Wurlitzer brings in the flicks

Being one of only a few venues in the country with a Wurlitzer is boosting Baycourt as a hub for silent film events with Baycourt Community and Arts Centre and the Night Owl Cinema leading the charge.

Baycourt is set to host the International Youth Silent Film Festival in October, and is also screening Charlie Chaplin's City Light in August in conjunction with Night Owl Cinema.


Viv Quinn from Night Owl Cinema and Baycourt manager Megan Peacock Coyle with the Wurlitzer. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Baycourt's treasured Wurlitzer organ, carefully looked after by the Tauranga Theatre Organ Society, was crafted specifically to accompany silent films during the 1920s, is the inspiration behind both events, says Baycourt Manager Megan Peacock Coyle.

'When Night Owl Cinema, which normally focuses on free outdoor summer movie events, wished to create their winter indoor series of ticketed events, silent cinema and Baycourt's Wurlitzer immediately came to mind,” says Megan.

'Likewise, we are able to host New Zealand's first International Youth Silent Film Festival offering because we are one of the only New Zealand theatres to house an operational Wurlitzer.”

The IYSFF is an opportunity for anyone aged 20 and under to create and submit a three-minute silent film.

The contest is open now, with submissions due September 1, with the finals held at Baycourt in October.

This is the first time New Zealanders have been able to enter this competition, which has been going for eight years in the US.

On Saturday, August 27, Baycourt and Night Owl present Charlie Chaplins' City Lights, themed around the red carpet, celebrities, and a 1920's movie theatre.

This follows the success of Night Owl's inaugural silent cinema event held last year – a ‘speakeasy' featuring Buster Keaton's classic silent film, Steamboat Bill.

The foyer at Baycourt was transformed into a 1920s nightclub with live piano music, a champagne fountain and attendees decked out in their best 1920s gear, gloves, boas, silky dresses, and dapper jackets.

"Showing a silent film accompanied by the Wurlitzer organ at Baycourt was a really special experience for everyone that attended,” says Night Owl director Kim Cleland.

'The organ is being used for what it was originally intended, recreating a true 1920s cinema experience.”

Silent Cinema City Lights by Charlie Chaplin, Saturday, 27 August 8pm, Baycourt Theatre. Book at ticketek.co.nz or at Baycourt box office.

International Youth Silent Film Festival, New Zealand entries close September 1 for an October awards ceremony, visit for more information.

The Baycourt Wurlitzer is nearly 90 years old, and is among thousands of organs popular in theatres in the 1920s in the days of the silent movies.

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1 comment

Wurlitzer

Posted on 27-06-2016 17:38 | By Kenworthlogger

Pretty sure they used to make good jukeboxes...


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