Page 16 Advertisements Column 2

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23228, 23 December 1938, Page 16

1 I *mated theatres ltd. £JVr fkW" ■ Auckland's Latest I Cenfre GRAND OPENING TO-NIGHT, FRIDAY at The Great Holiday Attraction "My Lucky Star/' Featuring SONJA HENIE A Twentieth Century Fox Production. 'Amalgamated Theatres Limited is now I 2 years old and the Plaza is the 65th theatre in its chain, which extends from Whangarei to Invercargill. The company is showing releases by United Artists, 20th Century Fox and RKO Radio, and it has such an outstanding list of attractions that the directors feel that the company should have a large, modern theatre in each city to accommodate audiences with the utmost comfort. "In Wellington the company's large new city theatre is the King's, in Christchurch the State and in Dunedin the Octagon. The Liberty Theatre, Christchurch, was recently taken over by Amalgamated Theatres, which intends to rebuild it. Third Opening in Six Weeks "The opening of the Plaza Theatre to-day is thfc third opening of the company's theatres in six weeks, the King's Theatre, Wellington, having been opened on November 2 and the State Theatre, Christchurch on November 30. King's Theatre seats 1200 people, the new Plaza Theatre 1100, and the State, Christchurch, 1000." Following " My Lucky Star " at the Plaza Theatre there would be shown " Little Miss Broadway," a 20th Fox picture starring Shirley Temple, and the United Artists release The Cowboy and the Lady, * with Gary Cooper in the principal role, Mr. Moodabe said. The Walt Disney full-length cartoon "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs wou'd open simultaneously as the Christmas attraction at the Civic Theatre, Auckland (a subsidiary of Amalgamated Theatres), and at their theatres at Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin to-day. MR. M. J. MOODABE Governing director of Amalgamated Theatres Limited. HE opening of the new Plaza Theatre in Auckland completes I the company's policy to have one large type of theatre of its own in each city,'' said Mr. J. P. Moodabe, managing director of Amalgamated Theatres Limited, in referring yesterday to the recommencement of the entirely reconstructed Plaza Theatre, Queen Street. 1 2500 Employee* Under the direction of Mr. M. J. Moodabe, governing director. Amalgamated Theatres has grown in its 12 years of existence into the present extensive organisation, which has about 2500 employees. The secretary of the company is Mr. R. H. Allen, who is well versed in theatre construction, having taken part in plannnig a large number of the company s theatres. Tile company is also fortunate in having at its disposal the experience of Mr. E. j. Mcßrearty, film buyer, who acts in conjunction with the directors. The attendance at Amalgamated Theatres productions for the year ended last March was 5,000,000, which is equivalent to having every person in New Zealand attend four times during that period. Rebuilding costs entailing many thousands have been spent between the two companies, Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd., and Dominion Picture Theatre Company, of which Mr. J. A. Gentles is the chairman, in rebuilding the Plaza Theatre. Amalgamated Theatres has taken out a very long term lease for the theatre with the Dominion Picture Theatre Company. The progressive policy of Amalgamated Theatres is seen in quietly luxurious Plaza Theatre, which fulfils the company's ideal of presenting the best available pictures under conditions giving the greatest comfort to patrons. Among the innovations incorporated in the theatre is the system of interior neon lighting, the only system of its kind in Auckland and the second in New Zealand, the first being in King's Theatre, Wellington. Tribute to Workmen The architectural work in connection with the Plaza Theatre was placed in the hands of Gummer and Ford, and was carried out under the direction ot Mr G A Rix-Trott. The construction was done by N. Cole Limited, Auckland, which has built no less than 38 theatres out of Amalgamated's mighty chain of 65 theatres throughout New Zealand. The work of rebuilding the Plaza Theatre has been in progress for about six months and a tribute to the workmen for the spirit of friendship and co-operation which prevailed throughout the job was paid by Mr. R. H. Allen. ,-r v >: MR. J. P. MOODABE Managing director of Amalgamated Theatres Limited. An Amalgamated Theatres Ltd. Enterprise

am SUMMER and IS ASSURED BY MODERN VENTILATION AND HEATING BY PAYNE AIR-HEATING FURNACES AND BISHOP and BABCOCK FANS SUPPLIED BY NEW ZEALAND AIR CONDITIONERS LTD. 64 Wyndham Street ran [The new Plaza Theatre is yet another example of how the comfort of audiences is taken care of by modern GAS-operated Equipment. Perfect Ventilation in Summer and Hygienic Heat in Winter Gas provides both with 100% efficiency and bedrock economy. Many Auckland Theatres, also Churches and Halls, have GASoperated Ventilation and Central Heating Systems. |These may be purchased on Easy Terms. Ask us for particulars, also Free Estimates for installations. AUCKLAND CAS CO. LTD. WYNDHAM STREET, PITT STREET AND BRANCHES.