Menora Theatre and Picture Gardens

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Taken on: June 20, 2004

Uploaded on: January 16, 2025

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The Menora Picture Gardens of 362 Walcott Street, Mt Lawley, WA - Opened January 18 1947.

There were many loud voices in the surrounding community that didn’t want the theatre. The main complaint being noise from the theatre speakers. The residents of Walcott Street had complained that the screening of films was interfering with their sleep, It was suggested that the area be re-zoned from business to residential and the theatre’s permit to show pictures be withdrawn.

The proprietors (registered as Abraham Machlin & Son) assured the council that every effort would be made to reduce the sound level. Technical advice was sought and the speakers were tilted towards the ground to some positive effect, and it was thought that once the freshly planted poplar trees grew that it will create a barrier and cut out some of the noise.

There were also rumblings from competing cinema owners regarding the close proximity of the Menora to their theatres. This created a serious problem in obtaining early release movies. Never-the-less the picture gardens flourished as loving attention was paid to planting trees and enhancing the foliage. It wasn’t long before the theatre’s newspaper advertising carried the slogan, “W.A.’s most beautiful Picture Gardens

Contributed by Greg Lynch -