This was the last of the old movie theatres to open in New Plymouth.
The cinema was designed by George E. Tole from Auckland and the contractors were Boon Bros., who initially retained ownership of the building. Heart rimu was used in the construction, the timber coming from Boon Bros. own mill in the King Country. On 8 September 1934 the Taranaki Herald described the building in some detail and it was expected to open within "a few months".
Eventually, the cinema opened on 8 March 1935 with a showing of the "One Night of Love", starring Grace Moore. lt was later sold to the company running the cinema, Amalgamated Theatres.
The last film was shown in May 1990; the theatre had become uneconomic to run. The building was bought by Trevor Clegg Furnishers (simply Clegg's Furniture in 2023) and they continue to occupy the building.
Related documents:
NPDC 1995 CBD Heritage Study (State Theatre)
Local Study: The Change in the Cinema Industry...in New Plymouth, Nancy de Bueger, 1994. (TRCT791.43 DEB)
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