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20. SOUTHERN CROSS THEATRE, ESSENDON by Ron Lambert

The "Film Weekly", trade journal of the Motion Picture Industry of Australasia, in its issue of October 16th,
1958, first broke the distressing news to me. The Regal Theatre, Essendon, had been sold to an oil company
who proposed using the site for a service station. The cinema would cease to function at the end of November.
For the benefit of the young-in-heart and those who have moved into the area since 1958, the Regal, originally
the Southern Cross, was located on the north-east corner of Buckley Street and Lincoln Road. The service
station mentioned in the opening paragraph still occupies the site.
My earliest recollection of the Southern Cross was in 1930 when, with other children in the neighbourhood, I
trooped down week after week to see, among other things, a gripping serial called "The Jade Box" which was
described as being "full of adventure and mystery. Specially selected for the children.· I cannot recall any
feature films seen during this period but I do remember that the matinee programmes were liberally sprinkled
with "Our Gang" comedies and Laurel and Hardy shorts.

To my simple mind, the Southern Cross (Regal) was streets ahead of its two competitors. The Essendon (later
Plaza) Theatre in Russell Street had the same characteristics and charm as a shoe box. It was not built as a
theatre anyway and was originally the Essendon Public Hall. The New Essendon (later Circle) in Leake Street
was, in my view, a huge barn and just about as attractive as one. Hence my adoration of the Southern Cross.

When the closure of the theatre was pending and "For Sale - theatre furnishings and effects" notices were
adorning its exterior, I decided to ascertain as much of the history of the place as I could. Initially I didn't get too
far as the owner (Mr. W. J. Howard) could not give a more specific answer than quoting the mid- 1920's as the
time when it was built. The first break-through came early one Sunday morning when the theatre was in the
process of being demolished. I made a sentimental journey to see what was happening to my favourite theatre
and, throwing discretion to the winds, was able to climb up into the area where the upstairs lounge had been.
Floor boards had recently been removed and amongst the debris uncovered were a few pages from the late
lamented "Argus", dated August 1925. To me, this meant that the Southern Cross must have opened later that
year.

In the 1920's, picture theatres were erected with gay abandon throughout Australia in city, suburban and
country locations. There were four in the municipality of Essendon alone- New Ascot, Waratah, New Essendon
and the Southern Cross. Against this background, news of a new theatre at Essendon was unlikely to rate a
mention in the daily press so my research was confined to the Essendon Gazette starting with the previous
year, 1924. The Gazette of the 23rd October, 1924, mentioned in its columns under the heading -New picture
theatre. "It will be seen that, on reference to our advertising columns, it is proposed to still further cater for the
amusement of the local public, as the Southern Cross Pictures Ltd. are inviting tenders for the erection of a
brick picture theatre in Buckley Street, Essendon. Mr. V. G. Cook, Primrose Street, Essendon, is the architect."
The advertisement itself did not contain much more in the way of information except to add that a deposit of
1% was required and the contact telephone number was Ascot 1321.

No progress reports on the venture were unearthed until 19th November, 1925, when the Essendon Gazette
reported thus:-
Southem Cross Theatre, Opening fixed for next Thursday, November the 26th
Essendons Latest and Best
Comer Buckley Street and Lincoln Road
Paramount in Pictures, Music and Comfort
Locally Owned and Controlled

In the Southern Cross a splendid addition has been made to our public buildings and the appearance and
completeness of the theatre reflect credit on the builder and architect (Messrs. W. G. Miller and V.G. Cook
respectively), and bear evidence of the experience gained by these gentleman in the erection of such build-
ings. Great attention has been paid to the details which add to the comfort and convenience of picture patrons.
The ventilation system has been designed to ensure a continuous stream of fresh air throughout the building
and out through a special ceiling grill. An electrically operated drop-curtain of artistic design (controlled from
the operating box) has been installed. Every patron will be provided with a separate tip-up chair and every seat
gives a clear view of the screen.

Special attention as been given to the provision of high class music and the directors have secured the serv-
ices of Mr. Les C. Jones, who will direct an orchestra of picked instrumentalists. Mr. Jones promises Essendon's