Page 8 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

The lessors spent considerable sums of money over the years to present the public with an appropriate permanent
venue and to comply with Council and Board of Health requirements. The theatre was accessed from Flrebrace
St., midway along the •auditorium•. The theatre Incorporated two balconies (built on the left and right hand
sides of the blo cabin. These provided sheltered viewing on an Incline fitted with 130 permanent (3). Total
seating was 702. A confectionery stall was also provided for the patrons. The screen and bio cabin were of
substantial steel construction. The Soldiers Pictures screened until 1926 when the business and equipment
were taken over by the new Horsham Theatre and the open air venue closed

In 1925 newspaper advertisements also listed The Mechanics Hall as a film venue. The same advertisement
mentioned screening in the back yard of the hall "weather permitting' (1 0). Mr. W.P. Davey was the proprietor at
the lime. It was at this time that a specially constructed upstairs bio box was built at the back of the hall and a
new Pathe projector Installed. Patethorpe's orchestra was the house orchestra.

Another popular venue was the Garden Pictures which were slluated on the east side of Fire brace St., between
Baillie and Mclachlan streets. This theatre was probably opened In the early 1930's (9). These premises were
well appointed and included a stage mounted screen with tab curtains. The patrons sat on banks of canvas
seats and Individual deck chairs were used at the rear. A garden theme provided the decoration around the
theatre. A Mr. J. Downie (of East Malvern) was recorded as the owner in the late 1930's.(3) This venue closed
when Mr. Downie built the Twentieth Century Theatre next door (north side), in November 1937.

Garden Theatre

THE HORSHAM THEATRE:

In 1926 the film exhibition in the area undertook a dramatic improvement with the opening of the Horsham
Theatre in Pynsent St. This theatre was bullt by Horsham Theatre Ply. Ltd., a Company which included both
local and Melbourne investors.

The Chairman was Mr. Percy Learmonth (6) whilst the Secretary was a Mr. J.E. Gooding , (of J.E. Gooding Ply.
Ltd., Estate Agents of Reservoir and Melbourne). He was the Company Secretary for many years.(3) A Mr. C.W.
McDonald was an early shareholder and later a manager (8). The designers of this Imposing building were the
famous theatre architectural firm ofBohringer, Taylor and Johnson, and the main contractor was Mr. W. Walton
of Brighton. The building was designed for film and theatrical performances and includes a raked stalls noor
and a balcony circlellounge.

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