Page 16 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

The management had budgeted for television competition but the premises were considered too large to continue
as a cinema, and all plant and fittings were sold at auction, apart from some circle seats.

The facade of the building was originally outlined in neon strips with the name In large illuminated letters at the
top of the facade. This was eventually replaced by a series of more economical fluorescent Hoodlights. The
Camden name derives form an area of London and was used in this part of Caulfield in the earty days.

The Camden was the fourth largest Independent theatre built in metropolitan Melboume after the Palals (St.
Kllda), Rivoli (Camberwell) and the Astor (East St. Kilda). The auditorium proportions were similar to the Astor
but about a hundred seats smaller. The foyer arrangements and decor were different.

An automatic pumping system was necessary under the stalls due to the high water-table in the area. One hot
morning, the floor In the front stalls seemed strangely damp. An inspection revealed a large quantity of water
below. The pumps had silted up and the Glenhuntly Fire Brigade had to be summoned to pump it oul

The Company was registered as Camden Theatres Ply. Ltd. and the principal shareholder, Eric C. Yeomans,
also operated the Westgarth Theatre (It still operates). Other affiliated cinemas in the group were the Grand
(Footscray), Sun (Yarraville), Glenferrie (Gienferrie) and the Vogue (Hawthorn). The Yeomans family also aoqulred
the Plaza (Chelsea) In late 1954. The Sun Theatre Is currently being restored for partial use as a
cinema.

The prlhclpal film suppliers to most Independent theatres Included Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM). Paramount
Pictures and British Empire Films. Warner Brothers also contributed for about five years In the 1940's,and
Columbia and Universal from time to time. The Camden was on the second week release circuit, after the Astor
(St. Kllda) and the Village (Toorak). Occasional art films such as ' La Traviata' and Jacques Tali's ' Mon Oncle'
were tried with modest success but on the other hand good quality popular films, preferably a double feature,
rarely failed.

The original film arrangement was to switch all shows with the Embassy (later Metro) Malvern, although by
1948 MGM were able to provide separate copies. This eliminated the dreaded shorts and single reel switches,
every ten minutes on long features.

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