St. James Theatre

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Uploaded on: October 31, 2026

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Nathaniel Bernard Freeman was born in Sydney 1896. After service in WWI he set off for New York where he learned the movie business working at Paramount. He returned to Australia for them after two years to serve as General Sales Manager. On another New York visit in 1924 he approached Marcus Loew who was then involved in a major studio merger. Freeman returned to Sydney in January 1925 with the task of setting up a branch of the Metro-Goldwyn firm as managing director for Australia and New Zealand - even before Mayer had been added to the company name. Starting out with three employees and an office in the Manchester Unity building, the firm grew to an eventual staff of 1,000 and more space was obviously required, particularly after taking on an exhibition role when difficulties were encountered finding outlets for their product. A three story head office at 20 Chalmers Street next to Central Station was opened 19 December 1933. Business was so brisk that an extra floor was added six years later. Reluctantly retiring 31 December 1966 Freeman was knighted the following year. MGM Australasia and the Sydney St James would carry on just a little bit longer. The Head Office building was sold to the Dental Hospital next door in the early 70s and was later demolished. In retirement Sir Bernard pursued many philanthropic causes until his passing in 1982.