Plaza Cinema

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Plaza Cinema 405 High Street, Northcote VIC - Souvenir program June 7, 1959 - In memory of Nicky.

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.

PROGRAM PHOTO - From the book by Nancy Lee “Being a Chum Was Fun”

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

Popularity *

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.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -