FUTURE OF PICTURES.
A GREAT COMBINATION.
Mr. F(hvin Geach, tlie. well-known theatrical manager, is at present in Wellington on a holiday. He,is one of the managing directors of the Union Theatres of Australasian Films. . He has lately had a very strenuous time in connection with the formation and completion of one of the biggest amusement combinations south of the Line, threading the interests of film and amusement enterprises, including West's, Ltd., J. D. Williams, Ltd., Spencer's, Ltd., Amalgamated Pictures, joined to J. C. Williamson Filme, Ltd., and Electrical Theatres, Ltd., This great combination represents a capital of £3,000,000, arid, it now controls 75 per cent, of the Australian picture theatres. It is the combination's intention to at once proceed with the erection in Sydney and Melbourne-of theatres capable of seating from 3000 tfe 4000 people—one in each city. Each theatre will cost at least £100,000. With a desire to make theso picture-houses absolutely up-to-date, the combination has commissioned its architects to visit the United States to obtain the latest data and technical information on tho construction and equipment of the leading picture theatrea.
Speaking of Australian film production Mr. Geach observed that before the next few months were over there would bo three studios in full swing in Sydney. The Australian work so far produced was excellent in technique and subject. He particularly mentioned "The Sentimental Bloke" picture, which was a great success and was splendidly received in Australia. . .Notwithstanding strikes, lock-outs, and other labour in Australia, pictures were never more patronised than they were to-day. Excepting for the dislocation of business caused by the influenza, the picture theatre' receipts constituted a record. Close business touch with New Zealand film importers will be maintained by the combination, and in the future, as "in the past, those relationjs would continue, he felt sure, to b© mutu|Jlygati§f actorjr,_
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 77, 31 March 1920, Page 5
Word Count
306FUTURE OF PICTURES. Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 77, 31 March 1920, Page 5
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