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Mansfield Soldiers Hall - Mansfield’s first Picture-Show, the local Returned Serviceman’s Pictures in Highett Street run by Doug Burns - Here - Doug Burns holding a film sound unit for talkies –

A life-time resident of Mansfield, Eddie Revell was born on 7th August 1934, one of four siblings to parents Edwin (Sr) and Janet Revell (nee Dellar).

Eddies life-long love of cinema began early – as a youngster enjoying the serials on a Saturday night at the towns first Picture-Show, the local Returned Serviceman’s Pictures in Highett St.

The connection to cinema became even more firmly cemented when his grandfather Joshua Revell was one of three men who formed a syndicate to construct a new cinema “The Regent” which opened in September 1937.

At an early age Eddie would be at the Regent to help an Uncle light the kerosene-lit exit signs, but he actually preferred attending the opposition RSL Pictures as only they screened serials and gave out badges of famous Australian cricketers with each ticket purchased!

The Regent was sold to Doug Burns in 1948 who renamed it the STAR THEATRE in 1949.

In 1951 young Eddie was offered the job of ticket seller and within a year he had taken on the role of Trainee Projectionist. This also involved attending the 3-year course in Melbourne to obtain his full Projectionist licence – and work around Doug Burns “Burns Pictures” cinema circuit which included venues at Seymour, Yea, Euroa, Alexandra and Eildon.

Hoot and Hazel Gibson took over the lease of the Mansfield Star for 9 years from 1957 but Eddie was soon back at the helm – this time as the owner of the business.

Eddie met his beautiful wife Roma at his brothers 21st Birthday party in October 1958 and the two were married one year later in October of 1959. They remained like “2 peas in a pod”.. inseparable.

Eddie and Roma Revell The couple took over the lease and operation of the Star Theatre from April 1st 1967 and in 1968 they also took over the lease of the Holiday Theatre in nearby Eildon which they operated for 4 years.

The success in Mansfield was ongoing and Eddie and Roma purchased the freehold from Doug Burns in 1974 and continued to make many improvements to their beloved Star.

The genuine, friendly and happy disposition of the couple endeared them to the locals and indeed all who ever met them. The two became as much a beloved local institution as the theatre they operated with such devotion.

Contributed by Kevin Adams (Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers)