The Empire Picture Palace, corner of Colombo and Elgin Streets, Sydenham, started life as the Presbyterian Church originally built in 1880. It was converted to a cinema and commenced screening on January 2, 1911 when it was opened by the Mayor, Mr C Allison. Admission for adults was 1s (10c) in the circle and 6d (5c) in the stalls. It had a seating capacity of 850 persons.

During a performance on February 25, 1918, a fire broke out in the projection box. Although the cinema was not damaged, some 2,000 feet of film was destroyed and the projectionist, Mr Williams, suffered burns to his hands.

On August 12, 1922, the Empire was renamed the Kings Cinema. Its believed that the Kings remained a Silent cinem throughout its life until its closure in May 1936. The cinema was demolished in June of that year.

Date Opened: 2 January, 1911
Renamed: Kings (August 12, 1922)
Date Closed: May 1936
Operators: Independent
Location: Corner Colombo and Elgin Streets
Demolished: June 1936

QUEENS CINEMA, Christchurch
1912 - 1929

A start was made in May 1912 to demolish an old building in Hereford Street for the erection of a new cinema. A competion for the name of the cinema was held by the “Christchurch Press” with a first prize of £5 5s ($10.50). The new cinema became known as the Queens and was owned by MacMahon and Edwards. A continuos cinema operating from 11 am to 11 pm, it was opened by the Mayor, Mr H Holland on October 31,
1912.

This cinema had an uneventful life. The cinema finally closed its doors for the final time of January 5, 1929. It was converted into a furniture wharehouse. Another storey was added by raising the roof to allow the outer was to be erected. The interior of the cinema was stripped out. However the original stairway to the circle was left intact, as was the ceiling. The cinema is today occupied by the Auckland Savings Bank.

Date Opened: October 31, 1912
Date Closed: January 5, 1929
Operators: MacMahon and Edwards
Location: Hereford Street

STARLIGHT CINEMA, Christchurch
1916 - 1918

The Starlight Cinema, on the corner of Colombo and Hereford Streets, was opened on May 29, 1916 as a continuous cinema, 11am to 10.15pm. Known as the “Picture Theatre Beautiful” admission was 6d (5c) for adults and 3d (2c) for children. Of the opening “The Press” reported that a large crowd had gathered an hour before opening time (2pm) and that they took up both the footpath and part of the roadway.

On June 2, of the same year, the management appeared before the Magistrates Court on charges of using an unlicensed theatre. It was alleged that the company, Starlight Limited, had opened the theatre without providing certain hand rails in the dress circle, and fire appliances. For the company, it was stated that all the requirements of the Christchurch City Council had been fulfilled with the exception of the hand rails, notice to erect having been given at the last moment. The Court conceded that the Company had been placed under difficulties at the last moment by the City Council, but had shown every desire to meet the law. A technical breach had, however been committed and the company was fined 10s ($1) on each count.

The Managing Director of Crystal Palace Limited, Mr V M Beebe, announced on July 12, that it would erect a new cinema in Cathedral Square. By August Mr Beebe announced that the company had secured half the shareholdings in two Christchurch cinemas for a takeover. The names of the two cinemas at the time were not revelled.

The Starlight closed on October 9 to carry out the required alterations as well as installation of a new stage and screen. When it reopened a week later it was taken over by Crystal Palace Limited.

Just two years after it had been opened, the Starlight closed down for the final time on August 3rd, 1918. In later years the cinema was demolished. Today the site is occupied by the Bank of New Zealand.

Date Opened: May 29, 1916
Date Closed: August 3, 1918
Operators: Independent (May 1916 to 1916), Crystal Palace Limited (October 16, 1916 to 1918)
Location: Colombo Street/Hereford Street Cnr
Demolished:

©   Library of Cinema Research Data   1998; 2000   ©    Bradley Knewstubb 1998   Dated Created: 7 July, 2002