“TALKIES” v. THE STAGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3958, 21 January 1930, Page 22

“TALKIES” v. THE STAGE.

LATTER STILL MUCH ALIVE. SIR BENJAMIN FULLER'S VIEWSSir Benjamin Fuller arrived in Dundin on Saturday morning, and when seen by our representative was inspecting the Princess Theatre with a view to having certain alterations and improvements carried out. So far, however, explained Sir Benjamin, nothing had been definitely decided as to the nature of these improvements. Asked whether the Princess was to be wired for “ talkies,” as was currentlv reported would be the case. Sir Benjamin replied that he had not made *hp his mind on that point yet. “ This little dramatic company you have in your midst just now,” he added, “is doing so well that it puts a different complexion upon the ‘ talkie v. stage ’ problem here. However, we are going thoroughly into the matter.” In Christchurch, Sir Benjamin told the reporter, the new Opera House was shortly to be wired and would be used for the “talkies” in the intervals between the production of stage plays. The St. James Theatre, Auckland, had already opened as a “ talkie ” theatre, while His Majesty’s Theatre in Wellington was being wired at the present time.

“ I am not one of those who take a gloomy view of the theatrical situation,” said Sir Benjamin. “As a matter of fact, wg have 10 companies on tour at the present moment, and I am off to America in March with a view to engaging more companies and more people.” “Of course,’’ he added, “ things have been a bit quiet, but so they have been in every line for some time past.” Sir Benjamin reminded the reporter that his firm had been catering for the public since 1896, and had, naturally, during that time experienced its ups and downs, but he took an optimistic view of the future, in spite of the pessimistic outcry in Australia in regard to the burden of the heavy State and Federal amusement taxes. These taxes hit the Fullers’ theatres just as hard as anj T others, but it was too late now to make any move towards having the burden eased. “ You can depend upon it,” concluded Sir Benjamin, “ that we will continue to do our very best to cater for the entertainment and amusement of the public.”