This summary is taken from the writen summary available in Coubray personality file.
Tape 1, side 1
Ted Coubray talks about his early life. Born, October 1900 Southland, NZ. Mentions siblings and the various towns he has lived in. Discusses move to Palmerston North in 1912, discusses the bakery in Rongotea, working at Kosy Theatre in Palmeston North and showing films at the town hall in Rongotea. Discusses the travelling picture show circuit. Goes on to discuss the equipment he bought and processing and printing film. Discusses his involvement with Mr. HT Bennett and the Globetrotters as well as the production of the film The Motor Bandits. Talks about the novelty of seeing yourself on screen and the response to the latter film. Goes on to discuss the making of The Birth of New Zealand.
Tape 1, side 2
Talks about forming a syndicate to make a feature film, mentions Reynolds and Tait. Talks in depth about how The Birth of New Zealand film came into being, mentions Frank Stewart. Discusses filmimg the prologue on a ship. The Palace Theatre and forming NZ Cinema EnterprisesLtd. is discussed. Lists the players in the film. Talks about how the film was lit and the general excitement of filming. Coubray discusses the roles he played in the film, and gives a description of filming the cutting of the flagpole. Discusses the screening of the film in the town hall, mentions audience members. Gives a more detailed description of the storyline.
Tape 2, side 1
Begins by discussing the temperament of Harrington Reynolds. Discusses Carbine’s Heritage and gives brief plot summary. Quotes Herald 1927. Discusses sound for The Journey into Rua’s Stronghold and Romance of Maoriland. Discuses obtaining first movie camera, processing, mentions Frank Stewart and working on Rewi’s Last Stand in 1925. Mentions working for Smith-Wylie’s afforestation scheme. Talks about working on Under the Southern Cross and Cape to Bluff. Discusses the other films he made, including the NZ Auckland industrial series. Discusses brother Fred and his filmming of Luna Park.
Tape 2, side 2
Discusses working with Eric Platt and brother Fred on sound experimentation, and their film company NZ Radio Films. In depth discussion on the development of sound. Mentions Hei Tiki and Alexander Markey. Mentions Gault and Welsh and the review of preview of Coubray Tone News and Auckland Talkies. Goes on to recall his interest in 3D films. Discusses his work during the second world war, his wives and moving to Auckland and retiring.
Recorded 09/1983.