In researching other cinemas in Christchurch, I eventually found the answer in a very small newspaper article tucked away inside "The Star" of 3 March 1927. All it said was "J C Williamson announces that they intend to build new cinemas, known as "Regents"' in Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill and Kilbirnie (Wellington Suburb), following the success of their two built in Auckland and Wellington (both opened 1926). J C Williamson entered Christchurch with the take over of the Theatre Royal on 14 June 1929.

On 18 April, 1928, Mr Henry Waters, General Manager of Christchurch Cinemas Ltd, announced the acquisition of the Royal Exchange block in Cathedral Square for the purpose of building a new cinema at a cost of £160,000. The Royal Exchange block, covering a half acre, was a fine building which required little alteration to enable the erection of an ideal cinema. The new cinema, Mr Water said, was to be called The Regent. The architect was Mr J S Guthrie. A modern (1928) suspended veranda and shop fronts were to be introduced following the necessary alterations to the front of the building.

Christchurch Cinemas was made up of a partnership of Hayward Pictures Ltd, Waters and Spence Ltd, Fuller Pictures Ltd and Mr E J Righton. It would trade under its own title. By 1930 the company had taken over the control of the Liberty Cinema (10 June 1929) from Haywards; Crystal Palace (26 August 1929) an independent; and Everybodys (28 October 1929), an independent. They also went on to lease the Majestic (opened 1 March 1930).

THE REGENT
So complete was the illusion of the atmospheric effect of the Regent that it was difficult to convince ones self that you were not in the open air. Overhead fleecy clouds passed over twinkling stars with almost tropical brilliance. Outside, sixteen large flood lights in gold shades illuminated the exterior of the former Exchange building.

LEFT: Detail of the auditorium side walls of the original Regent viewed from the rear of the dress circle- Photograph from B Knewstubb Collection, photographer unknown

The main entrance of the Regent was a mirror and decorated portico, with two ticket boxes in Spanish design on marble bases. The mirrors were set in niches flanked by columns with foliated capitols, and the ceiling above was heavily beamed, the treatment also being Spanish. Gilt doors under tasteful arcading omitted to the foyer, which was of immense size and ascending to the balcony foyer. A great stairway commenced to the right of the foyer and ascended to the balcony foyer. Its wrought iron balustrade was in black and gilt, and the handrail of polished Tasmanian blackwood.

In both foyers one's feet sunk in luxurious carpets. The walls of the balcony foyer were of dark cream stucco, and the miniature arcade at ceiling level in harmony with the atmosphere of the whole cinema. They merged into deep black marble and Spanish tapestries displaying their beauty under shaded lights. Here too, the ceiling was heavily beamed. From the balcony foyer one could over look the magnificent stairway and spacious stair well.

Also in both foyers were ladies and gentlemen's cloakrooms. Ornamental fireplaces, with modern electric fires, were at each end of the balcony foyer. Here also was a recessed fountain, tiled and lit at night by concealed globes. From a bronze lions head flowed a constant stream of water. Furnishings, consisting of Spanish chairs, Chesterfields, and massive tables, carpets and palms all toned harmoniously with other decorations of the foyer, all semi-direct lights were assisted by quaint torches.

LEFT: The auditorium of the original Regent Cinema looking from the rear of the circle as it was before Twinning-Photograph from B Knewstubb Collection, photographer unknown

In the auditorium it displayed a traditional Spanish architecture. Above, the vault-like blue of the open sky darkened to black by myriad's of bright stars formed a canopy for scenes with a medieval conception. Pillared portico's and doorways, peeping gable ends, towers, and balconies, were backed by trees.

The proscenium was roofed with Spanish tiles, the entablature being divided into ornamental panels, and supported on richly arabesqued pilasters. A rising sun, with rays from it in bright hues, was represented on the drapes of the proscenium. The screen was 42ft by 27ft. Silver tinsel was used as a material for one curtain, and the main one, in apricot, weighted 250lbs. A light border in four colours completely surrounded the proscenium.

On entering or leaving the dress circle one had to pass through the Spanish doorways. One of these doors was set between wreathed columns, resting on blue Belgo marble, and had a gold cable with a semi-circular heading over it. Heraldic shields and a richly curved cornice completed the feature. Sound absorbing materials were incorporated in the building where ever possible, and some 600 yards of felt was used back stage. Throughout the cinema grills, used for ventilation and heating, of varied and ornate design were placed.

No provision was made for an orchestra well, and carpets had been carried right down to the footlights, which were draped in rich silks. Concealed cove lighting and the placing of lamps in ornate brackets, were another feature. The seating capacity was 1,568, the stalls being staggered. The architect was Mr J G Guthrie, the contractor Mr W Williamson.

The Regent cinema opened on 16 August 1930, with the film "Paramount on Parade". The ceremony was performed by the mayor of Christchurch, Mr T K Archer.

The first Christmas day screening took place at all cinemas operated by Christchurch Cinemas Ltd, including the Regent, on 25 December, 1936.

The Regent was twinned on 18 November 1981 following a disastous fire in 1976, and four-plex from 14 December 1996.

LEFT: The disastous fire in 1976 that lead to the twinning of the Regent in 1981- Photograph from B Knewstubb Collection, Photogapher unknown

Date Opened: 16 August 1930
Location: South West Corner, Cathedral Square (from 14/12/1996) Worcester Street
Operators: Christchurch Cinemas Ltd (1930-1946); Kerridge Odeon Corporation (1946-1989); Everade Cinemas (1989-1994); Hoyts Cinemas (1994-current)

© Library of Cinema Research Data, 1998, a division of Knewstubb Theatres.