Auckland Theatre for British Films

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 974, 17 May 1930, Page 10

Auckland Theatre for British Films

FIRST IN EMPIRE OPENING NEXT FRIDAY Auckland is to have a picture theatre devoted entirely to British films. This will be the present Grand Theatre, in Lower Queen Street, opposite the post office. It is to be renamed the London Theatre.

Mrs. Henry Hayward, proprietor of the theatre, states that as far as is known, this is the first theatre in the

Empire to be devoted to British films. Even in London the theatres feature pictures from all countries on their programmes. “I think the time has come when one theatre can be devoted entirely to British talking films,” said Mrs. Hayward this morning. “It will be a difficult proposition, because the supply of- British films is necessarily limited. At present there are only two sources of supply—the International Films, from the Elstree Studios, and the Dominion Films Company. EXTENDED SEASONS

“My idea is that some of the films may be run for extended seasons, and as far as possible to supplement the features with British short talkies. Occasionally it may be necessary to show good pictures which have been exhibited elsewhere, but these will be only the very best. As Disraeli said, ‘The Government of the Queen must go on.’ So it is with the British talkies. We have decided to unfurl the Union Jack in the London Theatre.” Mrs. Hayward said that if opportunity offers and the films are of the highest standard silent pictures may be shown occasionally. The London Theatre will open officially next Friday with “High Treason,” which is said to be one of the finest British talkies ever made. It is a story of London in the year 1940 and contains a .wonderful plea for peace. Benita Hume and Jameson Thomas play the leading roles.