Pauline Knuckey
Doctor of Philosophy, (History)
Study Completed: 2017
College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
Movie-going in New Zealand, 1950-1980
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
While historical film audience research has flourished internationally since the 1980s, New Zealand's historical movie-going audiences have largely been ignored. Ms Knuckey investigated the movie-going habits of New Zealanders during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s to increase our understanding of this once phenomenally popular pastime. Using a multi-methodological approach, her research drew on 600 survey responses, official statistics and reports, and archival material to ascertain changes in movie attendance and preference over these three decades. She found that while the primary attractions of escapism, the big screen entertainment, and the opportunity for social engagement remained important motivators to movie-goers, a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors were in force that changed our once habitual movie-going practices. Ms Knuckey's research provides valuable insight into our cultural and social history in the decades from 1950-1980.
Supervisors
Associate Professor James Watson
Dr Ian Huffer