is set in 1953 right after Elizabeth's cooonation.

Cast

Elizabeth Wakefield is a 12-year-old girl played by Sally Andrews. Her best friend Annabel is played by Anna Sheridan. Her father John is played by Mark Clare. Hira Mata is played by Vicky Haughton.

Plot

"Her Majesty" It is a sympatheticlly told coming of age story about a girl who realizes a dream when Queen Elizabeth visits New Zealand after her coronation and comes to her small hometown. The film is set in New Zealand, but indeed addresses a range of universal themes. The main character and her school mates wrestle with tolerance and real truth, youthful love and friendship, and bravery. The main character is Elizabeth Wakefield, a 13-year old school girl. Elizabeth has to wrestle with prejudice against the Maori people, the indigenous population of New Zealand. She lives in Middleton, a small New Zealnd town with its own destinctive character. Elizabeth idolized the youthful young queen, Elizabeth II. And is fascinated by the fact that they have the same name. When she learns that the Queen is coming to New Zealand, Elizabeth helps to inspire a letter writing campaign inviting the Queen to their town. Elizabeth's best froend Annabel helps. Elizabeth was not the only one excited about the scheduled visit. Even her father wanted to be part of the royal visit. And the campaign works. Middleton is on the Queen's schedule. The Queen may visit her father's cheese factory. But this inspires a local controversy. Stuck up Mrs. Hobson runs the Rhododendron Trust and she insists that locl gardens would be a more appropriate for the new Queen. And she has friends in high places. In fact sge is having an affair with the mayor. Elizabeth comes to make friends with an elderly Maori woman--Hira Mata. The established women of Middleton looked down on Mata, but the plot comes to a boil because her house is prominently on the parade route. And she has a grudge against the Bitish. Her grandfather was killed in The Maori Wars. Elizabeth is tested. She wants to march with her friends in the welcoming parade which she had been dreaming about. This would mean she might actually meet the Queen. This is complicated by her friendship with Hira who is determined to defend her home come what may. Elizabeth has to learn if it is worth standing up for what she truly believes.

Costuming

"Her Majesty" faithfully depicts New Zealand school fashions. A reader writes, "It is interesting to note that apart from the school hats/caps, the rest of the uniform items are still currently used in New Zealand today."

Created: December 16, 2003
Last updated: December 16, 2003