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Photo - Courtesy of Caths - Allan Webb - Papatoetoe Historical Society

On 12 September, 1928, the Central Theatre, a free adaptation of the Spanish style, opened. Mr. R. Corbett had it built to show silent movies. It was part of a complex, the Central Buildings, the area’s first commercial development and in 1987 was still standing.

The whole of the seating and furnishing was carried out by Mr. Tonson Garlick Ltd.

The first movie showing was free thanks to the generosity of a Member of Parliament. The film was ‘Thief of the Dark’.

Four different proprietors owned the theatre between 1928 and 1932, when Mr V M Tracey became the Central’s longest established operator. The Cinema was very popular with the American troops from Cambria Park Camp during World War I.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -