Hocken Digital Collections

McConnell, Tony : 16mm films

Details

Reference NumberMS-4760Date1950s-1960sCreatorMcConnell, TonyDescriptionThis collection consists of six 16mm motion picture film reels, both in black and white and colour. The tapes do not have sound. They were created by Tony McConnell's father Louis McConnell.History / BiographyFurther information from Margie Ryan, sister of Tony McConnell: My father passed away in July 1995, my mother in 1992. From recollection, my brother Tony took all the old movies that Dad had made. All those films that you have there were made by my father Louis McConnell. Dad was a keen amateur film maker, and also a film projectionist who used to show movies on a Saturday night at the Wakari Community Centre. This was to provide entertainment for the local kids. He used to hire these movies from the Film Unit. Dad had a keen interest in making home movies, showing movies, and also, viewing movies at the Cinema and he and mum always went to the first night showing of the big musical movies, such as South Pacific, The King and I, etc. Dad took pleasure in filming events such as St Mary's Jubilee, and also family events such as holidays and trips away in the car. There were a good deal more movies than the ones you have there. I am unable to say what happened to them. When my father died, we had limited time to dispose of the household goods and chattels as we three kids all lived away from Dunedin. Tony moved back to Dunedin shortly after this and he must have arranged to have the movies copied, knowing their life span was short if not stored correctly. The date of copying certainly coincides with his move back to Dunedin from Auckland. Tony also used to show movies at the University in Dunedin when a projectionist was required, and did this for a number of years until ill health gave him limitations. I suspect that the spelling is incorrect in one them, On a Clare Day, as that does not ring a bell at all. Maybe it should be Clear Day. My dad Louis McConnell worked at Methvens for the most part of his working life, where he was an engineer. During the war his work was deemed strategic for the military effort, which involved making parts for military equipment. He retired at 65 and while his health was good, he played bowls until his health deteriorated. So there you have it, a bit of a history of the Tony McConnell collection. I remember the great mirth surrounding the making of the Green Island theatre movie and I was only about 13 at the time. Dad knew all the theatre projectionists in Dunedin at that time and often hosted parties at home for them all, together with Mum. My brother Tony commenced his employment during his late teens, in the Dunedin theatres. To the best of my knowledge, he was never involved in actually making home movies, only showing them in the theatres.

Video

Untitled film footage of Wellington street and harbour scenes

'The Art of Cinema Projection at the Bijou Cinema Green Ireland'

Depicts Or Relates To

NamesMcConnell, Louis, 1907-1995SubjectsFilms

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McConnell, Tony : 16mm films

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