Change Rumoured In Theatre Control

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1077, 15 September 1930, Page 1

Change Rumoured In Theatre Control

AMERICAN INVASION? MOVE BY FOX CORPORATION Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. It is rumoured in Wellington that the Fox and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film corporation may take over the control of the picture theatres at present controlled in New Zealand by J. C. Williamson Films (N.Z.), Ltd., which include the Regent Theatres in Auckland and Wellington, with other theatres in Palmerston North, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, and other centres. It was stated in Auckland today that tho rumoured control of the J. C. Williamson picture theatres in New Zealand is simply following on the recent change in Australia. The Fox Film Corporation has control of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer organisation, and it is this group which has taken over the control of the Hoyt Theatres in Australia. Hoyt Theatres are owned by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and the directors include Sir George Tallis, the Taits and Mr. F. W. Thring. Mr. Beaumont Smith, New Zealand manager for J. C. Williamson (N.Z.) Films, is at present in Sydney, and in all probability he will return next Monday on the Niagara with confirmation of the change. If a new organisation takes over the control of the J. C. Williamson film houses, it is not likely that there will be any change in the present policy.