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Mid 1953 saw MGM beat all opposition, including Hoyts and Greater Union, in going wide screen. MGM installed the ‘NEW PANORAMIC FULL STAGE SCREEN’ in all its theatres.

The first presentation was simultaneously at the St James, Metro Kings Cross (Minerva), Metro Bondi Junction and Metro Manly, commencing June 2, 1953. The film, Young Bess, with Jean Simmons, was rushed into release to coincide with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Taken over by MGM in July 1937, the Liberty Theatre in Sydney became MGM’s 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”.

“Big Panoramic Screen”

While The Liberty was not ideal for widescreen films it still advertised a “big panoramic screen” and new waterfall curtains helped maximize the screen size.

Curved panoramic screens are being installed in all METRO theatres. The Liberty Theatre was taken over by Greater Union Theatres in the early-1970’s

Contributed by Greg Lynch -