N.Z. Theatres More Than Equal to English Cinemas

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 460, 15 September 1928, Page 24

N.Z. Theatres More Than Equal to English Cinemas

Mr. Walter Fuller’s Opinion

“I do hope that New Zealand and Australian cinema patrons appreciate the good things that are offered to them,” says Mr. Walter Fuller, who arrived in Auckland last week after several years’ residence in London. “Compared with the average houses in London, the cinemas here are the last word in luxury, and the prices are far cheaper insofar as the big city shews are concerned. Most of the city picture shows at Home are comparatively small, but they increase in size out toward the suburbs. “As a general rule the English cinema does not offer the luxury that is to be found in the up-to-date Australian and New Zealand picture show, although of course, there are big and

costly shows with orchestras numbering as many as 40 players for certain big productions. Though he is an enthusiastic booster for British films Mr. Fuller declares frankly that they are having a struggle in England, partly because of the strong hold that has been gained in the past by the American producers. Sir Oswald Stoll was making great efforts to establish British productions firmly, and good Home-made pictures were being turned out in increasingly large numbers. “Quite a number of Continental films are being shown in London,” he says. “There are also one or two French films finding their way across, but, as a rule, there is too much blood and thunder about them.