INTRODUCTION: This exhibition is all about reflections and glimpses of ourselves, about different realities, escapism, and fantasy.

Front cover image credit: Betty Compson in The White Shadow (Director Graham Cutts, Assistant Director Alfred Hitchcock, 1924). I was interested in uncovering moving image representations over the last hundred years of Tricks – a slang term relating to sex workers and their clients; and Treats – various indulgences including drinking, drugs, smoking, gambling and other night-time activities.

I wanted to explore the changes in societal attitudes through these visual representations and also to reflect on who was producing these images – and why.

Much of the early footage, beginning in the 1910s, comes from home movies – events filmed and documented by those involved. News items, commercials, shorts, feature films and documentaries follow. Many contain strong personal testimonies, while others offer titillation and voyeurism (a peep show is included in the exhibition).

I was also fascinated by what drives us to escape, through Treats, into different realities. Is it the simple pursuit of pleasure? Are we searching for enlightenment? Are we wanting to lose ourselves for a while? Or are we driven by a compulsion or addiction?

The poster image for this exhibition comes from The White Shadow (1924) – a film scenario written, edited and part-directed by Alfred Hitchcock. This is Hitchcock’s earliest surviving film – it was believed lost until three reels of a tinted print were discovered in the vaults of The New Zealand Film Archive in 2011.

The story involves two sisters – one virtuous and the other hedonistic. But morality does not need to be black and white. Take a look through newspapers from a hundred years ago and you will find stories and concerned letters-to-the-editor about sex work. Back then it was referred to as a “social evil.” Today, it is a legitimate profession. But even though decriminalisation of sex work occurred in 2003 there is still discrimination and othering.

I am interested in the idea of who defines what a “social evil” is. For example, why do we protest outside a store selling synthetic cannabinoids and not outside the local shop selling alcohol and tobacco? Or how do we relate to someone who self-medicates with illicit drugs vs. someone taking prescription drugs? It also makes me think about the commercial drivers – who benefits from either providing or restricting access to various Tricks n’ Treats?

Finally I’d like to dedicate this exhibition to a friend who has struggled in the past with substance use; and, through their lived experience, has taught me about empathy and unconditional love.

3 MAIN SCREEN

“There’s no place in society for me.” Campbell Live, TV3, 2014

“Drugs are used in every phase of New Zealand society”; visit to Kahunui Village. But I’m not an Addict, dir. Sam Gardiner, 1980 (F10035)

Buying a spray can; Georgina’s story. Close Up: High and Die – Solvent Abuse, Brett Dumbleton, 1986 (F91826)

“Pot takes away my bad feelings about life.” But I’m not an Addict, dir. Sam Gardiner, 1980 (F10035)

“I’m going to do this course drunk and I bet you I beat everybody.” Can I Really Drink and Drive, Reynolds Television, 1975 (F2292)

Accident and Emergency; Waikato Hospital. Sunday: Wasted, Television New Zealand, 2008 (F110071)

“Well if the kids are into drugs and alcohol and things it’s not our fault.” But I’m not an Addict, dir. Sam Gardiner, 1980 (F10035)

“You don’t feel uneasy about coming back into a bar like this?” Survey: Another Man’s Poison, prod. David Potter, 1975 (F26324)

“These guys are 16 and 17... but are already in rehab.” Sunday: Wasted, Television New Zealand, 2008 (F110071)

“It was like this invisible arm would just come; and all of a sudden I’d be... in front of a machine.” Taking a Gamble, prod. Veronica McCarthy, 2001 (F50149)

“Didn’t matter what she said; there was nothing on earth that would stop me.” Taking a Gamble, prod. Veronica McCarthy, 2001 (F50149)

“I started to feel terribly ashamed of the way we lived.” Survey: Another Man’s Poison, prod. David Potter, 1975 (F26324)

A study into the reasons behind problem drinking. Koha: Māori Health – Alcoholism, prod. Ernie Leonard, 1983 (F5606)

Front cover image credit: Betty Compson in The White Shadow (Director Graham Cutts, 4 Assistant Director Alfred Hitchcock, 1924). “Happy days are here again.” Lotto commercial, 1988 (C3144)

“Before the win it was quite hard for me and my two girls.” First Division – Winners and Losers, prod. Rachel Jean, 2003 (F57488)

“There’s outrage tonight at government plans to ban smoking in all restaurants and cafes” and a story on drunken teenagers. One News, Television New Zealand, 2000 (F44090)

Annual convention of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Fight the Good Fight, dir. John McKay, 1980 (F18007)

“Kelly’s all set for a busy night.” Call Boys, prod. Julia Durkin, 2002 (F55741)

“Tania and Tamara are two of Vivian Street’s forty-or-so prostitutes”; Wellington’s vice squad. The Night Workers, dir. Dave Gibson, 1989 (F26129)

“One way of getting back at them is getting their money.” Hookers Whores and High Heels, prod. Jane Plowman, 1995 (F44950)

“It starts when you feel like crap.” 60 Minutes: Sex Addict, Amanda Millar, 2006 (F97117)

Creating names for strippers; the “traditional” schoolgirl strip. The Night Workers, dir. Dave Gibson, 1989 (F26129)

“That’s the grip that the addiction has.” 60 Minutes: Sex Addict, Amanda Millar, 2006 (F97117)

“I remember lining up... six or eight syringes in a row.” The Dark Side of the Moon – An Addict’s Story, prod. Michael McDonald, 2001 (F50357)

Group discussion in a rehabilitation facility. Marijuana, Sonny Bono, 1968 (F5068)

Members of Parliament are asked if they have ever smoked cannabis. Campbell Live, TV3, 2014

“You confronted my bullshit... and it hurt a lot.” The Dark Side of the Moon – An Addict’s Story, prod. Michael McDonald, 2001 (F50357)

5 The Higher Ground drug rehabilitation centre in Auckland; prescription drugs. Close Up: Addiction by Prescription, Television New Zealand, 1985 (F86272)

“A group of kids [aged] between 9 and 17 are out-of-it on glue, beer and drugs.” Frontline, Amanda Millar, 1988 (F94638)

Police interview a “prostitute” who has been sniffing solvents. Emergency Heroes – Series Two, prod. David Baldock, 1999 (F40117)

“If they wanted a lady for entertainment... turn the cup upside down.” Carmen, prod. Geoff Steven, 1989 (F8772)

“On a good day Courtney may have 12 clients.” 20/20: Sex to Go, prod. Alison Horwood, 2004 (F83777)

“I’ve never made love to a pregnant woman before.” Reel Life: Naked Ambition, prod. Peter Allison, 2003 (F57630)

“250 virgins are going to make a special pledge at a branch of the Destiny Church.” TV3 News, 2004 (F84515)

Surviving 60 hours without a smoke. Dying for a Smoke, prod. Nicole Hoey, 1998 (F37492)

“Do you feel confident... that you’ll never drink again?” Survey: Another Man’s Poison, prod. David Potter, 1975 (F26324)

“I had to figure out ways of actually increasing my self-esteem.” Auckland Woman’s Centre, 1985 (F55550)

“It was meant to be a night of frivolity.” One News, Television New Zealand, 2006 (F90934)

“Well you’ve got to be in to win.” Eyewitness News, Television New Zealand, 1987 (F90527)

“I lost thousands.” Taking a Gamble, prod. Veronica McCarthy, 2001 (F50149)

“New Zealand’s first casino is alive and rolling.” Close Up: A Floating Casino, Television New Zealand, 1986 (F57880)

6 “They’d already ordered room service so why not send out for some women as well.” First Division – Winners and Losers, prod. Rachel Jean, 2003 (F57488)

“You’ve got this stranger having sex with you... what’s going through your head?” 60 Minutes: Sex and the City, Rod Vaughan, 2006 (F97093)

“I’m in [the sex industry] because I chose to be in it.” Call Boys, prod. Julia Durkin, 2002 (F55741)

“Have a goal – don’t just work for nothing.” Hookers Whores and High Heels, prod. Jane Plowman, 1995 (F44950)

Carmen recounts a story involving Georgina Beyer; Prostitution Reform Bill. Georgie Girl, prod. Annie Goldson, 2002 (F52814)

“Day to day life for Vicky was pubs and drugs.” Close Up: Home Straight, Television New Zealand, 1987 (F90415)

“There are two sides to every story – methadone is no exception.” Close Up: New Zealand’s Methadone Treatment Programme, Television New Zealand, 1986 (F57880)

“200 hundred cities around the world are marking J Day in support of marijuana law reform.” TV3 News, 2007 (F99476)

“I’ve spoken to a large number of young people; asking why do you take LSD?” LSD: Insight or Insanity, prod. Max Miller, 1967 (F23594)

“Tell me about the first time you used heroin.” The Dark Side of the Moon – An Addict’s Story, prod. Michael McDonald, 2001 (F50357)

7 Who defines what a “social evil” is? 1900s – 1920s

Drinking and eating in a tent. Picnic and Sports, Actuality, 1911 (F3896)

Sailors and civilians smoking aboard ship. From England to New Zealand, Actuality, 1920 (F7741)

Men in uniform smoke and talk. Strawberry Fete, Documentary, 1917 (F110329)

Man strikes a match and lights a cigarette. World’s Championship Axeman’s Carnival, camera Charles Newham, 1911 (F1152)

A couple of Solomon Islanders are introduced to cigarettes. Martin Johnson’s Head Hunters, 1922 (F13268)

Charlie Chaplin: Carmen. Essanay Films, 1916 (F15047)

Crowd scenes at the Auckland Cup. Documentary, 1912 (F10454)

Crowd scene with puffs of smoke. Fundraising on Jervois Quay in Wellington, Actuality, 1918 (F7107)

A man is robbed by two thieves after leaving a bar. Les Chiens Policiers, Eclipse, 1907 (F19931)

Charlie Chaplin: Easy Street. Mutual Films, 1917 (F8381)

9 1920s – 1940s

Man in uniform drinks while doing a handstand. Personal Record, Geoffrey Hamilton, 1939 (F9306)

“Olive serves long beers in a short shirt.” Personal Record, Fred O’Neill, 1935 (F15650)

“Cafe de Paris.” Personal Record, Wally Knowles, 1945 (F21106)

Gambling scene. The White Shadow, dir. Graham Cutts, asst. Alfred Hitchcock, 1924 (F21667)

The heat goes on and the clothes come off. Turn on the Heat, Peerless Productions, 1937 (F23901)

“Flapper on the lawn.” Personal Record, JP. Drewitt, 1932 (F26053)

Young child smokes and drinks. Personal Record, Elizabeth Routley, 1940 (F28128)

Reefer Madness (1936) Excerpt used in Frontline, Television New Zealand, 1989 (F97429)

“A Sunday excursion.” Personal Record, Tim Schneideman, ca.1922 (F11463)

Men playing cards and smoking. Auckland on Wheels, 1928 (F29651)

Man throwing, catching and balancing a beer bottle. FH. Drewitt, 1928 (F46826)

Group of people after a wedding. Personal Record, Brian Little, 1938 (F51133)

A titillation film based around a game of strip poker. Nifty Numbers, Hollywood Film Enterprises, 1924 (F1069)

10 1940s – 1960s

Group of men scull beer aboard a troopship. Personal Record, JR. Hanan, 1941 (F4476)

Man in a bar; and earlier drinking at a party. Profile of a Problem Drinker, prod. Tom Daly, 1957 (F4110)

Archival footage of people drinking; ca.1950s. Lion Nathan Heritage, Communicado, 1995 (F11414)

Man climbs on the roof of a car and falls off. Personal Record, Samuel McAra, 1965 (F27870)

Baby is given a drink. Personal Record, Elizabeth Routley, 1943 (F28131)

Group of men with beer bottles. Personal Record, Samuel McAra, 1953 (F27909)

Man with a knife pretends to chop off dog’s tail; tries to make dog drink. Personal Record, Tim Schneideman (F11463)

Man drinks quickly. Library footage, Pacific Films, 1955 (F18227)

“Fanny’s Joynt.” Personal Record, E. Hinton, 1945 (F27604)

Men and woman smoking and drinking shots. Personal Record, Van Batenburg, 1955 (F40451)

A member of the clergy smokes. Personal Record, Ruskin Clark, 1955 (F44013)

Small group of people smoking and drinking at home; a man drinks while standing on his head. Personal Record, Frank Drewitt, 1946 (F46846)

VE Day celebrations in Hamilton. Personal Record, Ralph Dixon, 1945 (F50907)

11 Teenager tries marijuana and then heroin. The Terrible Truth, USA (F84738)

A youth drops out of college and ends up at the pool hall. The Drop Out, USA (F84738)

Horse racing at Ellerslie. Personal Record, Herman Andersen, 1952 (F92047)

Horse racing at Te Rapa. Personal Record, Ralph Dixon, 1945 (F50907)

Horse racing at Ellerslie with a man jumping up and down. Personal Record, Herman Andersen, 1952 (F92047)

A man arrives home and his wife is not impressed. Personal Record, Bill Vinten, 1955 (F102694)

A short pornographic movie (sex scenes have been removed for this exhibition). [One Man’s Woman], 1949 (F85584)

12 1960s – 1980s

Zig-Zag cigarette papers. Commercial, Peach Wemyss, 1965 (C25566)

Drinking games. Can I Really Drink and Drive, Reynolds Television, 1975 (F2292)

People smoke and drink in a bar/cafe. Pictorial Parade 134, National Film Unit, 1962 (F3927)

Intercut sequence of a man drinking and smoking. Marijuana, Sonny Bono, 1968 (F5068)

“Taking a trip? Go LSD.” Excerpt used in Frontline, Television New Zealand, 1990 (F101024)

A man smokes a joint. Marijuana, Sonny Bono, 1968 (F5068)

A primate is attached to test equipment in a laboratory. Marijuana, Sonny Bono, 1968 (F5068)

Smoking chimpanzees. Personal Record, RT. Woollams, 1963 (F30394)

A man picks up a sex worker. Garlic Seed, prod. Richard Turner, 1976 (F7818)

A youth blows smoke rings; a teenager is pressured into smoking a joint. Marijuana, Sonny Bono, 1968 (F5068)

Archival footage of people drinking; ca.1960s. Lion Nathan Heritage, Communicado, 1995 (F11414)

Man takes a photograph of Carmen on the street. Personal Record, David Curle, 1974 (F37156)

Carmen walking in Wellington; ca.1970s. Excerpt used in Georgie Girl, dir. Annie Goldson, 2002 (F52814)

13 Two men drinking on a bench. Survey: Another Man’s Poison, prod. David Potter, 1975 (F26324)

Two men relax with a drink until being told off. Personal Record, David King, 1962 (F21333)

A man stubs out his cigarette in another man’s drink. Survey: Another Man’s Poison, prod. David Potter, 1975 (F26324)

Nuns drinking. Personal Record, John Ives, 1966 (F43257)

The Golden Kiwi lottery draw. Pictorial Parade 152 – Drawing a Kiwi, National Film Unit, 1964 (F55575)

14 1980s – 2000s

Short montage of images of gambling in New Zealand. Eyewitness News, Television New Zealand, 1987 (F90527)

Jetbet. Promotional, Gibson Audio Visual Centre, 1984 (F953)

Footage of New Zealand’s first casino. Close Up: A Floating Casino, Television New Zealand, 1986 (F57880)

A “nurse” begins to strip. The Night Workers, dir. Dave Gibson, 1989 (F26129)

A sex worker gets ready in front of a mirror. The Night Workers, dir. Dave Gibson, 1989 (F26129)

A group of teenagers get high. Close Up: High and Die – Solvent Abuse, Brett Dumbleton, 1986 (F91826)

Georgina remembers. Frontline, Amanda Millar, 1988 (F94638)

Gambling chips. Close Up: A Floating Casino, Television New Zealand, 1986 (F57880)

Teenagers drink at a party. The Influence, Reynolds Film Productions, 1981 (F6801)

A sports team drinks on a bus. But I’m not an Addict, dir. Sam Gardiner, 1980 (F10035)

Lion 10 draught beer – “I just scored a 10.” Commercial, dir. Geoff Dixon, 1982 (C1814)

An “SS officer” begins to strip. The Night Workers, dir. Dave Gibson, 1989 (F26129)

Men weaving down the street; members of the Salvation Army visit the Cambridge Hotel bar. Fight the Good Fight, dir. John McKay, 1980 (F18007)

15 Close up shot of a joint. But I’m not an Addict, dir. Sam Gardiner, 1980 (F10035)

Man prepares a joint. This Black Valise, dir. Sally Rodwell, 1985 (F38472)

Walking through a crop of marijuana; man prepares a joint. Holmes, Television New Zealand, 1991 (F103524)

Surveillance of a suspected tinny house. Holmes, Television New Zealand, 1991 (F103524)

Sex workers on Wellington streets. The Night Workers, dir. Dave Gibson, 1989 (F26129)

A stripper prepares. The Night Workers, dir. Dave Gibson, 1989 (F26129)

A person is chained and hoisted off the ground. Hookers, Whores and High Heels, prod. Jane Plowman, 1995 (F44950)

Men drinking at a party; a group of teenagers smoking on a bench. But I’m not an Addict, dir. Sam Gardiner, 1980 (F10035)

People smoking in a bar/cafe. Excerpt used in Frontline, Television New Zealand, 1989 (F97429)

Sex workers wait on a Wellington street. The Night Workers, dir. Dave Gibson, 1989 (F26129)

16 2000s onwards

Two people smoke in an empty bar. TV3 News, 2005 (F84607)

Young man sculls two bottles of beer; scenes of intoxication and fighting. Sunday: Wasted, Television New Zealand, 2008 (F110071)

Sex worker gets a booking via an internet chat room. Call Boys, prod. Julia Durkin, 2002 (F55741)

Preparing for a porn shoot. Reel Life: Naked Ambition, prod. Peter Allison, 2003 (F57630)

Sex worker prepares a room; shots of sex workers on the street. 20/20: Sex to Go, prod. Alison Horwood, 2004 (F83777)

Youth prepares to smoke methamphetamine. 20/20: Party Games, TV3, 2004 (F83779)

A person smokes methamphetamine. TV3 News, 2004 (F84515)

Young man finds a solvent bag. The Market – Episode 3, prod. Rachel Jean, 2005 (F101487)

People at slot machines in a casino. Taking a Gamble, prod. Veronica McCarthy, 2001 (F50149)

Lotto balls and text. First Division – Winners and Losers, prod. Rachel Jean, 2003 (F57488)

Various shots on K’Road. From Red Light to Respectable, dir. Kathy Moriarty, 2005 (F99543)

Sex workers on Christchurch streets. 60 Minutes: Sex and the City, Rod Vaughan, 2006 (F97093)

A sex worker fantasises about a sailor client. Lilly in the House of Lipsticks, prod. Kathy Dudding, 2001 (F98316)

17 Peep Show:

Excerpts from the short film Boy. Dir. Welby Ings, 2004 (F86983)

18 For more information on the Tricks n’ Treats exhibition visit www.filmarchive.org.nz/now-showing/tricks-n-treats/