Page 11 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

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The New Horsham Town Hall

The main hall is 54' wide by 90' long and features an arcade alcove down the right hand side of the hall. The
Building magazine of 24 August, 1939 recorded that the hall " is lighted by deep windows set high up on the
side walls, between the windows there are enclosed vertical wall light fittings. The main lighting is from long
boat shaped fittings suspended from the ceiling. The walls are 28 feet high and are decorated with a texture,
wax scum bled to tones of fawn, biscuit and brown. Absorbent acoustic tiles have been fixed on the rear wall.
The main ceiling is of fibrous plaster formed in three deep recesses running the full length of the hall. The
balcony of the auditorium, which has seating accommodation for 224 persons, is carried across the hall in one
span. All the seats have sponge rubber backs and seats and are upholstered in (moss) green ribbed moquette.
In the main hall there is space for 710 movable seats. The stage opening is flanked by two wide reverse fluted
pilasters supporting a valance and soffite of Queensland maple."(6)

The hall was originally equipped with a projection room at the rear of the balcony. The port holes have been
covered over in recent years. The Town Hall was not used for regular commercial film exhibition but was a
popular venue with touring film exhibitors. The Town Hall has a deep stage but is not equipped with a fly tower.
Back stage facilities and dressing rooms are fairly limited. Opening off the main hall is the supper room and
kitchens. This area can be directly accessed from the front foyer as well.

Mota Vu Drive-In Theatre

For a short time in 1959 Horsham had two theatres and a drive in theatre in operation. The Mota Vu opened in
1959 and was situated in Kalkee Road. With a car capacity of 660 (5) this theatre was large by most country
standards. The theatre was built and owned by Mota Vu Drive In theatre Pty Ltd., a company owned by brothers
Jim and Ivan Stevens. The theatre opened with the western film "White Feather". A substantial manager's
residence was also built on the theatre property. Ivan Stevens managed the theatre and later bought his
brother out in 1961. After Ivan Stevens moved to Queensland Harold Pallet his brother in law managed the
theatre until 1 July 1973, when Mr. Laurie Barber of Horsham purchased the theatre.

The Mota Vu continued to screen until 27 January, 1990 when it was closed and subsequently demolished.
The site was redeveloped as a housing estate.

Acknowledgements:- lan Ballinger- Horsham Historical Society Also: Val and Robin - Centre Cinemas
References:-
1. "A Story of Horsham" by Brian Brook & Alan Finch 5. Film Weekly "Motion Picture Directory" 1968/9
2. Horsham Times - December 1959 6. Building Magazine -August 24, 1939.
3. Public Records Office 7. Horsham nmes - June 6, 1973
4. Film Weekly "Motion Picture Directory" 1956/7 8. Film Weekly "Motion Picture Directory" 1965/6