Amalgamated Theatres Ltd.

Date: 1941 - 1956 - 1960 - 1975

By: Murray-Oliver, Anthony Audrey St. Clair Murray, 1915-1986; Amalgamated Theatres Ltd.; Devonport Steam Ferry Company; Eastbourne Ferry Service; Eastbourne Omnibus Service; New Zealand Railways; New Zealand. Government Life Insurance Dept.; Wellington City Council Transport Department

Reference: Eph-A-TRANSPORT-AMO

Description: Includes undated tickets, mainly for means of transport, from both before and after the introduction of decimal currency (1967), issued by Amalgamated Theatres Ltd., Devonport Steam Ferry Company, Eastbourne Ferry Service, Eastbourne Omnibus Service, Lyttelton Wharf (1956), New Zealand Railways, New Zealand Government Life Insurance Dept, Salient (Victoria University), State Theatre (issued 1965), Tivoli Theatre (1941), Wellington City Council Transport Department. Quantity: 24 tickets. Physical Description: Relief prints of paper or card, sizes varying around 70 x 100 mm.

Date: 1981

Reference: Eph-C-CINEMAS-WN-1981-01

Description: Text and illustrations, telling the history of King's Theatre (opened 1910), with advertisements for the films which will show in the new complex. Quantity: 1 b&w photo-mechanical print(s) brochure. Physical Description: Letterpress and photolithograph on 8 pages each 435 x 295 mm.

Date: 1985

Reference: Eph-C-CINEMAS-WN-1985-01

Description: The seating plan shows four rows of the "Royal lounge", 23 ordinary stall rows, and seven rows right close to the stage. The width of most rows is 27 seats. The Plaza showed its last film on 29 June 1985. Quantity: 1 b&w photo-mechanical print(s) on poster.. Physical Description: Photolithograph, on sheet 445 x 190 mm. Provenance: Acquired in 1985.

Date: 1933 - 1935

From: [Ephemera of octavo size relating to cinemas, movies, films and film screenings in New Zealand]

Reference: Eph-A-CINEMA-1933/1935

Description: Includes pamphlets for the following shows: 1933: Kemball Theatres Ltd. De Luxe and Paramount, Wellington. Programme commencing Friday 3rd March 1933. Kemball Theatres Ltd. De Luxe and Paramount, Wellington. Programme commencing Friday 29th December 1933. Paramount British Productions present "The crime at Blossoms". Paramount Pictures present "Hello, everybody!". Grand Opera House Wellington, 10 November 1933. Programme The State [Dunedin]. Gala opening, Wednesday April 11th [1933]. Programme (including "I was a spy!") "Cavalcade", Noel Coward's picture of the generation. Fox Film's proudest achievement. King's Theatre Thames, Saturday August 19th [1933] Promotional pamphlet. Warner Bros present "The working man" [with George Arliss and Bette Davis]. Grand Opera House Wellington, 3 November 1933. Programme Janet Gaynor and Henry Garat in "Adorable", with Herbert Mundin, C Aubrey Smith. A Fox picture. King's Theatre Thames, Saturday, Monday, Tues, Sep 16-18-19 [1933]. Promotional pamphlet. 1934: Hayward's Town Hall Avondale. Talkie programmes for a fortnight, 7 - 27 February [1934] Kemball Theatres Ltd. De Luxe and Paramount, Wellington. Programme commencing Friday 13 July 1934. Preview. "The private life of Henry VIII". London Films Ltd. You are cordially invited to attend a special showing .... at the regent Theatre Wellington, Sunday evening, january seventh [1934]. United Artists Corporation. Invitation card with portrait of Charles Laughton as Henry VIII The Regent magazine programme. Charles Laughton in "The private life of Henry VIII". London Films Ltd. Programme, week commencing Friday Jan 19th [1934] The Regent souvenir programme. London Film Productions present "Catherine the Great". Programme, week commencing Friday April 27 [1934] (2 copies) The Regent magazine programme. 20th Century Pictures Inc present "Gallant lady". Programme, week commencing Friday March 9 [1934] The State Theatre Courtenay Place Wellington. "The good companions", with John Gielgud and Jessie Matthews. Souvenir programme with the compliments of Amalgamated Theatre (N.Z.) Ltd [1934] (2 copies) Educational Cinema, "Brighter and better pictures" (for boys and girls, from 8 to 80). "Grass"; drama of a nation's struggle for Grass - and Life. [Christchurch. ca 1934] (Flier/programme) Constance Bennett in "Moulin Rouge" with Franchot Tone, Tullio Carminati, directed by Sidney Lanfield and Russ Colombo, Boswell Sisters. A Darryl F Zanuck production. Regent Theatre (Hamilton), 9-12 June [1934]. Promotional pamphlet 1935: The incomparable Chaliapine in "Don Quixote"; the great Paul Robeson in "Emperor Jones". New Opera House Wellington commencing 7 June 1935. Programme Another hit from Darryl F Zanuck! Ronald Colman in "The man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo". 20th Century Fox. Flier in form of phoney banknote Warner Bros Vitaphone, First National Pictures. Irene Dunne in "Sweet Adeline", by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. The Majestic (Taihape's entertainment centre). Tuesday and Wednesday, October 1st and 2nd [1935] Kemball Theatres Ltd. De Luxe and Paramount, Wellington. Programme commencing Friday 8th February 1935. Kemball Theatres Ltd. De Luxe and Paramount, Wellington. Programme commencing Friday 28th June 1935. Amalgamated Theatres (N.Z.) Ltd. Plaza Theatre. Week commencing Friday 1 November 1935. Programme Paramount Pictures present Noel Coward in "The scoundrel". New Opera House Wellington, 4 October 1935. Programme Amalgamated Theatres (N.Z.) Ltd. State Theatre. Week commencing 6 December 1935. Programme Amalgamated Theatres (N.Z.) Ltd. State Theatre. Week commencing 15 November 1935. Programme New Opera House Wellington. "Girls in uniform", a Continental film featuring Dorothea Wieck and Hertha Thiele. 15 November 1935. Programme (2 copies) Clara Bow in "The wild party". A Paramount picture. Sat, Mon, Tues, 23rd, 25th, 26th Nov [1935]. Promotional pamphlet. St James Theatre - Majestic Theatre. Cinema news, no. 116, 23 August 1935. Programme (with "G men", "Flirtation walk", "McFadden's Flats") Quantity: 29 colour photo-mechanical print(s) on pamphlets and fliers.. Physical Description: Photolithographs on pamphlets, up to octavo size.

Date: 24 Oct 2000

From: Auckland Civic Theatre Year 2000 Oral Archive project

By: Kearney, Eric, active 2000

Reference: OHInt-0546-05

Description: Eric Kearney was the manager of the Civic Theatre from 1977 to 1999. Recalls falling in love with movies and theatre buildings as a child going to the Vogue Theatre in Brooklyn. Discusses the relationship between film makers, film suppliers and those who show films. Comments on the need to create magic for the viewer despite the commercial nature of the business. Discusses the relationship between the size of the audience and where the film was shown. Mentions `The sound of music'. Comments on change as a result of multiplex theatres. Mentions the Civic was owned by the Auckland City Council and leased out. Notes that the Council spent $42 million on renovations. Discusses various cinema chains including Amalgamated, Kerridge, the Village and Hoyts Theatres and the allocation of films. Describes the origin of Amalgamated under Michael Moodabe, who began working for Dr Raynor's theatre in 1925. Mentions his brother Joseph Moodabe. Recalls early theatre under the Hayward family, J C Williamson and the Fuller Corporation. Comments on the popularity of the movies in conjunction with shop and hotel early closing hours. Recalls the glamour associated with the stars and the loss of this through travel and media overexposure. Recalls early film festivals and suspicion of `arty', foreign films which were non-commercial. Describes the importance of ambient music, informative telephone messages and staff personal knowledge of the film. Talks about some problems including flooding, electricity and lighting. Mentions Russell Crowe's connection with the Civic Theatre through the downstairs nightclub, the film `The mighty Civic' made by Peter Wells and Stewart Main, pop videos made there and events, premieres and balls held. Recalls stars who have been there including Joan Collins, Bette Davis, Charlton Heston and Sam Neill, Mr Bean and Glenda Jackson. Interviewer(s) - Anna Soutar Quantity: 3 C90 cassette(s). 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) (partial). 1 Electronic document(s) (partial transcript). 1 interview(s). Physical Description: Textual files - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3077, OHDL-001748.

Date: 13 Feb 2001

From: Auckland Civic Theatre Year 2000 Oral Archive project

By: Moodabe, Joe, active 2000

Reference: OHInt-0546-06

Description: Joe Moodabe is the son of Michael Moodabe who established the Amalgamated Theatres chain, which managed the Civic Theatre. Describes how Amalgamated Theatres and Kerridge Odeon were the two theatre chains. Recalls how his father premiered movies at home in the evenings. Describes Amalgamated's association with Twentieth Century Fox, who pioneered Cinemascope. Notes that the Civic had the first Cinemascope lens in this part of the world. Discusses the relationship between film distributors and film exhibitors. Comments on the reduced need for huge picture palaces as the result of reduced theatre attendances after the arrival of television. Recalls alterations in 1975 when the Wintergarden dance hall, part of the Civic Theatre, was changed into a small, intimate theatre. Describes the Civic as a building which has outlived its time. Interviewer(s) - Anna Soutar Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) (partial). 1 Electronic document(s) (partial transcript). 1 interview(s). Physical Description: Textual files - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3078, OHDL-001749.

Date: Date unknown

From: Miller, Adam, 1960-: Collection of New Zealand sound recordings and record sleeves

Reference: MSD10-1068

Description: Recording of tracks 136 and 137 for Amagamated Theatres Limited. Title transcribed from item Quantity: 1 10" disc(s). Physical Description: Lacquer disc, printed "Commercial Recording" label with typescript additions. Processing information: Description created from item label/housing. Item has not been previewed as part of processing.

Date: Date unknown

From: Miller, Adam, 1960-: Collection of New Zealand sound recordings and record sleeves

Reference: MSD10-1071

Description: Recording of tracks 930, 931, and 932 for Amalgamated Theatres - South Pacific. Tracks include "with a wonderful guy!" and "anything like South Pacific". Title transcribed from item Quantity: 1 10" disc(s). Physical Description: Lacquer disc, printed "Commercial Recording" label with typescript additions. Sleeve with annotations. Processing information: Description created from item label/housing. Item has not been previewed as part of processing.

Date: Date unknown

From: Miller, Adam, 1960-: Collection of New Zealand sound recordings and record sleeves

Reference: MSD10-1067

Description: Recording of tracks 107 and 108 for Amalgamated Theatres Limited. Track includes "Now - Metro Goldwyn Mayer presents … Gone with the Wind". Title transcribed from item Quantity: 1 10" disc(s). Physical Description: Lacquer disc, printed "Commercial Recording" label with typescript additions. Sleeve with annotations. Processing information: Description created from item label/housing. Item has not been previewed as part of processing.

Date: 1957

From: Holyoake, Keith Jacka (Sir), 1904-1983 : Political papers

Reference: MS-Papers-1814-074/1

Description: Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1966

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-213889-F

Description: Interior of Cinerama theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington, photographed 1966 by K E Niven & Co of Wellington. Description from negative envelope and studio card index. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative Finding Aids: Studio card index: no 8435.

Date: 7 September 1967

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-214503-F

Description: Front entrance of Plaza Theatre, Manners street, Wellington, photographed 7 September 1967 by K E Niven & Co of Wellington. Description from negative envelope and studio card index. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative Finding Aids: Studio card index: no 8815.

Date: 1966

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-213884-F

Description: Interior of Cinerama theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington, photographed 1966 by K E Niven & Co of Wellington. Description from negative envelope and studio card index. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative Finding Aids: Studio card index: no 8435.

Date: 1966

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-213888-F

Description: Interior of Cinerama theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington, photographed 1966 by K E Niven & Co of Wellington. Description from negative envelope and studio card index. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative Finding Aids: Studio card index: no 8435.

Date: 1966

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-213887-F

Description: Interior of Cinerama theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington, photographed 1966 by K E Niven & Co of Wellington. Description from negative envelope and studio card index. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative Finding Aids: Studio card index: no 8435.

Date: 1935

From: Cabot, Charles Henry, 1890-1978: [Collection of ephemera, posters and programmes. 1900-1976]

By: Cabot, Charles Henry, 1890-1978; Cabot, Beatrice Eliza, 1894-1981

Reference: Eph-C-CABOT-Miscellaneous-1935-01

Description: Arrangement of text. Advertises continuous screenings from 11 am. 5 sessions per day. Direction: Amalgamated Theatres Ltd. Other Titles - Poster Quantity: 1 colour photo-mechanical print(s). Physical Description: Letterpress 382 x 507 mm.

Date: 1966

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-213883-F

Description: Interior of Cinerama theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington, photographed 1966 by K E Niven & Co of Wellington Description from negative envelope and studio card index. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative Finding Aids: Studio card index: no 8435.

Date: 1966

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-213885-F

Description: Interior of Cinerama theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington, photographed 1966 by K E Niven & Co of Wellington. Description from negative envelope and studio card index. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative Finding Aids: Studio card index: no 8435.

Date: 1966

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-213886-F

Description: Interior of Cinerama theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington, photographed 1966 by K E Niven & Co of Wellington. Description from negative envelope and studio card index. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative Finding Aids: Studio card index: no 8435.

Date: Date unknown

From: Miller, Adam, 1960-: Collection of New Zealand sound recordings and record sleeves

Reference: MSD10-1065

Description: Recording of tracks 152, 153, 154, and 156, 157, 157 of product advertising for Amalgamated Theatres The Jungle Book. Recording by Commercial Recording. Title transcribed from item Quantity: 1 10" disc(s). Physical Description: Lacquer disc, printed "Commercial Recording" label with typescript additions. Sleeve with annotations. Processing information: Description created from item label/housing. Item has not been previewed as part of processing.