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– had great novelty value. Here was a film set in familiar landscapes with talented
New Zealanders such as Colin Broadley, Kiri Te Kanawa and Barry Crump (not yet
as well-known as they would later become, but of interest to the media as rising stars).
Press stories during Runaway’s shooting and the dramatic advertising had contributed
to the growing public interest. O’Shea’s next opportunity to build the momentum was
Runaway’s “world première”. Following the successful precedent which he had
established with Broken Barrier, he planned a major event at the Plaza Theatre in
Wellington on 22 October 1964. An impressive-looking invitation 8 issued by “Pacific
Films in association with Amalgamated Theatres and New Zealand Film Services”
informed guests that the world première would be held “In the distinguished presence
of Their Excellencies The Governor General and Lady Fergusson” and that a “supper
party” would take place “after the screening at the Caltex Lounge, Lower Taranaki
Street”. The occasion was, of course, “black tie”.