Hamilton centre stage for comedy

In 1934, Hamilton was the location for Hamilton Talks a 20-minute comedy billed as New Zealand’s first

‘talking picture comedy’. The film was directed by Rudall Hayward, who in later years went on to direct Rewi’s Last Stand.

Thousands of local people were included in the production for crowd scenes and other notable locations included the Hamilton Hotel and

River Road. This promotional flier was produced for the extended season of the film showing from November 10 at The Royal. Tickets could be reserved through the preferential booking plan for the gala performance and the proceeds from these tickets were donated to the Waikato Returned Soldiers’ Association.

Hamilton Talks has been digitised and is available to view on Nga Taonga Sound and Vision’s website (reference F14681), any Hamilton library branch will be able to assist with access to this.

Contributed by Rowan Miller, Whakaputu/Archivist & Special Collections Leader, Hamilton City Libraries. Explore more of our heritage collection online by scanning the QR code.

For further information or to contribute information about the items highlighted, please contact heritage@hcc.govt.nz