Real name: George Patrick Hanna

Effective period / Period of releases: 1930

George Patrick (Pat) Hanna (b. Whitianga, New Zealand 1888 - d. Ampthill, Bedfordshire, England 1973)

New Zealand born entertainer, comedy writer and film producer who organised the Diggers Concert Party which toured England, France & North America. After this the group toured Australia (billed as "Pat Hanna's Famous Diggers" and augmented by Australian soldier talent) and continued to tour Australasia for the next 10 years. The success of the touring group encouraged Hanna to use the Diggers as the basis for a series of films, beginning with "Diggers" in 1931. The first film was produced by Efftee Films and directed by F.W. Thring, but after disagreements with Thring Hanna formed his own production company and in 1933 made "Diggers In Blighty" followed by "Waltzing Matilda". Although popular, the films were not a financial success, largely because of distribution problems. In 1934 he went to the UK and U.S. promoting the films. Returned to Australia, but despite boundless energy and creative talent, few of his business ventures were successful. In 1961 he moved to the UK.