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reconstructed the old, taking
over its operations on an
improved financial basis.
Within three years Beaumont
Smith was out, succeeded by
John Hamilton Mason.
Like cinemas everywhere
the Regent flourished during
our ‘golden age of film’. For
New Zealand (and Australia)
this was the late 1930s and
1940s - the war years
especially helpful to putting
out the ‘Full House’ sign.
On 28 March 1946 Robert
James Kerridge sold 50
percent of his theatre interests
to Joseph Arthur Rank
through Odeon Holdings Ltd.
of London. A new company
was formed which would take
effect on 1 September. Using
Top: At street level six steps take balcony patrons to their entrance, while stalls patrons move
the money generated by this
left and down stairs. (Otago Theatre Trust)
sale, R.J. Kerridge bought the
Above: The approach to the balcony entrance.
J.C. Williamson Picture
Corporation (N.Z.) Ltd. in
August and the new company,
Kerridge-Odeon Corporation
took over operations at the
Regent on 23 October the
same year.

18 2007 CINEMARECORD