Page 25 - CR

Another highlight was CATHS
member Alan Webb’s Regent Theatre
in Te Awamutu. This rural cinema has
evolved over the years from a single
screen to five. Each screen features
different themes and all have screen
curtains.
The showpiece of the tour was the
magnificent Civic Theatre in Auckland.
This eastern themed, atmospheric once
seated about 3500 patrons. Arguably the
biggest and best of the Australasian
atmospherics; the theatre featured
extensive foyer spaces, and a grand
ballroom beneath (the Wintergarden). It
is the last surviving atmospheric in New
Zealand. The other examples were at
Christchurch and Dunedin.
Perhaps the most unusual cinemas
were to be found in the rural, coastal
town of Matakana (north east of
Auckland). The Matakana Cinemas During the 1930’s and ‘40’s many The tour participants were delighted
were part of a village themed complex, exhibition circuits were amalgamated with the variety of scenery found on the
also including a tavern and shops. The leading to the dominance of the North Island. This included a great boat
Cinemas were most stylish in both Kerridge and Amalgamated circuits. trip at the Bay of Islands. Some of the
design and the fabrics used on walls At most locations there was at least one attractions visited included the
and draperies. theatre of each chain. Often long leases Southward Car Museum; now the home
The middle cinema featured 31,000 were taken over Town Halls to achieve of the Wurlitzer organ from Auckland’s
paper flowers, affixed to its ceiling. a presence in a community. These Civic Theatre. Another unusual visit
The best seats in the house were in the famous exhibition chains no longer was to a country car wrecking yard
front row. This feature was not exist because of corporate takeovers. which was had been used as a film set.
uncommon in New Zealand cinemas. The arrival of television (from 1960) A lunch time yacht cruise on Auckland
also led to the rapid decline of harbour completed the main part of the
traditional cinemas. tour. We returned to Melbourne from
In the 1930’s, the art moderne style Auckland.
became very popular in new theatre Our thanks go to the many New
design and refurbishment. Many newer Zealanders who generously arranged
theatres featured single rake or stadium parts of our itinerary and called up
style auditoriums and were usually less favours from other exhibitors or owners
than 880 seats in capacity. The vertical of former theatres. Hopefully more
action “waterfall curtains” were also very detailed articles on New Zealand
popular. These expensive curtains were cinemas and theatres will follow.
We found the New Zealand theatre found in theatres of all sizes, including
experience very similar to Australia’s. rural and urban locations.
From the beginning the two countries Many of the country cinemas
shared entrepreneurs, architects and visited were now under the control of
builders. Even the international community groups who are doing a
acquisitions were similar. Twentieth magnificent job in keeping them going.
Century Fox acquired the Amalgamated We found several smallish cinemas in
chain, and J Arthur Rank, the Kerridge rural towns, seating around 600-700.
group. Our various hosts proved to be very
Apparently New Zealanders were passionate about their cinemas and
bigger film goers than Australians. This theatres and displayed a great
led to purpose built theatres being also knowledge about the New Zealand
found in many small communities, the scene.
likes of which did not occur in
Top & Left: Auditoriums at Matakama.
Australia.
Right: Caths President Gerry Kennedy
New Zealand has a current population thanks the management of the Palmerston
of about 4.3 million people and it is North Regent for their hospitality.
mystifying how so many theatres existed
in both rural and urban locations. Report by Gerry Kennedy.

CINEMARECORD 2010 25