Douglas HARLEY Obituary

It started with a tin toy magic lantern. With it at six years, Doug projected pictures on to a little screen at home. His love of projecting images led him to much bigger screens including the one at the St. James Auckland.

Blessed is the child who can recognise his or her chosen vocation at an early age. Blessed also is one who, with skill and devotion, can transform thousands of people into a world of make believe. With the overture setting the pace, Doug darted across the floor throwing switches, pulling dimmer controls, rotating knobs, and produced entertainment with lighting and music. The waterfall curtain, tabs and proscenium glowed in changing hue before the first film, the queen trailer, hit the screen. This was presentation, an art that commenced when films were no longer just part of vaudeville acts.

Yes, there were stars on the silver screen but there was also a star behind a bright beam of light at the back. Like a shooting star, it switched from one port window, to the next, as multiple reels of film appeared on the screen. A dozen or more ribbons of celluloid came to life in a perfect sequence as the projectionist with glazed eyes, stared at the top right of the screen. The search was for a small circle lasting a sixth of a second, a cue to start the next reel rolling. Eight seconds later, another easily missed cue would signal the changeover, provided that is, the projectionist didn´t blink.

Without interruption, Doug performed thousands of these changeovers and the audience never knew. Neither should they have, for this was the trick that had to remain invisible to maintain the illusion of film. Doug was among the unseen showmen who brought laughter and tears, thrilling audiences in packed theatres.

Farewell my friend of fifty-five years. We worked through the best of times and the worst of times. A craft is something done with the hands and the head. What you did, was with the hands, the head and the heart. It is an art now extinct.

Yvonne and I extend our deepest sympathy to you Rob, Andrew and the rest of your wonderful Family. Remember the good times, the theatrette, the cartoons the features and the sound of those noisy Ernemanns with splices sounding like rifle shots.

Warren Smyth

Doug was a true gentleman and had an amazing work ethic! A true professional in every way in the movie industry training projectionists and looking after their interest with his union affiliations. Thoroughly enjoyed our time together at the St James and Theatre Centre Auckland. Movies and live shows galore! Condolences to Doug's family on this sad day!

So sad to hear of Doug's passing. Great memories when we were both at the St James Theatre, Auckland. Condolences to the family as Doug travels to God's Great Theatre!

I am honoured to have been the last trainee projectionist trained by Doug at the St James before he retired in 1981. He taught me a lot. After moving to Wellington I didn't see him again until 2017. I was able to visit him at his home and talk about movies and cinemas and the old days of projection. Doug was a true gentleman.

Doug Harley was one of the last ""Old School Projectionist" who would settle for nothing less than perfection in the art of cinema projection, he had an extremely long career with the Kerridge Odeon Chain of Cinemas and was responsible for the training of many apprentice projectionist during his tenure. A true gentleman who made an incredible contrbution to the New Zealand Motion Picture Industry during his time at the St James Cinema in Queen St Auckland and will always be fondly remembered by all those who were lucky enough to either be trained or work with him in the Cinema Industry.
"Your Positive and Negative Carbon Arc will Always Keep Burning"
I Extend my Deepest Sympathy to All Your Family R.I.P.
Anthony Grant (Ex Kerridge Odeon Cinema Manager)

My Love and condolences to you Rob and family A long well deserved rest ahead for your Dear Father
Surround your self with wonderful memories
God Bless. Carole Hutchinson

Love to all the family. My only memory was meeting him at Robs place and him quizzing me about my favourite movie and why. We chatted for ages. A knowledgeable, kind, caring gentleman with a great sense og humor. Rest easy

Uncle Doug, I will forever cherish the memories we have. Rest well as you are reunited with your true love, Aunty Na.

Miss you heaps Dad. See you on the other side

Doug was a real gentleman. I had known him from 1965 and found him to be a talented man who would always support anyone he believed in.