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The auditorium has unusual proportions.
(not to scale).

The projection ports were in the triple window. Note the additional port for the spotlight.

The sale in March 1946 of 50
percent of Kerridge Theatres to Odeon
Holdings Ltd. of London created
Kerridge-Odeon. Under their
stewardship, the theatre was extensively
renovated - particularly back stage - by
H. Francis Willis. From 1946 many
variety artists trod the boards.
The Nibble Nook Candy &
Refreshment Shop opened in 1949.
That same year the theatre won the
National Trophy for Best Film
Exploitation for Selznick’s mega-
western Duel In The Sun, an award
which pleased manager Cecil Haigh,
who 19 years earlier had presided at the
opening of the theatre as a director of
Christchurch Cinemas Ltd.
February 1952 brought Kerridge-
Odeon Director of Publicity Percy Projectionist Don Walker (left) and assistant Bill Double proudly stand alongside their
Curtis to the theatre to outline policy Kalee 20 projectors. Note the 5,000 ft spool boxes fitted for 3D (see text).
and to announce a total replacement of Photo by Brian Austin, Author’s Collection.
projection and sound equipment.
The Majestic was the first theatre in
New Zealand to install Kalee 20 Exactly to the day of the first as did the Harry Wren Spectaculars and
projection plant with Kalee President anniversary of the new plant in Tivoli Circuit shows.
arcs. In an unusual move (cinema operation, a fire broke out in the stage Artists who appeared include
manager's usually don’t divulge the masking curtains. It was caused by a Gladys Moncrieff, Tommy Trinder,
mechanics of the show to patrons), the naked light bulb tangling in the Louis Armstrong, Winifred Atwell,
projectors were displayed in the foyer masking while the floating screen was Tommy Steele, Bill Haley and the
from 30 June 1952. descending. Although there were no Comets, Lonnie Donegan, Sabrina,
The Ernemann IIs were replaced in actual flames, lots of smoke resulted in John Rowles, Kenneth McKellar and
November and the first day of operation a fire brigade call-out at 8.10 pm, the Beatles.
of the Kalees was 9 November, for delaying the show by some 30 minutes. The Howard Morrison Quartet
MGM’s The Wild North. Projectionist In the mid-1950s further upgrades played two ‘standing-room only’ tours
was Don Walker and theatre manager brought the theatre into line with new of the Majestic in the early 1960s, their
was Cyril Aitken. by-laws and safety requirements, rhythms encouraging much toe tapping
On 7 June 1953 the projectors were including improvements to the back- from the audience.
fitted with 5000ft. spool boxes for the stage facilities expected by
Warner Bros. 3D attraction House Of international artists. New Zealand
Wax, which opened 19 June 1953. hypnotist Franquin played the theatre,

CINEMARECORD 2008 17