Copyright Statement - ResearchSpace@Auckland

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The day after the Wellington screening, Runaway opened in central Christchurch to
the accompaniment of a brass band and marching girls. The Christchurch Press,
under the headline, “Film Premiere Draws Crowd”, reported that “crowds packed the
pavement in front of the theatre and the theatre itself was full for the performance.
Among those present were the Mayor (Mr G. Manning), the Minister of Transport
(Mr McAlpine), and one of the actors, Barry Crump. Both Mr McAlpine and Mr
Crump spoke briefly during the intermission.” Barry Crump stated that “all of us who
have worked on this film have put a hell of a lot into it, and there has been no effort
spared to make it as good as possible.” 17 He concluded, somewhat laconically, “Now
we will see if it is any good. I think it will be okay.” 18 At the conclusion of the
screening the Minister of Transport was judicious in his choice of words. The paper
reported him as being “grateful to have the opportunity to see the film which he had
been told was one to remember”. He went on the congratulate “all those connected
with its production”, and with an eye to export potential, “commented that it showed
that although New Zealand was a small country it could produce first-class goods.” 19
Two days after the Wellington première, O’Shea received a brief, courteous letter
from W.B.[Bill] Sutch on a Department of Industries and Commerce letterhead.
My wife and I wish to thank Pacific Films for their invitation to be present at
the premiere of Runaway. Could we also take this opportunity to congratulate
you on the production. 20
O’Shea had received maximum publicity from the premières, and the official
reactions had been positive (albeit in some cases rather measured). But now Runaway
faced its major test – the reaction of the New Zealand cinema-going public.
The nation-wide interest in Runaway was reflected in the wide coverage in
newspapers and magazines throughout the country. Thousands of people went to the
film (it ran for 3 weeks in Auckland’s Civic Theatre) and opinions as to its merits
were widely aired. Reactions were exceptionally varied. The Dominion carried a
relatively short item the following day. Under the heading “Screen Bid to Change
N.Z. Image”. “[John O’Shea] apparently intended to create a film which would give
people overseas a new image of New Zealand. He wanted to dispel the image of New