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Austral Theatre 200 Johnston Street, Melbourne, VIC

Robert McLeish - (1883-1953) Considered The Father of The Victorian Motion Picture Industry.

Rob McLeish Tribute

Robert McLeish - (1883-1953) Singer (baritone), entrepreneur, film industry advocate. Considered The Father of The Victorian Motion Picture Industry. Robert McLeish started out as a suburban variety entertainer in the early 1900s, often performing as an illustrated singer (in front of moving pictures). He moved into vaudeville and concert promotions before turning his attention on the emerging film industry.

Initially associated with the Northcote Theatre (from ca. 1914) he went on to become one of the state’s leading motion picture showmen.

During this time he built theatres and Cinemas (notably the Rivoli at Camberwell), The Regal Hartwell & The Austral at Collingwood, then established his own cinema chain, and served in numerous official roles, including President of the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association, Chairman of the Hoyts Victorian Executive and as President of the Green Room Club (34 years) - Source Australian Variety Theatre Archive: Research Notes Published by Clay Djubal: 7/02/2015 • Last updated: 23/03/2020

Contributed by Greg Lynch -