"GONE WITH THE WIND"

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 23, 10 November 1944, Page 5

"GONE WITH THE WIND"

LONG AWAITED FILM STORY ATTACHED TO DELAY Theatre patrons Avill be pleased to hear that the Academy Award' winning picture "Gon<? With the Wind" has been booked by the management of the Regent Theatre Whakatane, to screen in this town on the 4th y sth and 6th of December. Universally accredited as being the topmost motion picture ever "Gone With the Wind" has had rather an interesting history in New Zealand. The picture first landed 'in this country some three years ago where preceded by the novel from Avhich it Avas and publicised freely in many other directions it was sure of a huge supporting public. So much was its coming anticipated however, that the OAvners decided not to sell it to a company in the usual Avay, but to take over the theatres in each town 'in which it was due to screen, put in their own house manager for the nights for Avhich it was booked and run the picture themselves. It Avas also intended to raise the, price of the seats almost 100 per s-o that a seat in the stalls Avoultl have cost the patron 2/6 or more. HoAveA'er in accordance Avith the old adage "The best laid plans—" no company in New Zealand Avould permit the OAvners of. the film to take over their theatres and as a <> result, Gone With the Wind'' was screened only in the very feAV places possessing independent oAvned and run by syndicates- avlio Avere not concerned whether their patrons were charged double the, usual cost or not, and who apparently did not mind an interloper stepping in and taking charge of their theatres. Consequently the picture, did a very short circuit. Realising that their scheme could not be. a success, th£ owners at. last sold tfie picture in tjie ordinary manner and through Kerridge Theatres the management of the' Regent has been fortunate enough to obtain the show Whakatane taking priority over Rotorua, Tauranga sud many other towns. The total screening time of the film is three and a half hours. Another feature is the fact that the music which is played before the commencement and at half time is all on the film itself and not as it is usually on records. This means that for a period of close on four hours the machines Avill be running without a stop. "Gone With the Wind" is a picture that has been long awaited, and the fact that only the usual popular prices will be charged for seats Avill no doubt draAV a packed house each night it is screened.