Tracking Shots
Close Ups on NZ Film History
A Palace Fit for a King
In Wellington on 16 March 1910 a “perfect picture palace” opened with “a star selection of signal successes”.
The theatre was The King's and its opening attracted the presence of Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward and Lady Ward. It was, after all, the first purpose-built cinema in New Zealand.
The King's was lavishly decorated and boasted two elaborate marble staircases. It could seat an audience of 1,500. Just three years after the grand opening, the theatre was refurbished. Filigree work, nymphs and crimson velvet seats kept The King's up with the grandest during a picture palace building boom.
One of the films on the opening night programme was Two Kids on a Spree in Brussels, a short comedy made in 1910 by Pathé.
- Two Kids on a Spree in Brussels (1,400kb)
Please note: These videos are in the QuickTime format. You will need to have the QuickTime player installed in order to view these files.
