Allan started in the business 51 years ago, back in the days when projectionists had to be licensed to operate two projectors showing highly flammable nitrate film.
As a teenager he got a job at his local South Auckland cinema, and he credits his love of the industry to the inspiration he received from his first boss, one of the few women theatre owners, Mrs Tracey.
It was her that taught him the importance of a well-run, clean, warm and efficient cinema, values that Allan has put into practice all his working life.
He worked at several Auckland theatres in the weekends and in 1970 started commuting to Te Aroha, where he had taken the lease on the local picture theatre.
This lifestyle continued for several years, with Allan running theatres at Te Kūiti, Taumarunui and Pukekohe.
In 1974 he came to Te Awamutu and set about cleaning up a rather seedy building, and instigated a series of alterations that saw the one-screen auditorium morph into a five screen complex over a number of years.
If the number of screens multiplied, so did the collection of cinema memorabilia, and today the building houses a remarkable display of posters, stills, seating, technology and theatre artefacts.
As well as looking back, Allan looked forward, so The Regent projection rooms are equipped with the latest in sound and projection equipment.
Ninetieth birthday celebrations are a surprise – but Allan says anyone attending won't be disappointed.
There are three nostalgic sessions this Saturday, starting at 12.30pm, 4pm and 7.30pm.
