ORAL HISTORY. EDWIN (TED) COUBRAY. AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL TAPE.

Side 1.
Ted Coubray begins by discussing his first job in 1914 at George Skinner’s bike shop in Palmerston North, and his later position at Montwell Motor Works, mentions the beginning of WWII.

Mentions move to Masterton and his position at the Palace Theatre. Mentions his work with his brothers at their bakery in Rangotea and talks about the pictures he screened at the Rangotea town hall, discusses equipment used and the truck used as a generator. Discusses buying his first film equipment, and working with Mr. Bennette who subsequently introduced him to the Globetrotters – Mr. Reynolds and Wally Tate.

Mentions the making of The Motor Bandits. Discusses in depth the prioduction of The Birth of New Zealand. Mentions being offered operation position at the Paramount Theatre in Wellington. Mentions making films for the Wembley Exhibition. Discusses working for Smith-Wylie and talks about the various locations used. Discusses the nature of the films he was shooting at this time. Goes on to talk about the hand-dying of The Beautiful North Shore print. Discusses the filming of the Ellerslie Cup riot,1928.

Side 2.
Gives account of his trip into Rua’s Stronghold. Talks about working for De Forrest Phonofilms, mentions The Singing Fool and Eric Platt. Discusses the coming of sound and early ‘talkie’ films. Discusses his own experimentation with sound. Discusses working with Alexander Markey on Hei Tiki and leaving the shoot due to disagreements. Mentions Gault and Welsh.

Recorded 07/1980.