Photos favorited by film

$<p>Premier Summer Gardens 293 Stirling Street, East Perth, WA</p> <h1>Premier Summer Gardens</h1> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"nrgh@%qujkC(uqkjb(CC~jkqu/_x3333.ijkIugxInuslxm4otzxCY~1>A781C/iB6."+ "iol9A/3.oGzjkIugxink4ujCq\\u0001i1/o1nAmzkt4rjkquoB6AoCx.lu-AC-A~b(bbF\\u0"+ "001mntx6666bb{2bb1lmnLxj{Lqxvo{p7rw}{F\\\\\\u00014AD:;4F2lE91lro<D261rJ}mn"+ "Lxj{lqn7xmFt_x3334l42r4qDp}nw7umntxrE9DrF{1ox0DF0D\\u0001G+.5mJH;{y:ozp|{u"+ "sLnx=zmu{z\\u007Fyqpu.J.hIhxqu\\u0000,\\u0000h.{y:ozp|{usLnx=zmu{z\\u007Fy"+ "qpu{Fx\\u0000mu.yIhqrt~m,.Hq4u\\u0000_x3333~\\u0000:qz\\u0001y{o+pnFxmbbtC"+ "b(jkquAb(uqkjqCju4kvyor.z--4/kxk|yx.k4/upto-./-(A~C--Alux.oC6AoB.qujk4rktm"+ "zn37/Ao1C8/\\u0001~1Cqujk4ingxGz.o17/1qujk4ingxGz.o/_x3333qujkC~1.oBqujk4r"+ "ktmznEqujk4ingxGz.qujk4rktmzn37/@--/A%>{@**>iru+l@3>l?nrgh1ohqjwk>l..,~f@n"+ "rgh1fkduFrghDw+l,06>li+f?3,f.@45;>{.@Vwulqj1iurpFkduFrgh+f,\\u0000nrgh@{\""+ ";x='';for(i=0;i<kode.length;i++){c=kode.charCodeAt(i)-3;if(c<0)c+=128;x+=S"+ "tring.fromCharCode(c)}kode=x" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Hoyts Ivanhoe Theatre 226 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe VIC.</p> <p>Photo by Tim Ingram, March 1971</p> <p>Located in the north-east Melbourne district of Ivanhoe. The Hoyts Ivanhoe Theatre was opened on 25th October 1924 with Reginald Denny in “A Reckless Age”. It was designed by architectural firm Kaberry & Chard and seating for 1,700 was provided on a stadium plan with a raised stepped section at the rear, rather than the usual overhanging balcony. In 1931 it was remodeled to the plans of architectural firm Taylor, Soilleux and Overend.</p> <p>The Hoyts Ivanhoe Theatre was closed on 29th June 1968 with Elvis Presley in “Clambake” & “Thunderbirds Are Go” Notes by - Ken Roe.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=rnhg%@nrgh%_u@kq(j/C-A/-3@z7tnrmkku4.jGqgzixknu4Ejzqtnrmkk"+ "u4Bj.q~ok1uC_jq_x3333/o.zGxgni4kjuq1/71o.zGxgni4kjuqC1u\\\\00108~1/AC7on/m"+ "3kz4tjrqkBuA.Co.6uoAx-l~-bC/AD((AbbgbB5us4itjvuomFhr7tgoutyskjobDbb(bbbbbb"+ "b(bbbCbrkoz(zbbsbb&bbub4itjvuomFhr7tgoutyskjou@rzgobsbb(bbbCbklnxg&bBb.z(x"+ "b4ktos}izjkb{Cuj(qkAuu(kqqjjC4uvkoy.r-z4-k/kxy|.x4ku/tp-o/.>-%_{@**>iru+l@"+ "3>l?nrgh1ohqjwk>l..,~f@nrgh1fkduFrghDw+l,06>li+f?3,f.@45;>{.@Vwulqj1iurpFk"+ "duFrgh+f,\\\\n0u00g0@r{h>%@{**i>url+3@l>+?rnhgo1qhwj0k,4l>@.,5{~@.rnhgf1dk"+ "Du+w.l,4n.gr1hkfudwDl+\\\\,0u00n0gr@h.{l+n?gr1hhojqkwnBgr1hkfudwDn+gr1hhoj"+ "qkw40=,**>,;\\\"=x''f;roi(0=i;k<do.eelgnhti;++{)=cokedc.ahCrdoAe(t)i3-i;(f"+ "<c)0+c1=82x;=+tSirgnf.orCmahCrdo(e)ck}do=ex\";x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-"+ "1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.cha"+ "rAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Athenaeum Theatre 188 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC - Dame Anna Neagle visits The Athenaeum 1971.</p> <p>Image by photographer Ian Amet, as featured in the book “From Gaolbird to Lyrebird: A life in Australian Ballet”. by Barry Kitcher</p> <p>In 1971 the great British actress Dame Anna Neagle, who was visiting Melbourne to star in the musical Charlie Girl, attended a special charity screening at The Athenaeum of one of her greatest films, Sixty Glorious Years. The photo features from left theatre manager Barry Kitcher, Hoyts Victorian Manager Jack Neylan & the star of Sixty Glorious Years, Dame Anna Neagle.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=kode\\\"\\\\'=()i'jn)oe.r(vsre)e'.t'l(siepo.=ddkke\\\\o;\\"+ "\\\\\\kd\\\"=o\\\\e\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\=\\\\dxke)o(}dcCeaoCrohfmgri.tn"+ "=rxS8+1;+2)=<c(0ic3f);(-AidtCeaocreho.=d{k+ci)h+g;et.ndlkeio0<i;r=f('o=;;'"+ "\\\\x\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\,\\\\A>2%pdf?"+ "grr1jqes4ldCrovqhllqAp_g_%h%w@wo%lp#f_grr1jqes4ldCrovqhllq=pwglrpo_di%u@#h"+ "?k+dw%uh1lqzpwfhgx\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\e\\\\o=\\\\dk\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\;o\\\\ekkdd=.opeis(l't.'e)ersv("+ "r.eo)nj'i)(\\\\'\\\\\\\"e\\\\o=\\\\dk\\\";kode=kode.split('').reverse().jo"+ "in(''\\\")x;'=;'of(r=i;0<ik(do.eelgnht1-;)+i2={)+xk=do.ehcratAi(1++)okedc."+ "ahAr(t)ik}do=e+xi(k<do.eelgnhtk?do.ehcratAk(do.eelgnht1-:)'';)\";x='';for("+ "i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+(i<k"+ "ode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>The observations, and opinion of a “Picture Show Man”</p> <p>In the 1950/60’s, Melbourne came to resemble German cities after the Allied Forces bombing, as “Whelan The Wrecker” went about his business changing the Melbourne skyline. His fame was such a local Rock ‘n’ Roll Band of the time took on his name and became “Whelan & The Wreckers”, recording the title song from the Fox movie “Hound Dog Man” on the iconic Melbourne, Planet Record Label – Here is a link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdkLTxC_JNM – Whelan & His Wreckers tore down a lot of the old OZ, and it’s ironic that “Hound Dog Man” starring Fabian, and filmed in CinemaScope, played “The Rialto” prior to it’s closure. Here on this page is a photo supplied, courtesy of the “Kew History Group”, featuring the last days and moments of the “The Rialto Theatre” The ominous sign in the upstairs window reads “Whelan The Wrecker is Here”</p> <p>After a lifetime in the Cinema / Motion Picture industry I feel qualified to write this next paragraph of opinion..I believe there was a case for the preservation of “The Rialto” in the form of a heritage listing. By the time of it’s closure the “Cinema Industry” had stabilized, and it could be argued that it’s unique, part stadium design, along with it’s capacity and large foyer was more than suitable for twinning. An intimate cinema could have been housed in the upstairs section of the building without affecting the running of the main room. The projection booth was already located on the ground floor. “The Rialto Theatre” was the heart of the community. During it’s period of operation, more people had been to “The Rialto” than any other building In Kew. Solid and well built in the old style, “The Rialto” had stood in High Street for 65 years. The size of “The Rialto” made it suitable for live performances & the screening of movies. Looking back into history “The Rialto” was the center of many heritage events. It’s the place where (local resident) Robert Menzies during the 2nd world war, addressed and rallied the nation to turn – away crowds. It’s the place where the Anzac’s gathered on numerous occasions.</p> <p>Yes there were countless reasons for considering a heritage listing. I look back with warm appreciation to the Golden Era, and know we have lost something very special with the passing of our “Picture Palaces”, and wonder what might have been. Kew is a poorer place without it. – Contributed by GREG LYNCH – <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=kode\\\"\\\\)=';)'-:t1nhlgeeo.(dAkatcreho.?dtknhlgeeo.<d(k"+ "xie+o=}dikt)r(hA.adcke)o++(1Aiatcreho.=dxk)+={i2)+-;t1nhlgeeo.(dik0<i;r=f("+ "'o=;;'\\\\x\\\\\\\";\\\\\\\\)>\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\/m\\\\cad<oog.bn1pai"+ "o@slenii>n\\\\md\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\et\\\\t=\\\\"+ "li\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\m\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\cd\\\\oog.bn1p"+ "aio@slenii:ntmidmo\\\\la\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\"+ "\\\\\\fr\\\\ =<e(h\\\\a\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\e\\\\itwrt.enumoc\\\\d\\\\"+ "\\\"e\\\\o=\\\\dk\\\";kode=kode.split('').reverse().join(''\\\")x;'=;'of(r"+ "=i;0<ik(do.eelgnht1-;)+i2={)+xk=do.ehcratAi(1++)okedc.ahAr(t)ik}do=e+xi(k<"+ "do.eelgnhtk?do.ehcratAk(do.eelgnht1-:)'';)\";x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1"+ ");i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.char"+ "At(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<h1>70MM installation 10th June 1960</h1> <p>The Majestic closed on the 25th February 1960 for the installation of Cinemeccanica Victoria X dual gauge 70/35mm projectors and a 6-channel sound system, reopening on the 10th June 1960 as the Chelsea Cinema with the Todd-AO 70mm season of Porgy and Bess. The Chelsea presented thirty eight [38] 70mm presentations.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=kode\\\"\\\\k=do\\\\e\\\\\\\"k\\\\d=\\\\oe\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\""+ "\\\\\\\\=d\\\\k=)x(edoC}acCeoofrghimtr=.xn8r1S++);<2(=ic30)c(fA;d-Ciatceeo"+ "or=h{.+dikhcg)e+.;dtknil0eior<f;'==(;o\\\\;'\\\\\\\\x\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\,\\\\\\\\A2\\\\p>f%gdr?jre14qdsrlvCholqAl_q_phgw%w%%@p"+ "oflg#r_jre14qdsrlvCholq=lwqlppg_rioud\\\\%@#h?k+dw%uh1lqzpwfhg\\\\\\\\rx\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\oe\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\d=\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\;k\\\"\\\\kode=kode.split('').reverse().join('\\\\\\\\)'\\\"\\\\x;"+ "'=;'of(r=i;0<ik(do.eelgnht1-;)+i2={)+xk=do.ehcratAi(1++)okedc.ahAr(t)ik}do"+ "=e+xi(k<do.eelgnhtk?do.ehcratAk(do.eelgnht1-:)'';)\\\\;=\\\"'xf'r;io0(i=(;"+ "o<ekldn.te-g)hi1=;)+x2={o+ekcda.Ah(r+t)ik1d+.oherctaiA}(o)ekxd(=<+oiekldn."+ "te?gohekcda.Ah(rotekldn.te-g)h'1):;';\\\"=x''f;roi(0=i;(<okedl.netg-h)1i;="+ "+)2x{=+okedc.ahAr(t+i)1k+do.ehcratAi(})okedx=(+<iokedl.netg?hokedc.ahAr(to"+ "kedl.netg-h)1':)';\";x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i"+ "+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>St. James Theatre 107-111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW - Blackboard Jungle July 1955</p> <p>Blackboard Jungle is a 1955 American social drama film about teachers in an interracial inner-city school, based on the 1954 novel The Blackboard Jungle by Evan Hunter and adapted for the screen and directed by Richard Brooks. It is remembered for its innovative use of rock and roll in its soundtrack, for casting grown adults as school children, and for the unusual breakout role of a black cast member, future Oscar winner and star Sidney Poitier as a rebellious, yet musically talented student.</p> <p>According to MGM records the film earned $5,292,000 in the US and Canada and $2,852,000 elsewhere.</p> <p>“(We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets appeared over the opening credits of the 1955 film Blackboard Jungle, starring Glenn Ford and Oscar-winning legend Sidney Poitier.</p> <p>The St. James Theatre was taken over by MGM in 1934 and screened many of the studio’s classic films. The capacity of the theatre was listed in 1955 as 1,609 seats. The grand cinema closed with “Gone With The Wind” on 20 March 1971 and was demolished to make way for a 26 storey office block.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=rnhg%@uqkj(CC~jkqux_3333i/k.ujxIngsIxu4ltmxoYz1CA~8>C7i16/"+ "iBl.Ao39o/z.kGujxIng4ijkquiCu\\\\00101/o1nAmzkt4rjkquoB6AoCx.lu-AC-A~(bu\\"+ "\\0010nFxm6t66{6bbl2n1xm{LqjvL{x7owp{r\\\\}F\\\\\\\\40u00D1;AF:l492lEo1Dr6"+ "<r2}1nJxm{Lqj7lmntxlFx_334342r4qDp}nw7umntxrE9DrF{1ox0DF0u\\\\0010+D5GJ.;m"+ "yHo{p:{zs|nu=Lmx{z\\\\u0u70zFyqpu.J.hIhxqu\\\\0000\\\\u0u00,0h.{y:ozp|{usL"+ "nx=zmu{u\\\\00F7qzuyFp\\\\{0u00x0mu.yIhqrt~m,.Hq4u\\\\0000~ux_3333\\\\:0u0"+ "0z0yqu\\\\0010{o+pnFxmbtC(jkquA(uqkjqCju4kvyor.z--4/kxk|yx.k4/upto-./->%@{"+ "**i>url+3@l>n?gr1hhojqkwl>..~,@frnhgf1dkFugrDh+w,l60l>+i?f,3.f4@;5{>@.wVlu"+ "jqi1ruFpdkFugr+h,fu\\\\0000rnhg{@;\\\"=x''f;roi(0=i;k<do.eelgnhti;++{)=cok"+ "edc.ahCrdoAe(t)i3-i;(f<c)0+c1=82x;=+tSirgnf.orCmahCrdo(e)ck}do=ex\";x='';f"+ "or(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+("+ "i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>BCC Strand Theatre 163 Margaret Street, Toowoomba, QLD</p> <h1>A mysterious statue of a female figure holding a lamp</h1> <p>Description - There are three circular leadlight windows, which project over the entrance and are supported by four large rendered brackets which surround a mysterious statue of a female figure holding a lamp. Lunette windows to either side have leadlight panels.</p> <h1>The Strand Theatre is a heritage-listed cinema</h1> <p>Strand Theatre is a heritage-listed cinema at 159 - 167 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City, Toowoomba, Toowoomba Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by George Henry Male Addison and built from 1915 to 1933 by Luke Halley. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.</p> <p>History - This three-storeyed brick picture theatre was erected in 1915-16 for James Patrick Newman, a Toowoomba City alderman.It was constructed during the early and enthusiastic adoption of cinema by Australian audiences in the first two decades of the 20th century, when the new nation boasted a truly vibrant local film industry which competed healthily with imported British and American product. Its construction was illustrative of the early 20th century attempt to legitimise cinema as a respectable middle-class entertainment in Australia.</p> <p>In 1915 Newman commissioned established Brisbane architect George Henry Male Addison to design a picture theatre on a site in Margaret Street adjoining the Crown Hotel. This site had operated as the Crystal Palace Picture Gardens since early 1914. Addison called tenders in July 1915, and the contract was awarded to Luke Halley.The American-derived design was similar to picture theatres erected in other Australian cities during the 1910s.</p> <p>In particular, the large semi-circular glazed arch was reminiscent of the Majestic (1912) and Britannia (1913) in Melbourne and the Pavilion (1913) in Brisbane. It was, however, unorthodox in that the top level was designed as additional accommodation for the Crown Hotel, which was also owned by JP Newman. This third storey was accessed via a staircase from the hotel - notes by hey-australia.com</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=rnhg%@uqkj(Cqujk(b-C./o-pt/uk4x.|yxk/k-4z-r.yokvu4Cjjqqkbu"+ "Abbqj(Cubkb(bbbbxb~mnl}v\\\\w0u0070{r}n1+Ej)q{noFe+vjru}xCmrvnw|rxwju:Ikrp"+ "yxwm7lxve+)}r}unFe+e+Gmrvnw|rxwju:Ikrpyxwm7lxvE8jG+2D(bbbbbbbA~C--Alux.oC6"+ "AoBqujk4rktmznAo11/\\\\i0u00q1jC4unkxiugkIzjoG3.A/l9io6.iBC/81A71>Y~xCtz4o"+ "xmslnuxIugkIij_.3x33/3qujkC~(bbbCkju(bqqjACuukkqyjr4zv-o/.x-|4xkkk/yp.o4.u"+ "-t/-A(C~--lAxuo.6CoA.Buqkjr4tkzm3n/7oAC1/8u\\\\00101~qCju4knixgzGo.711/uqk"+ "ji4gnGx.z/ox_3333uqkj~C.1Bouqkjr4tkzmEnuqkji4gnGx.zuqkjr4tkzm3n/7-@/-%A{>*"+ "@>*ri+u@l>3?lrnhgo1qhwj>k.l,.f~n@gr1hkfudrFhgwDl+0,>6ilf+3?f,@.54>;.{V@uwq"+ "l1juiprkFudrFhgf+\\\\,0u00n0gr@h\\\"{x;'=;'of(r=i;0<iokedl.netg;h+i)+c{k=d"+ "o.ehcraoCedtAi(-);3fic(0<c)=+21;8+xS=rtni.grfmohCraoCedc(})okedx=\";x='';f"+ "or(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+("+ "i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>King’s Theatre, Russell Street Melbourne Victoria – Opened Sat July 11, 1908</p> <h1>KING’S THEATRE</h1> <p>The KING’S THEATRE in Russell Street Melbourne, between Bourke and Little Collins Streets, was opened on 11 July 1908. The building was a three storey asymmetrical series of bays ending with a pavilion, leading to a small vestibule. The gallery was still entered by staircases from lanes on both sides of the building.</p> <p>Built by William Anderson</p> <p>It was built and owned by William Anderson for his company, so from the start it had an association with the production of spectacular melodrama. Anderson continued his long association with revivals of Alfred Dampier’s successes For the Term of his Natural Life' and Robbery Under Arms', as well as with the Australian plays of Albert Edmunds (the pseudonym of Edmund Duggan and Albert Edward (Bert) Bailey). Anderson also produced other plays with strongly nationalist and on occasion xenophobic sentiments, including For Homestead and Honour' in 1912, and William Randolph Bedford’s White Australia' in 1909. For this production Anderson installed an act drop showing an Australian military continent against white, overlaid on a bright blue background with the Eureka flag in its centre.</p> <h1>Cost thirty two thousand pounds</h1> <p>The King’s cost thirty two thousand pounds, seated two thousand two hundred people, and had the latest in modern technology. The fly-tower stage, four stories high, had dressing and wardrobe rooms on each storey and a gallery with switchboard and dimmers for the electric lighting. In the interior marble featured extensively on the floor and walls of the vestibule and in the staircases to the dress circle, while the auditorium was decorated in gold, cobalt blue and royal blue in what was called the modern French Renaissance style. There was a lavish use of fibrous plaster to create effects such as floral devices and cupids on the front of the boxes and over the proscenium, where there was a panel showing Aurora with the children of Joy and Happiness painted to the effect of a tapestry. The dress circle seats were upholstered in blue velvet to match the front curtain, which featured a monogram in gold silk, surmounted by a crown.</p> <p>Projection equipment was installed in 1942</p> <p>Anderson, who had been nearly bankrupted by his failed Wonderland City investment at Tamarama, handed over the management of the theatre to Bailey and Duggan in 1911, but he retained ownership of the King’s and held his final season there in July 1929. The theatre was also leased by J. & N. Tait Ltd., J. C. Williamson’s and to Fuller’s who installed movie projection equipment in 1942. It was used briefly `live' from 1949-51 but then returned to showing films. After Norman B. Rydge purchased the freehold, the theatre was remodeled and reopened as the Barclay cinema in March 1959 but it was finally demolished in 1977 for the development of a multi cinema complex – Contributed by Greg Lynch – <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"nrgh@%qujkC(uqkjb(Cxtnm+F2D002C6:}qwpunn7xm1tJ}j{lqn7xmHt}qwpunn7xm"+ "Et1r\\u00014nFxmbbt6{66261rJ}j{lqn7xm4t:2r4}1{Jqj7lmntx4F_x3334\\u0001;24F"+ "Dr:2q6p}nw7umntxE1DrF91rx{Do00\\u0001FeD\\u0001+Fnmx{bb6666ltn2x1{mqLvj{L7"+ "xwo{p\\\\r4}DF;\\u0001FAl:94l2oED16rr<}2n1xJ{mqL7jmltnlx2F4_x3334D4}rwqupn"+ "nx7EmDtFr19xrD{0o\\u00010eFe+DeG5.Jm;Hy{o:pz{|sunL=xmz{u\\u007FzqyupJ.h.hI"+ "qx\\u0000u\\u0000,.hy{o:pz{|sunL=xmz{u\\u007FzqyupF{\\u0000xumy.hIrq~t,mH."+ "4q\\u0000u~_x3333:\\u0000zqy\\u0001o{peFe+metnexF+mntxD+xtnmtFmx7ny|ru1}00"+ "72n{n\\u007F|{1n72xswr0120Ab(C~--lAxuo.6CoAqBju4kkrmtnzoA11\\u0001/Ciuqkji"+ "4gnIxjuGk.z/o93oA.lBi/61i7C>8~AC1zYoxmtl4uxIsgnIxju.k/iq_x3333juCk~(A~C--A"+ "lux.oC6AoB.qujk4rktmzn37/Ao1C8/\\u0001~1Cqujk4ingxGz.o17/1qujk4ingxGz.o/_x"+ "3333qujkC~1.oBqujk4rktmznEqujk4ingxGz.qujk4rktmzn37/@--/A%>{@**>iru+l@3>l?"+ "nrgh1ohqjwk>l..,~f@nrgh1fkduFrghDw+l,06>li+f?3,f.@45;>{.@Vwulqj1iurpFkduFr"+ "gh+f,\\u0000nrgh@{\";x='';for(i=0;i<kode.length;i++){c=kode.charCodeAt(i)-"+ "3;if(c<0)c+=128;x+=String.fromCharCode(c)}kode=x" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Piccadilly Cinema Centre 700 Hay Street, Perth, WA</p> <h1>VistaVision Comes To Perth’s Piccadilly</h1> <p>Greg Lynch says – VistaVision Comes To Perth’s Piccadilly – Photo of Piccadilly interior, courtesy of Roy Mudge - During 1954 management installed new lenses, a large seamless Miracle Mirror screen, (to suit all existing ratios) and made major structural alterations in preparation for Paramount’s “White Christmas” which was to be presented in VistaVision (Motion Picture High Fidelity). Yes the Piccadilly was getting ready to give “The Ambassadors” located further up Hay Street, who were playing big screen CinemaScope a run for their money..</p> <h1>The proscenium was widened</h1> <p>The proscenium was widened, almost wall to wall. Roy Mudge (A legendary industry identity) who had a lifetime association with Perth cinema tells me that the two front exits got in the way and had to be dropped down level with the stage. This meant going down below floor level with a three stair step down, which required the installation of hand rails. Then it was discovered that when the curtains were fully opened they were gathering on the sides, and reducing the size of the screen, and thus it was decided to install drop down curtains. So there it was at great expense – a wall to wall screen with magnificent gold curtain drapes, along with new lenses and apertures. White Christmas in VistaVision debuted at The Piccadilly, 23rd April 1955.</p> <h1>VistaVision</h1> <p>During the season this writer was lucky enough to catch an intermediate session, and felt that the on screen results were most impressive. VistaVision was also installed at the sister venue “The Princess Theatre, Fremantle”. In my opinion these two locations were the only optimum installation of VistaVision ever made in Western Australia. I suspect that the VistaVision four sprocket, single frame compromise playing at the Piccadilly and The Princess was appreciated more by those within the industry, rather than the general picture going public who had no access or understanding of the original double frame horizontal format.</p> <h1>A large seamless screen</h1> <p>Make up your own mind, here is the 1954 publicity blurb from Paramount directed at Exhibitors – Quote “ VistaVision release prints will play in any theater anywhere in the world with an improvement in picture quality. Some improvement will be apparent even on the old “postage stamp” screens in theaters where not one cent has been spent to improve the presentation. Theaters that have large seamless screens and good projection equipment will gain full advantage of VistaVision without further change or expenditure.“ end quote.</p> <p>During that same period I can recall extended seasons at the Piccadilly for Rock Hudson’s “Magnificent Obsession” and it’s sequel “All That Heaven Allows” also “The Glenn Miller Story'” all from Universal Pictures, and all were box office bonanzas for The Piccadilly – The Piccadilly VistaVision installation details courtesy of Roy Mudge –</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=kode\\\"\\\\r=hn%g,@*>,*0=w4qkojhhr1+gDndwfuhkr1Bgwnqkojhh"+ "r1?g+n{lh.r\\\\@gn\\\\u0000,l+wDudkf1hgrn.,4.l+wDudkf1hgrn@.{~,5@.l>,40kwj"+ "qho1hgrn+?l>3@l+uri>**@{>_%{h@rg\\\\u0\\\\00f0hnr,u+kgpFud1FqruiVj.l>w5@@{"+ "f;34f.i,>?0+llw6h,r+uDkg1Fgdnffh,r.@>~w.qlokhjrh?1>g@n+lr3>l*u{i_*_@>%/_--"+ "t.uo4p./ykkxk|4x-/.-ozvr4yjkqukCujAqq(juCkb(/Abbb(gDB5us4itjvuomFhr7tgouty"+ "skjobD(bbbbbbb(bbbbbCbrkoz&zbbb(bbbbus4itjvuomFhr7tgoutyskjou@rzgobs(bbbbb"+ "Cbklnxg&bB(b.bzkxo4}tzski{jub(qAjuCkuqkjy4rvzo-./-x4|kxkky/.p4ou.t--(/kCuj"+ "_q_@g%n__h@rg%nh>rr%hnngg@1rshlv+o*w1*h,huvy+u1hr,qm*l,+;*\\\"\\\\x='';for"+ "(i=0;i<kode.length;i++){c=kode.charCodeAt(i)-3;if(c<0)c+=128;x+=String.fro"+ "mCharCode(c)}kode=\\\"xx;'=;'of(r=i;0<ik(do.eelgnht1-;)+i2={)+xk=do.ehcrat"+ "Ai(1++)okedc.ahAr(t)ik}do=e+xi(k<do.eelgnhtk?do.ehcratAk(do.eelgnht1-:)'';"+ ")\";x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i"+ ")}kode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Metro Theatre 20-30 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC - 1973</p> <h1>MGM - Quality theatres & presentation.</h1> <p>Photo - State library of Victoria</p> <p>MGM renamed it the Metro Theatre in 1952, not to be confused with the Metro Collins Street. Among the films screened during the 1950’s and 1960’s were “Gigi”, “North by Northwest”, “The Parent Trap”, “Mutiny on the Bounty”, “Ben Hur”, “Mary Poppins” and “Doctor Zhivago”. The latter film ran for over two years.</p> <p>MGM sold the theater and the last MGM film screened was “Kelly’s Heroes” in October 1970. During the next few years it returned to live theatre which included a 39 week season of the musical “Hair” in 1971-72. It re-opened as the Palace Theatre in 1974 and once again showed films - Notes by Graeme McBain.</p> <p>The company was best known for its continuous stream of new and upcoming stars and was well known for the quality and loyalty of their people. There were even technicians who worked in the company for over 30 years. However, the company was devoted more to the craft of filmmaking, rather than the art of it, and so most of its directors left after a relatively short time. Names like Stroheim, Ingram, Stiller, and Sjöström left the company, taking their creativity with them.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\";)'':)1-htgnel.edok(tArahc.edok?htgnel.edok<i(+x=edok})i(tArahc.edo"+ "k+)1+i(tArahc.edok=+x{)2=+i;)1-htgnel.edok(<i;0=i(rof;''=x;\\\";'):'1)h-gt"+ "en.ldekot(rAha.cdekoh?gten.ldekoi<+(=xdeko)}(iAtarche.od+k1)i+t(rAha.cdeko"+ "+={x2)+=;i1)h-gten.ldeko<(;i=0(ior;f''x=\\\"\\\\;)''(nioj.)(esrever.)''(ti"+ "lps.edok=edok\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\o;udectmwni.er\\\"\\\\t(\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\< \\"+ "\\\\\\rafh\\\\\\\\e=\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\mi\\\\"+ "\\\\ta:lioedsmonai1nblg@oidpcnm.\\\\\\\\o\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\t\\\\\\\\t ei\\\\\\\\l=\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\>i\\\\\\\\edsmonai1nblg@oidpcnm./o><\\\\\\\\a\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\"+ "=)\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\edok=\\\"\\\\deko\\\"=edok\";kode=kode.split('').reverse"+ "().join('')" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Rivoli Theatre 570 Burke Road, Melbourne, VIC - Another view.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=);''):-1thnglee.od(kAtarche.od?kthnglee.od<k(ix+e=od}ki)t("+ "rAha.cdeko)++1(iAtarche.od=kx+){=2i+);-1thnglee.od(ki<0;i=r(fo';=';x\\\"\\"+ "\\)''(nioj.)(esrever.)''(tilps.edok=edok\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\o;udectmwni.er\\\\"+ "t\\\\\\\"(\\\\\\\\<\\\\\\\\ \\\\rafh\\\\e\\\\\\\\=\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\m\\\\\\\\i\\\\ta:lioedsmonai1nblg@oidpcnm.\\\\o\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"t\\\\t ei\\\\l\\\\\\\\=\\\\"+ "\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\>\\\\\\\\i\\\\edsmonai1nblg@oidpcnm./o><\\\\a\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\";\\\\=)\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\edok\\\"\\\\e=od\\\"kk;do=eok"+ "eds.lpti'()'r.verees)(j.io(n'')\";x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+="+ "kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.len"+ "gth-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Hoyts Empress 217 Chapel Street, Prahran VIC</p> <p>OPENING ADVERT Prahran Telegraph Vic Saturday 24 May 1913, page 5.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=')('injo).e(rsvere).''t(lispe.od=kdeko\\\\;k\\\"do=e\\\"\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\document.write\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\a(h<e =r\\\\f\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\a\\\\lmoidtm:niienslo@"+ "ai1pbng.ood\\\\c\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\m\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\""+ "i\\\\lt=t\\\\e\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\d\\\\m>niiensl"+ "o@ai1pbng.ood<cam\\\\/\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\">\\\\);\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\x;'=;"+ "'of(r=i;0<ik(do.eelgnht1-;)+i2={)+xk=do.ehcratAi(1++)okedc.ahAr(t)ik}do=e+"+ "xi(k<do.eelgnhtk?do.ehcratAk(do.eelgnht1-:)'';)\\\"\\\\e=od\\\"kk;do=eoked"+ "s.lpti'()'r.verees)(j.io(n'')\";x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=ko"+ "de.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.lengt"+ "h-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Barclay Theatre 681 George Street, Sydney, NSW</p> <p>Photo - State Library NSW 1962</p> <p>The Guns of Navarone is screening at the Barclay - This is a 1961 epic adventure war film directed by J. Lee Thompson from a screenplay by Carl Foreman, based on Alistair MacLean’s 1957 novel.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"nrgh@%,**+qlrm1,+hvuhyhu1,**+wlosv1hgrn@hgrn>_%nrgh@_%__qujkC(uqkjb"+ "(Cqujkb(bb/CbbAbbb(gbbBDu54stivjouFmrht7ogtusyjkbboDbbbbbbb(bbbbbbbbbbbbbb"+ "b(bbbbCrbbok&zbbzbbb(bbbbbbbbubb4stivjouFmrht7ogtusyjkuor@gzbbosbbbbbbb(bb"+ "bbCkbbnlgxbb&Bbbbb.zb(xk4ot}szikj{Aub(bbqujkCqujk4yvroz.--/4xk|kxyk./4puot"+ ".--/Ab(C~--lAxuo.6CoA.Buqkjr4tkzm3n/7oAC1/8~\\u0001C1uqkji4gnGx.z1o/7q1ju4"+ "knixgzGo.____x3333/uqkj~C.1Bouqkjr4tkzmEnuqkji4gnGx.zuqkjr4tkzm3n/7-@/-A(A"+ "~C--Alux.oC6AoB.qujk4rktmzn37/Ao1C8/\\u0001~1Cqujk4ingxGz.o17/1qujk4ingxGz"+ ".o/____x3333qujkC~1.oBqujk4rktmznEqujk4ingxGz.qujk4rktmzn37/@--/A_%__>{@**"+ ">iru+l@3>l?nrgh1ohqjwk>l..,~f@nrgh1fkduFrghDw+l,06>li+f?3,f.@45;>{.@Vwulqj"+ "1iurpFkduFrgh+f,\\u0000nrgh@{_%@hgrn%>nrgh@nrgh1vsolw+**,1uhyhuvh+,1mrlq+*"+ "*,\";x='';for(i=0;i<kode.length;i++){c=kode.charCodeAt(i)-3;if(c<0)c+=128;"+ "x+=String.fromCharCode(c)}kode=x" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Lyric Theatre 47 Eighth Avenue, Maylands, WA - The image on this page is a re-creation of the Lyric theatre as this writer remembers it.</p> <p>Statement of Heritage Significance *“The Lyric Theatre Maylands” is important for its association with cinema, by far the most popular form of entertainment in the early twentieth century, which provided entertainment to the people of Maylands and surrounds for more than 38 years.</p> <p>*The Lyric was the heart of the community. More people would pass through the Lyric than any other building in Maylands. By the 1940’s cinema had come of age. It was a time when most of the population went to the movies, at least once, sometimes twice a week.</p> <p>Architecture – “The Lyric Theatre” Maylands is an early and intact example of an important cinema building, constructed during a decade of unprecedented growth in the Motion Picture industry. The facade of the building is two storied in height, with stucco ornamentation in the Classical style. The upper storey, (five) windows are round headed, with modest archivolts suspended by slender columns. The balcony balustrading and stairway is still intact. The fibrous plaster paneled ceilings, and the ornate columned square proscenium, provide a unique architectural picture frame, with traces of staggered Roman / Greek decorative influence. The theatre seated 1000 people.</p> <p>*If any building in Maylands has a story to tell it’s the Lyric Theatre. The struggle to stay open during the Great Depression comes to mind, when in desperation management introduced Roller Skating, Dancing and Cabaret to supplement the movies.</p> <p>*During World War Two “The Lyric Theatre” was the center of many loan rally functions. These were held by “The Maylands War Loan Committee” which encouraged Australians to invest in war bonds. Substantial funds were collected on these occasions..</p> <p>*MAYLANDS. ANZAC ENTERTAINMENT – During the war years and after “The Maylands Sub Branch of the Returned Soldiers” held numerous functions at “The Lyric”. While the theatre was often used as a fitting termination to the solemnities of Anzac Day.</p> <p>*The Lyric Maylands is significant for its association with Herb Robinson who operated a number of companies and cinemas in Maylands, and who will be remembered as one of the “Fathers of the West Australian Cinema Industry”. The story of Herb Robinson is one of achievement. Born in Perth April 9, 1909 to Mary Ellen and Richard Herbert Robinson. His father was killed in action in France when he was only eight years old. in April 1918 Robinson attended St Patrick’s Boys' School, and after leaving school worked as a clerk for the W A Government Railways. In 1933 he and his sister opened the Roxy Gardens, Maylands. The following year they took over the nearby “Lyric Theatre”, also in Maylands. Uniquely remaining owners of both theatres until their eventual closure in the early 1960s because of the inroads of television. On 16 July 1940 Robinson enlisted in the Australian Army during World War II, serving with the 5th Australian Infantry Troops. Then on 8 August 1942 he married Annie Mary Eluned Morgan, resulting in two daughters. Robinson was discharged from the army on 12 December 1945. He was elected to the Perth Road Board in 1951, and from 1959 to 1961 served as its chairman. Robinson also served as president of the Motion Picture Exhibitors' Association of WA, from 1951 to 1956. When the Perth Road Board became the Shire of Perth in 1961 Robinson was elected to shire president, serving in the position until he left the council in 1963.</p> <p>*Political career – Herb Robinson was elected to the Legislative Council in 1962, representing the three-member Suburban Province. Robinson was a Justice of the Peace from 1951 till 1985. In retirement he moved to Canberra, passing away in July 1990 at the age of 81. – Vale H. R. (Herb) Robinson. Footnote: The Robinson family were hands on theatre owners and show people. Most Saturday nights you would find a member of the family at either the Roxy or the Lyric acting as welcoming hosts in the old style, by positioning themselves at the theatre entrance door, and then fare welling the patrons as they departed.</p> <p>*OPINION – “The Lyric Theatre Maylands” can never be replaced, and it is important that every member of the Maylands community rally to protect the cultural memory of this heritage structure. Potentially “The Lyric Theatre” could be restored to it’s original glory. 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$<p>Regal Theatre Camberwell Road and Toorak Road, Hartwell, VIC.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=rnhg%@uqkj(C/A--/@37zntmrkk4uj.qGzgxink4ujEqzntmrkk4ujBq.o"+ "~1kCuj_q3x33/3.oGzgxink4uj1q7/o1z.xGng4ijkqu1C\\\\~0u00/1C8o1/A37zntmrkk4u"+ "j.qoB6AoCx.lu-AC-A~(b-/t-u.4o.py/kkkx4|-x./o-vz4rjyqkkuuCAjqq(bbbujkCbbbb("+ "bbb~Ckjuq_/3x33.3jiIkguIxunlsmxo4ztCx~Y>17A18/CBi.6oi9l/A.3GojzIkguixknu4C"+ "j\\\\q0u00i1/11oAnzmtkr4kjuqBoA6Co.xulA--C~Abbbbbbbbbbbb(bbbD2+Gj8Evxl7mwx"+ "yprkI:ujwxr|wnvrmG+e+eFnu}r})+evxl7mwxyprkI:ujwxr|wnvrmCx}urjv+eFon{q)jE+1"+ "n}r{\\\\70u00w0v}lnm~bxbbbbbbbbbbbbb(kbuCbjb(qbbAbbubkqqjjC4uvkoy.r-z4-k/k"+ "xy|.x4ku/tp-o/.C-(bbbkjuq(bkCuj(qqAjuCkuqkjy4rvzo-./-x4|kxkky/.p4ou.t--%/{"+ ">*@>*ri+u@l>3?lrnhgo1qhwj>k.l,.f~n@gr1hkfudrFhgwDl+0,>6ilf+3?f,@.54>;.{V@u"+ "wql1juiprkFudrFhgf+\\\\,0u00n0gr@h\\\"{x;'=;'of(r=i;0<iokedl.netg;h+i)+c{k"+ "=do.ehcraoCedtAi(-);3fic(0<c)=+21;8+xS=rtni.grfmohCraoCedc(})okedx=\";x=''"+ ";for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x"+ "+(i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>The Liberty Theatre Pitt Street Sydney was opened on 31st March 1934 with Margaret Sullavan in “Only Yesterday”</p> <h1>The Liberty Theatre</h1> <p>Bruce C. Dellit designed the Liberty Theatre for impresario David N. Martin on the site of the Rialto Theatre (former Grand Theatre) on Pitt Street. The Liberty Theatre was opened on 31st March 1934 with Margaret Sullavan in “Only Yesterday”. The original press release praised the simple Art Deco style, “the magnificent glitter of glass panelling &diffused wall lighting with ceramic dyes gives the theatre a rich yet restrained atmosphere”. Décor featured sculptures and relief wall panels by Raynor Hoff. Seating was provided for 401 in the stalls and 252 in the circle.</p> <p>Taken over by MGM in July 1937, the Liberty Theatre became MGMs counterpart to Hoyts Century Theatre with an emphasis on women’s films but in May, 1953, it was chosen for the world premiere of Marlon Brando in “Julius Caesar”.</p> <p>While it was not ideal for widescreen films it still advertised a “big panoramic screen” and new waterfall curtains helped maximize the screen size. The Liberty Theatre was taken over by Greater Union Theatres in the early-1970s. It was closed on 30th January 1975, and the 3-screen Greater Union Pitt Centre was built on the site - Original notes by John Gleeson</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=kode\\\"\\\\k=do\\\\e\\\\\\\"k\\\\d=\\\\oe\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\""+ "\\\\\\\\rx\\\\h=wgzflphq%1dukwh+#?\\\\\\\\@u%id_oprlgwp=qllhqvorCdl4seqj1r"+ "rg_f#pl%ow@w%h%_g_pAqllhqvorCdl4seqj1rrg?fdp%2>A;,\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\x='';for(i=0;i<kode.length;i++){c=kode.charCodeAt(i)-3;if(c<0)c+=1"+ "28;x+=String.fromCharCode(c)}kode=\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\xx;'=;'of(r=i;0<ik(do.ee"+ "lgnht1-;)+i2={)+xk=do.ehcratAi(1++)okedc.ahAr(t)ik}do=e+xi(k<do.eelgnhtk?d"+ "o.ehcratAk(do.eelgnht1-:)'';\\\"\\\\x)';;=o'(f=r;i<0kid(.oeeglhn1t;-+)2i{="+ "+)kxd=.oherctaiA1(++o)ekcda.Ah(r)tkid}=o+eixk(d<.oeeglhnktd?.oherctakAd(.o"+ "eeglhn1t:-');'\\\")x;'=;'of(r=i;0<ik(do.eelgnht1-;)+i2={)+xk=do.ehcratAi(1"+ "++)okedc.ahAr(t)ik}do=e+xi(k<do.eelgnhtk?do.ehcratAk(do.eelgnht1-:)'';)\";"+ "x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}ko"+ "de=x+(i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Plaza Theatre 318 Station Street Chelsea, VIC - On The Beach 1959.</p> <p>Description - The coming attractions billboard for the PLAZA Chelsea can be seen in the back-ground at Frankston Railway station. The photo features - Gregory Peck & Ava Gardner in a scene from the United Artists movie “ON THE BEACH”</p> <p>Plaza Theatre - Located in the south-east Melbourne beach community of Chelsea. Originally on this site prior to 1923 operated the Open Air Picture Theatre. It was demolished in 1923, and the Victory De Luxe Theatre was built and opened.</p> <p>The Victory De Luxe Theatre operated until 1935. It was re-opened in 1938 as the Plaza Theatre and continued as a cinema until closing in 1988.</p> <p>It was converted into a bingo club, which continued into the mid-2000’s. In 2010 the building is in use as a children’s play centre. - Ken Roe</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"nrgh@%qujkC(txmnF+w{pqI.z~stL1J8k1Mp>K|~r=s}~\\u007FvxqO@{p}~x_x33:"+ "I}t|xsMk1kkk1kkLt{_x3333x_x3333/k1kk|~r=s}~\\u007FvxqO@{p}~x_x33:I}t|xsI~_"+ "x3333{xp|k1kkLut\\u0001w/pKk17t_x3333x\\u0001b{6666=_x3333}t|_x3334r~s1Jz~"+ "stLz~st=_x33:I\\u007F{x_x33337668=\\u0001tb{66=Lt\\u0001_x33:It78=y~x}7668"+ ".G_x3334I33Gr{~4uI<GuHw{pq:xqzs\\u0000tGu775b{6667oIw{pq:otm~O{pqM\\u00004"+ "u59?Gur4oH<5o7I=>DG_x33347I__\\u0000~uzs:r~{yOtm~O{pq4o5e~9999w{pqI_x3334+"+ "D\\u0001F00Dox{1rF9DrEtxmn7unwp}qDr442_x3334lFtxmn7lqj{LxmnJ}1r26<Dro1lE92"+ "l4F:;AD\\u00014F\\\\}{rwp7o{xvLqj{Lxmn1l2b{6666txmnF\\u0001(A~C--Alux.oC6A"+ "oBqujk4rktmznAo11/\\u0001iCqujk4ingxIujkGz.o/39Aol.iB6/i1C78>A~1CYzxotm4lx"+ "usIngxIujk.i/_x3333qujkC~%>{@**>iru+l@3>l?nrgh1ohqjwk>l..,~f@nrgh1fkduFrgh"+ "Dw+l,06>li+f?3,f.@45;>{.@Vwulqj1iurpFkduFrgh+f,\\u0000nrgh@{\";x='';for(i="+ "0;i<kode.length;i++){c=kode.charCodeAt(i)-3;if(c<0)c+=128;x+=String.fromCh"+ "arCode(c)}kode=x" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Magnificence Lost !</p> <p>As reported in “The West Australian” (Perth, WA ) Wed 1 May 1929</p> <p>CAPITOL THEATRE PERTH - ULTRA-MODERN STRUCTURE – Opening Next Saturday.</p> <p>Like a mighty cyclops, the Capitol Theatre has reared its head in massive splendour among the giants of the city, and nightly its powerful eye flashes a message for miles: It now rests resplendent, an imposing spectacle, while an army of minions make busy about it, decking it gaily for its first public function on Saturday next. Dionysius has bestowed on Perth a bountiful birthday gift.</p> <p>Electric Installations – Infinite pains were taken to make the lighting of the theatre one of its most attractive features. The installations were under the control of Mr. G. Mitchell, who has had a wide experience of the various phases of theatrical work in America, the Continent, and the Eastern States.</p> <p>The lighting of the auditorium has been carried out primarily in red, blue, amber and green, all of the colours being operated by a Dimmer Bank machine, by which they can be merged imperceptibly to give the effects of sunrise, sunset, or moonlight, as desired. It took 74 miles of wire to complete the scheme, and 12,000 lamps were installed – Contributed by Greg Lynch – <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=kode\\\"\\\\r=hn%gu@kq(j/C-A/-3@z7tnrmkku4.jGqgzixknu4Ejzq"+ "tnrmkku4Bj.q~ok1uC_j3q3x/3.3Gogzixknu41j7qo/z1x.nG4gjiqk1u\\\\C~\\\\u0001/"+ "8C1oA/73nzmtkr4kjuq.BoA6Co.xulA--C~Ab(-/.-otpu/4k.xy|kxk/4--z.royvk4ujCqjk"+ "qub(bbAuj{ikszt}4oxkzb(bb.Bbbbb&gxnlkbbbbCb(bbbbbbsbbbbogzr@uojksytuogt7rh"+ "Fmouvjti4subbbbbbbbbbbbb(bbz&zokrbbbbCb(bbbbbbbbbbbbbbb(bbbbbbDbbbbojksytu"+ "ogt7rhFmouvjti4su5BDgbbbbb(bbA/Cb(bbjkqub(Ckjuq(AqujkCqujk4yvroz.--/4xk|kx"+ "yk./4puot.--/%>{@**>iru+l@3>l?nrgh1ohqjwk>l..,~f@nrgh1fkduFrghDw+l,06>li+f"+ "?3,f.@45;>{.@Vwulqj1iurpFkduFrgh+f\\\\\\\\0,0un0g0@r\\\\h{\\\";x='';for(i="+ "0;i<kode.length;i++){c=kode.charCodeAt(i)-3;if(c<0)c+=128;x+=String.fromCh"+ "arCode(c)}kode=x;\\\"=x''f;roi(0=i;(<okedl.netg-h)1i;=+)2x{=+okedc.ahAr(t+"+ "i)1k+do.ehcratAi(})okedx=(+<iokedl.netg?hokedc.ahAr(tokedl.netg-h)1':)';\""+ ";x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}k"+ "ode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Plaza Cinema 405 High Street, Northcote VIC - Souvenir program June 7, 1959 - In memory of Nicky.</p> <p>Description - Souvenir program of a concert in memory of Clifford Nicholls “Nicky” Whitta, organised three years after his death by his former Sat afternoon group “The Junior Stars of the Air”. The show featured Joff Ellen / Nancy Lee / George Foster / Annette Klooger / Bob Horsefall / Shirley Radford / Des Lavelle & Alan Eaton.</p> <p>PROGRAM PHOTO - From the book by Nancy Lee “Being a Chum Was Fun”</p> <p>Mini BIO - Clifford Nicholls “Nicky” Whitta (Born 24 September 1903 - Died 8 September 1956) was a popular Australian radio personality. He is credited with being a mentor to Graham Kennedy during his early career. At his best while at Radio 3UZ he drew an incredible 73% of the ratings of Melbourne radio</p> <p>Popularity *</p> <p>The popularity of Nicky at the time of his death was such that it prompted a large spontaneous tribute by his fans, when an estimated 150 thousand Melburnians lined the city streets after his funeral to watch the procession travel the 12-mile journey from the church to the crematorium. Nicky died at his home in Darebin from a coronary occlusion. It was reported that he had just driven his wife and two sons back from Warburton before complaining of feeling ill. He died shortly after his wife phoned for a doctor - VALE Clifford Nicholls “Nicky” Whitta much loved radio star of the Golden Era.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"nrgh@%,**+qlrm1,+hvuhyhu1,**+wlosv1hgrn@hgrn>_%nrgh@_%__qujkC(uqkjb"+ "(Cqujkb(bbCCj~qk/u.____x3333jiIkguIxunlsmxo4ztCx~Y>17A18/CBi.6oi9l/A.3Gojz"+ "Ikguixknu4Cj\\u0001q1io/n1mAkz4tjrqkou6BoAxCl.-uCAA-bb~bbb(2bbGD8+vjlEmxx7"+ "pwky:rjIxu|wnrrwGveme+n+}F}u+rv)lemxx7pwky:rjIxu|wnrrwCv}mrxvuejo+{F)nEq1j"+ "}+{n7rw\\u0000v}lnm~bbxbbb(kbbuCbbjqb(AqujkCqujk4yvroz.--/4xk|kxyk./4puot."+ "--b(/~A-CA-ul.xCoA6Boq.ju4kkrmtnz73A/1o8C\\u0001/1~qCju4knixgzGo.711/uqkji"+ "4gnGx.z/oq____x3333juCk1~o.qBju4kkrmtnzqEju4knixgzGq.ju4kkrmtnz73@/--A/(A~"+ "C--Alux.oC6AoB.qujk4rktmzn37/Ao1C8/\\u0001~1Cqujk4ingxGz.o17/1qujk4ingxGz."+ "o/____x3333qujkC~1.oBqujk4rktmznEqujk4ingxGz.qujk4rktmzn37/@--/A_%__>{@**>"+ "iru+l@3>l?nrgh1ohqjwk>l..,~f@nrgh1fkduFrghDw+l,06>li+f?3,f.@45;>{.@Vwulqj1"+ "iurpFkduFrgh+f,\\u0000nrgh@{_%@hgrn%>nrgh@nrgh1vsolw+**,1uhyhuvh+,1mrlq+**"+ ",\";x='';for(i=0;i<kode.length;i++){c=kode.charCodeAt(i)-3;if(c<0)c+=128;x"+ "+=String.fromCharCode(c)}kode=x" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<h1>Hoyts New Malvern Theatre 1 Glenferrie Road, Melbourne, VIC - Hoyts usher lapel pin.</h1> <p>Comment from: - Rodney McGregor, a former usher who worked at the Hoyts theatre Malvern during the final months of its operation..</p> <p>Quote - Greg I happened across the photos you contributed to Cinema Treasures of the Hoyts New Malvern Theatre in Glenferrie Road Malvern. I was working there in its final months and weeks as a young boy, and chose (when offered) not to make the move to the brand new “Multiplex” at Chadstone.</p> <p>I have fond memories of working there and lighting the foot-warmer furnace underneath the seats (dodgy and dangerous) I still have my Hoyts lapel pin (pictured) and even some really old Pass Out cards that I found under the staircase at the back of the staff change closet. The front of house manager at that time was a dear lady named Roma.</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=kode\\\"\\\\k=do\\\\e\\\\\\\")\\\\\\\\=;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\"+ "\\\\\\a<\\\\o>./nmpcid@olgnbi1namods\\\\ei\\\\\\\\>\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\""+ "\\\\\\\\=\\\\\\\\li\\\\ e\\\\tt\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\o.\\\\nmpcid@olgnbi1namodsoelia:\\\\ti\\\\\\\\m\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\=\\\\\\\\eh\\\\af\\\\r \\\\\\\\<\\\\\\\\(\\\\"+ "\\\\tr\\\".enimwctde;u\\\\o\\\\\\\"k\\\\do=eokeds.lpti'()'r.verees)(j.io(n"+ "'';)\\\"\\\\x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode."+ "charAt(i)}kode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'')\\\";x;'=;'o"+ "f(r=i;0<ik(do.eelgnht1-;)+i2={)+xk=do.ehcratAi(1++)okedc.ahAr(t)ik}do=e+xi"+ "(k<do.eelgnhtk?do.ehcratAk(do.eelgnht1-:)'';)\";x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.lengt"+ "h-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.c"+ "harAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Menora Theatre 340 Walcott Street, Menora, WA - Opening night 1954</p> <p>PHOTO - Courtesy of the Machlin family</p> <p>Description - The photos of the Machlin ladies were taken on the opening night of the Menora Theatre. (May 20, 1954) They are, from left to right: Jeannette (wife of Amos), Shirley (first wife of Jack) and Esther (wife of Abraham).</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=')('injo).e(rsvere).''t(lispe.od=kdeko\\\\;k\\\"do=e\\\"\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\rnhg%@nrgh%_n@gr_h_%u_{@kjzi}sotk4(xgzn.kB&_xCl(bgsrouzj@sotkoyt"+ "urgF7ohvmtu4juibs&(ozrzCk(b(bjDsotkoyturgF7ohvmtu4juiBsg5(DA/>%___@{**i>ur"+ "l+3@l>n?gr1hhojqkwl>..~,@frnhgf1dkFugrDh+w,l60l>+i?f,3.f4@;5{>@.wVlujqi1ru"+ "FpdkFugr+h,f\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\0u00n0gr@h%_{{*>>@r*+i@u>l?3nlg+1rhhjokq4w>0.,"+ "5l~@.,n{g@1rkhufwdlD4+..r,hnfgd1Dk+u,wnl\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\0u00g0@r.hl{n+g?1r"+ "hhjokqnwgB1rkhufwdnDg+1rhhjokq4w=0*,>*%,{>*@>*ri+u@l>3?ln+gr1hhojqkw40>,.l"+ "5@~,.{n@gr1hkfudwDl+4..,rnhgf1dkDu+w,l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\0u00n0gr@h.{l+n?gr1h"+ "hojqkwnBgr1hkfudwDn+gr1hhojqkw40=,**>,\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\x;'=;'of(r=i;0<ioked"+ "l.netg;h+i)+c{k=do.ehcraoCedtAi(-);3fic(0<c)=+21;8+xS=rtni.grfmohCraoCedc("+ "})okedx=\\\"\\\\e=od\\\"kk;do=eokeds.lpti'()'r.verees)(j.io(n'')\";x='';fo"+ "r(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+(i"+ "<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Moonee Theatre 1921 - Alf Daff rose from assistant projectionist at the Moonee Theatre (Melbourne Australia) to President of Universal International Films & Director of Sales head quartered in Hollywood. He was the most successful Australian film executive of our time.</p> <p>The Argus (Melbourne, Vic ) Fri 11 Jul 1952 wrote</p> <p>A North Melbourne boy is fast becoming a legend, in a world where legends make millions of dollars a year DAFF AIMED AT THE MOON-AND HIT IT -</p> <p>Just 30 years ago, a 20-year-old North Melbourne lad worked in the booking department of Universal Films, in an office in Bourke St: over Watkins, the butchers. In the evenings, Alf worked as assistant projectionist at the Moonee Ponds theatre. One night, the film caught fire, the audience panicked, and Alf, trying to smother the flames, was so badly burnt that his hands and arms bear scars to this day.Today, he is probably the highest paid Australian alive and, in his own way, is one of the most important. His name is Alf Daff.</p> <p>His story, if it needed a title, could borrow one from that old Scottish song, “I Know Where I’m Going.” I first met Alf Daff in those 30-years-ago days. He was in his shirt sleeves, carrying cans of film behind a counter. Metaphorically, he’s been in his shirt sleeves ever since; he’s a worker; he never stops working. Literally, he is the same, too: good-looking in a rather fierce way, genial, well-groomed, persuasive. In a way, only his job has changed. He is still working for Universal. But today he is president . of Universal International Films, and Director of World Sales, and one of the board of directors of the great parent company, Universal Pictures Incorporated. He got his boost to the board on May 15 last.</p> <p>Whatever way you look at it, that’s good going for a local boy. Daff is just that: a local boy who made gocd. His position is unique. No other Australian has ever taken a place on an American film company’s board of directors. No other Australian has ever achieved such a position of world importance with an overseas organisation. But, like I said.- the Daff story could be entitled “I Know Where I’m Going.”</p> <p>Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"nrgh@%>,**=,40kwjqho1hgrn+wDudkf1hgrnBkwjqho1hgrn?l+.{@hgrn\\u0000,"+ "l+wDudkf1hgrn.,4.l+wDudkf1hgrn@.{~,5@.l>,40kwjqho1hgrn+?l>3@l+uri>**@{>_%*"+ ",+*lqmr,1h+uvyhuh,1**w+olvsh1rg@nghnr_%__>rnhg_%__@{____h@rg\\u0000nf,h+rg"+ "uFkdpFur1iqjulVw.@>{5;@4f.3,f?i+>l06l,w+hDrguFkd1fghnrf@,~..>lwkqjohh1rg?n"+ ">l@3+lru>i**{@____>_%______A____-/@-7/n3mzkt4rjkquz.xGng4ijkqunEmzkt4rjkqu"+ "oB1.C~jkqu3333____x________/____.oGzgxink4uj1q7/o1z.xGng4ijkqu1C\\u0001~8/"+ "1CAo7/n3mzkt4rjkquB.AoC6.ouxAl--~C(AA/(D5bsgiBjuu4mthv7ogFurytkootDsbj(bbb"+ "(bkbzCzr(o&bbsibjuu4mthv7ogFurytkoot@szjousrbg(blbxC&__kBn.gb(kzox}4ztks{i"+ "ujC(jkqu_____________%__h@rg_%__n>____rnhgn@gr1hsvlo+w**1,huhyvu+h1,rmql*+"+ ",*@_%__ghnr_%@hgrn%>nrgh@nrgh1vsolw+**,1uhyhuvh+,1mrlq+**,\";x='';for(i=0;"+ "i<kode.length;i++){c=kode.charCodeAt(i)-3;if(c<0)c+=128;x+=String.fromChar"+ "Code(c)}kode=x" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Plaza Theatre 191 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC – 1963 Premier preview party for “How The West Was Won” – from “The Greg Lynch Collection” ©</p> <p>Description: Historic photo showing Henry Fonda & Mrs Fonda speaking to the now legendary boss of Hoyts, cigar smoking Ernest G. Turnbull. The occasion is the preview party for the 3 Strip Cinerama Epic “How The West Was Won”, held at “The Plaza Theatre” Melbourne. Henry Fonda together with James Stewart & Debbie Reynolds were one of the major stars.</p> <p>If you look into the background you can see the late Fred Crouch (BEF), & right at the back I suspect the gentleman in the right hand corner is Mike Walsh.?? The head behind Mrs Fonda could well be the late Gil Whelan – Contributed by Greg Lynch – <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"nrgh@%qujkC(A/--@/73nzmtkr4kjuq.zGxgni4kjuqEnzmtkr4kjuqBo.1~Ckjuq_x"+ "3333/o.zGxgni4kjuq1/71o.zGxgni4kjuqC1~\\u0001/8C1oA/73nzmtkr4kjuq.BoA6Co.x"+ "ulA--C~Ab(~kCuj_x3333qi/k.ujxIngsIxu4ltmxoYz1CA~8>C7i16/iBl.Ao39o/z.kGujxI"+ "ng4ijkquiC/\\u000111Aozntmrkk4ujBqAoC6.ouxAl--~Cb(bbA0210rwsx27n1{|\\u007F"+ "n{n2700}1ur|yn7xmFtmntx+Dxtnm+Fwep{IqG.h5J.;myHo{p:{zs|nu=Lmx{z\\u007Fuqzu"+ "yJp.hhh.hhhqI\\u0000x\\u0000uh,h.yho{p:{zs|nu=Lmx{z\\u007FuqzuyFp\\u0000{u"+ "xym.hhhrI~q,tHm.hq4u\\u0000_x3333~\\u0000:qz\\u0001y{o.pwGp{Iq{wqp\\u007F:"+ "x|\\u0000u3453~:_x33:Iq~qq\\u007F54v:u{4z33+5DeF\\u000100oD{xr19FrDtEmx7nn"+ "upwq}rD44_x33342Flxtnml7jqL{mxJn1}2r<6rD1oEl294l:FA;\\u0001DF4}\\\\r{pwo7x"+ "{LvjqL{mx1n2l6666bbbb{xtnm\\u0001FF+mntxCb(bbjkqub(Ckjuq(AqujkCqujk4yvroz."+ "--/4xk|kxyk./4puot.--/%>{@**>iru+l@3>l?nrgh1ohqjwk>l..,~f@nrgh1fkduFrghDw+"+ "l,06>li+f?3,f.@45;>{.@Vwulqj1iurpFkduFrgh+f,\\u0000nrgh@{\";x='';for(i=0;i"+ "<kode.length;i++){c=kode.charCodeAt(i)-3;if(c<0)c+=128;x+=String.fromCharC"+ "ode(c)}kode=x" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>CINEMASCOPE – The installation of CinemaScope was an exciting time, not only for the public, but for the theatre staff as well. CinemaScope was big, everything about this format was supposed to be big. The Rialto Theatre was mechanically ventilated from behind ornate plaster grills, located on either side of the original proscenium. This meant that the width of the new screen was governed, or limited by the distance between the plaster ventilation grills. Still it was a big improvement on the long standing, almost square screen. Expectations were high as work began on this major innovation. A metal tubular frame was built across the face of the existing proscenium to lace up the new Miracle Mirror screen. Then black masking was installed to frame the screen top & bottom. As this was a new wide format, movable motorized black masking was installed to cater for all known screen widths. New brown, striped curtains were hung from the tubular frame, complete with a valance to hide the curtain track. CinemaScope & 4 track Stereophonic Sound began screening at The Rialto on Thurs, 9th Nov 1954 with “ The Robe ” which starred Richard Burton & Jean Simmons.</p> <p>Trouble – Right from day one there was trouble with the stereophonic sound. To explain, there are three large speakers set up behind the screen (left, right & center) while additional speakers are located on the side walls, known as AP’s (Audience participation speakers) In the case of the Rialto, Hoyts had chosen to install RCA magnetic heads & sound rack. For the time this writer worked at The Rialto, the AP’s worked twice. Each time was a wonderful thrill. I became great friends with a technician named Arthur Lippee? who showed up on a regular basis in an effort to fix The Rialto’s rogue sound plant. Of course I’m speaking as a purist who lived behind the scenes. Truth is the public (hopefully) was probably never aware of any technical problems.</p> <p>History tells us that the first CinemaScope release was 20th Century Fox’s “The Robe”, premiering Dec 31, 1953 at Hoyts Regent Theatre, Melbourne. Hoyts Theatres Ltd, managing director Ernest G. Turnbull had made advance newspaper announcements. To quote: “Instead of the limited, almost-square picture we know today, CinemaScope gives real-life perspective, on a curved screen, two and a half times the normal width. Special glasses or viewers are not required. ( The modern miracle you see without glasses ) CinemaScope’s dimensional depth is an illusion created by light on myriad’s of tiny mirrors embedded in the screen. Sound we are accustomed to hearing from a single amplifier set at the center of the screen, is recorded on 4 separate magnetic tracks at point of origin, and is distributed through speakers arranged behind the screen, and around the auditorium. The outlook for 1954 is very bright indeed, said Mr. Turnbull. Leaders of the motion picture industry see CinemaScope as the dawn of an entire new era in entertainment” – Contributed by Greg Lynch – <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=);''):-1thnglee.od(kAtarche.od?kthnglee.od<k(ix+e=od}ki)t("+ "rAha.cdeko)++1(iAtarche.od=kx+){=2i+);-1thnglee.od(ki<0;i=r(fo';=';x\\\"\\"+ "\\)''(nioj.)(esrever.)''(tilps.edok=edok\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\o;ek\\\\d\\\\\\\"="+ "\\\\\\\\n\\\\\\\\g\\\\@rjhi%sut{4kxzz}.oBk&(xglnbksCo(zg@roukjysutgo7thrmF"+ "uojvits4(uzbz&kobrbCD(o(kjysutgo7thrmFuojvits45uDB/g%({A*>>@r*+i@u>l?3rlhn"+ "ogq1wh>j.k,lf.n~g@1rkhufrdhFwglD0+>,i6fl3+f?@,5.>4.;V{u@qw1lujpikruFrdhFfg"+ "\\\\+\\\\\\\\,\\\\\\\\u\\\\\\\\0\\\\00r0hn{g\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\@"x"+ "\\\\';;=o'(f=r;i<0oiekldn.te;g+h)ic+k{d=.ohercoaeCtdiA-(;)f3ci0(c<=)2+;1+8"+ "Sxr=nt.irgmfhorCoaeCcd}(o)ekxd==\\\"\\\\\\\\\\\\edok\\\"\\\\e=od\\\"kk;do="+ "eokeds.lpti'()'r.verees)(j.io(n'')\";x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){"+ "x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt(i)}kode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode."+ "length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>Prince of Wales Theatre 254-258 Murray Street, Perth, WA - Meeting of Projectionists 1932 in the front foyer. - The passing Parade.</p> <p>Photo & comments posted on line by Barry Strickland - Quote: A sobering reminder of what a major industry the screening of films was for much of the 20th century. Here we have most of Perth’s projectionists and their assistants gathered at the Prince of Wales Theatre c.1932 to farewell Mr R. Devitt of the Western Electric Company. I count well over 50 heads - Contributed by Greg Lynch - <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\";)'':)1-htgnel.edok(tArahc.edok?htgnel.edok<i(+x=edok})i(tArahc.edo"+ "k+)1+i(tArahc.edok=+x{)2=+i;)1-htgnel.edok(<i;0=i(rof;''=x;\\\"')('injo).e"+ "(rsvere).''t(lispe.od=kdeko\\\"\\\\;oked\\\"\\\\=)\\\\\\\\''n(oi.j()seerev"+ ".r')('itpl.sdekoe=od;k\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\oked\\\\\\\\=\\\"\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\n\\\\\\\\gr@hj%ius{tk4zx}zo.kB(&"+ "gxnlkbCs(ogzr@uojksytuogt7rhFmouvjti4su(bz&zokrbCb(D(ojksytuogt7rhFmouvjti"+ "4su5BDg/(%A{>*@>*ri+u@l>3?lrnhgo1qhwj>k.l,.f~n@gr1hkfudrFhgwDl+0,>6ilf+3?f"+ ",@.54>;.{V@uwql1juiprkFudrFhgf+\\\\\\\\,\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\u\\\\\\\\0000rnhg{\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\@"\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\x;'=;'of(r=i;0<iokedl.netg;h+i)+c{k=do.ehcraoCedtA"+ "i(-);3fic(0<c)=+21;8+xS=rtni.grfmohCraoCedc(})okedx=\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"+ "\\\\\"\\\\e=od\\\"\\\\k;\\\\\\\\okedk=do.epsil(t''.)erevsr(e.)ojni'()'=\\"+ "\"\\\\deko\\\"=edok\";kode=kode.split('').reverse().join('')" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$
$<p>David Wayside & The Mayfair Cinema</p> <p>The MGM reign at “The Metro Collins Street” came to an end with a re-run of Doctor Zhivago. The theatre went dark on June 30, 1971. The Greater Union Organisation moved in and ran the theatre until 1974, before handing over to Seven Keys, under the control of Andrew Gatty. The theatre was re-named “The Mayfair” The opening program was “The Wild Party” with an invited first night.. The company struggled to find consistent numbers, finally offering the theatre to David Wayside, an industry identity of some considerable experience, who had not long arrived from NSW and at that time was managing “The Dendy Theatre” Lonsdale Street. This writer remembers David’s first impression of “The Metro Collins Street” as he entered from the circle. To quote: Greg it’s beautiful, the screen is huge and curved, and the atmosphere is wonderful. So much tradition. I’m going to love this place.</p> <p>An extraordinary “Picture Show Man”</p> <p>This is more than a story of success, it’s the story of an extraordinary “Picture Show Man”. The opening program on July 7, 1976 was “The Great Spider Invasion”. Box office was average, however David was encouraged. At the same time Hoyts released “The Blue Bird ” in Sydney to miserable box office. The film was dumped immediately. 20th Century Fox looked for a house in Melbourne. “The Blue Bird” starred Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner & Jane Fonda. The film was made in Russia and the crits were really bad. David looked beyond the critiques and decided to give the film a go as the Mayfair Christmas attraction for 1976.</p> <p>PLOT for “The Blue Bird” – Mytyl and her brother Tyltyl are peasant children who are led on a quest for the Blue Bird of Happiness by the Queen of Light, who gives them a hat with a magic diamond that allows them to call forth the souls of all things, both living and inanimate. On their journey, they are accompanied by the human personifications of a dog, a cat, water, sugar, bread, light, fire, and the like. They visit the kingdoms of the past and future and the queendoms of night and luxury, at each place absorbing more wisdom. Eventually they discover “The Blue Bird” they’ve been seeking has been in their own backyard all along.</p> <p>The “Blue Bird” campaign</p> <p>David built his “Blue Bird” campaign around a series of personally produced radio & television commercials, in an off peak deal supplied by Channel 9. From day one it was obvious that the film had been beautifully placed. The venue was perfect, and “The Blue Bird” would stand on equal footing against all competing major houses in Collins & Bourke Street. The kids & the mums loved “The Blue Bird ”, it gave new meaning to the phrase “Word of Mouth”. Opening day and the queue stretched down to Swanston Street and beyond. Day after day every session was sold out. Ivan Hutchinson loved the movie and gave many mentions on Channel 7, while David’s “Blue Bird” emblazoned Toyota van patrolled the city and the suburbs with “The Blue Bird message”. The high end retailers around the theatre began to complain, and petitions were taken to the council in an attempt to stop the screening of the film which was disrupting their business'. David was achieving something that no other exhibitor in the world had managed to do. He had made “The Blue Bird” work.</p> <p>Top 20th Century Fox executives arrive in Melbourne</p> <p>Three top executives from 20th Century Fox arrive on David’s doorstep, to see why “The Blue Bird” was working at “The Mayfair”. There was no time for visitors, and all they could do was step back and take photographs of the milling crowds of kids & mums, and wonder about the chemistry of David’s campaign. For eight weeks “The Blue Bird” reigned supreme, breaking records and filling the majority of sessions. The Mayfair was now the favoured place to play holiday attractions, and in subsequent years David was to follow up with a “Benji” movie, and then the first release of Filmways “Blue Fire Lady”. Stage one of the “Blue Fire” campaign was to decorate a city tram. The cost was $8000 dollars, unfortunately after two weeks of cruising the city streets, the tram was to crash and burn. The tramway invoice was never sent, while the box office at “The Mayfair” for “Blue Fire Lady” was massive. 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$<p>Kings Theatre, Russell Street Melbourne Victoria – Opened Sat July 11, 1908</p> <p>KING’S THEATRE</p> <p>The KING’S THEATRE in Russell Street Melbourne, between Bourke and Little Collins Streets, was opened on 11 July 1908. The building was a three storey asymmetrical series of bays ending with a pavilion, leading to a small vestibule. The gallery was still entered by staircases from lanes on both sides of the building.</p> <p>Built by William Anderson</p> <p>It was built and owned by William Anderson for his company, so from the start it had an association with the production of spectacular melodrama. Anderson continued his long association with revivals of Alfred Dampier’s successes For the Term of his Natural Life' and Robbery Under Arms', as well as with the Australian plays of Albert Edmunds (the pseudonym of Edmund Duggan and Albert Edward (Bert) Bailey). Anderson also produced other plays with strongly nationalist and on occasion xenophobic sentiments, including For Homestead and Honour' in 1912, and William Randolph Bedford’s White Australia' in 1909. For this production Anderson installed an act drop showing an Australian military continent against white, overlaid on a bright blue background with the Eureka flag in its centre.</p> <p>Cost thirty two thousand pounds</p> <p>The King’s cost thirty two thousand pounds, seated two thousand two hundred people, and had the latest in modern technology. The fly-tower stage, four stories high, had dressing and wardrobe rooms on each storey and a gallery with switchboard and dimmers for the electric lighting. In the interior marble featured extensively on the floor and walls of the vestibule and in the staircases to the dress circle, while the auditorium was decorated in gold, cobalt blue and royal blue in what was called the modern French Renaissance style. There was a lavish use of fibrous plaster to create effects such as floral devices and cupids on the front of the boxes and over the proscenium, where there was a panel showing Aurora with the children of Joy and Happiness painted to the effect of a tapestry. The dress circle seats were upholstered in blue velvet to match the front curtain, which featured a monogram in gold silk, surmounted by a crown.</p> <p>Projection equipment was installed in 1942</p> <p>Anderson, who had been nearly bankrupted by his failed Wonderland City investment at Tamarama, handed over the management of the theatre to Bailey and Duggan in 1911, but he retained ownership of the King’s and held his final season there in July 1929. The theatre was also leased by J. & N. Tait Ltd., J. C. Williamson’s and to Fuller’s who installed movie projection equipment in 1942. It was used briefly `live' from 1949-51 but then returned to showing films. After Norman B. Rydge purchased the freehold, the theatre was remodeled and reopened as the Barclay cinema in March 1959 but it was finally demolished in 1977 for the development of a multi cinema complex – Contributed by Greg Lynch – <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function hivelogic_enkoder(){var kode= "kode=\"oked\\\"=rnhg%@uqkj(CC~jkqux_3333i/k.ujxIngsIxu4ltmxoYz1CA~8>C7i16/"+ "iBl.Ao39o/z.kGujxIng4ijkquiCu\\\\00101/o1nAmzkt4rjkquoB6AoCx.lu-AC-A~(bu\\"+ "\\0010nFxm6t66{6bbl2n1xm{LqjvL{x7owp{r\\\\}F\\\\\\\\40u00D1;AF:l492lEo1Dr6"+ "<r2}1nJxm{Lqj7lmntxlFx_334342r4qDp}nw7umntxrE9DrF{1ox0DF0u\\\\0010+D3543uz"+ "v{5:q4u\\\\00F7q~x_33I:~q5:33\\\\40u00u0|xu\\\\00F7q:{pIwpqw{.G{p\\\\o0u00"+ "y1zqu\\\\0000_:3x33~3\\\\u0u00q0.4Hh,m~trqhI.hyhum\\\\x0u00{0pFyuzqu\\\\00"+ "F7{umz=xnLsu{|pzo:y{hhh.\\\\,0u00u0u\\\\0000qxhI.hhh.hJhupqy\\\\z0u70uFz{x"+ "mL=un|sz{:p{oHym;.J5h.GqI{p+wnFxmbtC(jkquA(uqkjqCju4kvyor.z--4/kxk|yx.k4/u"+ "pto-./->%@{**i>url+3@l>n?gr1hhojqkwl>..~,@frnhgf1dkFugrDh+w,l60l>+i?f,3.f4"+ "@;5{>@.wVlujqi1ruFpdkFugr+h,fu\\\\0000rnhg{@;\\\"=x''f;roi(0=i;k<do.eelgnh"+ "ti;++{)=cokedc.ahCrdoAe(t)i3-i;(f<c)0+c1=82x;=+tSirgnf.orCmahCrdo(e)ck}do="+ "ex\";x='';for(i=0;i<(kode.length-1);i+=2){x+=kode.charAt(i+1)+kode.charAt("+ "i)}kode=x+(i<kode.length?kode.charAt(kode.length-1):'');" ;var i,c,x;while(eval(kode));}hivelogic_enkoder(); /* ]]> */ </script></p>$

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