George Claridge
Born Auckland, 1906. Discusses his childhood in Hastings and his father, a mechanic who worked at the post office. Transfers to Dunedin at 11 years old, education at Musselborough School and Otago Boys, studied Law for 3 years. Boss at law office E J Smith. Two brothers and a sister. George was the middle child. Discusses his job and training in a legal office. 15 shillings a week. Left his job due to a dispute with his boss and went into the commercial world running the English importing company. Tells a story about Billy Carson’s law business. Discusses his various places of employment after leaving the law office. Working for Archie Clarke as a salesmen. Discusses meeting his wife and joining the Repetory Society and the The Workers Educational Society. Mentions his band in Dunedin ‘The Havana Jazz Band’.
Recalls his experiences in the Repertory Society and his first knowledge of the auditions for Down on the Farm, mentions Maurice Kershaw. Major Lampon, Stuart (Bill) Pits and Jack Welsh were the selectors. Mentions Lee Hill the photographer. Discusses the merits of his own acting. Talks about Daphney Murdoch as the female lead in the films of the day. Recalls his wife Billy’s acting skills and the process of auditioning. Mentions Stuart Dick a comedian from England.
Recalls the plot of Down on the Farm and gives his perspective on the final product. Mentions Madge Yates and Bessie Thompson as good film directors of the time. Recalls the cast’s response to the direction of Major Lampon, and the feelings between cast and crew members. Discusses love scenes with Daphney and the duration of the filming. Talks about having shares in the film as payment and meeting the Govenor General at the Empire Theatre, Dunedin who was there to congratulate the cast on the production of the first moving picture in NZ.
Again talks about Lee Hill and the immense input he had into making the film. Mentions Jack Welsh and his sound work on the film. Talks about the filming in Outram, and likens the process of film making to a comedy show. Talks about the lack of costumes, catering and makeup assistants. Rachel enquires about the song ‘The Roustabouts’. George talks about his initial response to seeing the film for the first time as well as audience responses. Talks about the American response to the film, and the scenes at First Church in Dunedin.
Recalls what has come of particular actors such as Daphney Murdoch and Colin Tapley. Goes on to discuss what he did after the completion of the film, his importing business, joining the Air Force and the sports that he undertook. Goes back to talking about getting married in 1928, first home in Manor Place, then on to Leith St, built a house in Nolfolk St, first of 3 children born in 1931. Talks about his children and a pressurised toilet cistern he has designed. Talks about getting into the land sales/development business.
Recorded 28/02/1997.