The Celluloid Circus is a celebration of the heyday of the New Zealand picture theatre, lavishly illustrated with many never-before-published period photographs. It's a richly informative and often hilarious record of a crucial part of our social history. The local picture theatre was the place for entertainment, socialising, courting and being kept informed through the all-important newsreels. Wayne Brittenden has brought the era brilliantly back to life - the theatres, managers, audiences, censors, films and the unsung heroes of picture going - the projectionists. The Celluloid Circus also provides fresh and fascinating insights into what was going on behind the scenes. This is a treasure chest for anyone who remembers the advertising slides, tray boys and illuminated waterfall curtains - as well as for those who wish they had been around at the time. Fabulous...a sweeping and thematic overview. So much more than feel-good history. It's nostalgia with an edge. 'The book will appeal to everyone, from historians to diehard movie buffs'. -Sunday Star Times 'A collector's dream book. All aspects of the industry are covered in discrete chapters. ' -National Business Review 'As much fun as a night out at the pictures used to be'. -NZ Listener, top 100 books for 2008 'Generations who grew up in the golden age of cinema in this country have much for which to thank Wayne Brittenden.' -Gisborne Herald 'Complementing his in-depth reporting with beautiful photographs, Brittenden celebrates the public face of the film industry with a fervour that proves infectious. ' -Unity Books

About the Author

Wayne Brittenden is a New Zealand journalist who has worked overseas for most of his career. A former National Radio correspondent in Tokyo, he later worked for the BBC and now works as an independent documentary maker, based in London. He has done extensive research in New Zealand for this book.