Regent Theatre 191 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC Opens – A Mighty Picture Palace 1929.

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Regent Theatre 191 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC Opens – A Mighty Picture Palace 1929.

Photo : Bob Lucas - Powerhouse Museum 1929

The Regent opened on 15 March, 1929, and maintained the tradition of dignity and elegance which typified Hoyt’s chain of Regent Theatres throughout Australia. It was an excellent example of the “hard top” style of cinema, and provided an interesting contrast to the flamboyant “atmospheric” interior of the State, which had opened only three weeks earlier:

“Viewed from Collins Street, near the Auditorium, the front of the Regent, floodlighted, is an inspiring sight. Only by night can the real beauty of its artistic outlines be realised. Marble steps lead to the vestibule, and upwards wind marble staircases which are flanked with beautiful rich hangings of crimson velvet. The vestibule has been built on Gothic lines.

Like in the Sydney Regent, Craftex has been utilised as the main decorative effect. The roof of the balcony has been finished with medieval effects, and it is possible to view the entrance from the balcony. From either end of the foyer there are entrances to the dress circle. Valuable paintings, which glow under lights, are hung on the walls, and the period furniture adds a note of grandeur. Surmounted by a bronze sculpture, one fountain was the cynosure of all eyes, and others at either entrance attracted attention. Murals at each end of the foyer are conspicuous on account of their outstanding design – Contributed by Greg Lynch –