New Tudor Theatre for Remuera Road

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 248, 10 January 1928, Page 16

New Tudor Theatre for Remuera Road

A PICTURE PALACE FULLER-HAYWARD-MUMFORD ENTERPRISE T> EMU ERA is at last to have its J-li own picture theatre, a fine new building, which from the architectural standpoint will not be out of place in that suburb of beautiful homes. To be known as the Tudor Theatre, the building will seat 1,250 people, 800 in the stalls and 450 in the gallery, and it will be erected in Remuera Road, almost opposite the post office. The days of the old picture “show’ are past, and here, as in other parts of the world, modern and costly buildings are taking their place. These new buildings can be a great asset to any city because of the enormous amount of money that changes hands by their construction. Work is given to numerous trades and callings during building operations, and on completion permanent staffs are employed. A BIG INDUSTRY The “picture” business of to-day is a gigantic concern employing as it does millions of people in its upkeep. It is doubtful if any other business can boast of the enormous capital that has been spent, and is still being spent in its direction. This new theatre, which is being erected for Messrs. Fuller, Hayward and Mumford, will be up-to-date in every conceivable way. The theatre Itself, as the name suggests, will be on different lines to any other and very special attention is being paid to the pleasure of the patrons. A large, well finished foyer has been designed before the dress circle, and all other parts of the building are being studied so that patrons may have their evening’s enjoyment in the greatest comfort. Modelled on the lines of the world’s largest picture theatres, the projection room will be equipped with the most modern plant and machinery, some of which has never been used before in any theatre in Australia or New Zealand. Many novel devices will make the “Tudor” cinema projection room one of the best and most modern in the Southern Hemisphere. Special emergency lighting plant is also being put in, in case of failure of the main supply, and every precaution is being taken against possible breakdown or stoppage. CHOSEN PROGRAMMES The programmes will consist of the very pick of the world’s film output, this being possible by the huge film arrangements made by the Fuller-Hay-ward management for their circuit of 56 theatres throughout New Zealand. Special effects, and attractive novelties will be provided, and the entertainments given as a whole will be of a very high standard. The “Tudor” Cinema (which contains four shops) is being erected in the busy part of the Remuera Road and should be the means of creating more business in the vicinity. The destiny of the theatre will be in the hands of Mr. F. G. Mumford, whose connection with every phase of the business in Australia and New Zealand extends from its infancy. Mr. Mumford has had many years of experience as a picture theatre proprietor, and was for eight years vice-president of the Picture Showmen’s Association of Australia, a large organisation that represents more than half a million of money invested in the industry. The “Tudor” Cinema is another step forward in Auckland’s progress.