Being a fan of both Edward Arnold and Walter Huston, I've tried to watch and enjoy this film. But Huston's whispering through most of the film is absolutely annoying! I can hear very little of what he says. Was it him or the sound system used for the film?
I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that he had a cigar in his teeth in most every scene. When he had a hand free to take the cigar out, his lines were clearer, but when he had to keep it in his mouth (such as when he was reaching in his coat for the contract) it made his words less distinct.
"My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all the way back to the Whale Rider."