Bercy Cinema

Greater Union Chairmam, Sir Norman Rydge and his wife were keen travellers and consequently new cinemas were named after favourite travel destinations. The Majestic, after major renovations, was named The Chelsea in honour of the Chelsea Flower Show in London. Following the twinning of the State Theatre the name Forum was a tribute to his love of Italy and Rapallo was named after the famous seaside resort in Italy. Bercy was also a favourite resort in France.

There was a ticket seller at this location with a rather enormous hair-do. Very tall.
When the Bercy the lady moved to a similar job at the Greater Union Russel Street. Quite a sight.

With respect popcorn-pete The former Bercy had a new second storey installed length wise after closing with a second floor installed to become a world-renowned Chinese restaurant ( The Flower Drum") that still operates. The lower half of the auditorium became a Centrelink office for while before being converted to a popular gaming venue-still operating as a 24hour venue named “Welcome Stranger” Was never a hotel (I assume you meant an accommodation)hotel.

I used to be assistant projectionist here in 1968 showing “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?” It was the premiere cinema in Melbourne at the time. Magnetic sound, but glass slides for adverts during the interval, with a great risk of cracking, great memories.

A photograph of the former Bercy Cinema, that I took in March 2004:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/3489512538/