Page 7 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

Movies at the REGENT- after 27 years ... ! by Graham Smythe

The Melbourne Regent has had a colourful and varied history.
The Hoyts era came to an end when the large curtain was lowered
on its' last film, Jack Palance in 'The Vigilantes', on the 1st July, 1970.

It was therefore with great excitement that many of us after 27 years were
able onee again to experience "going to the pictures" at our restored Regent
in November 1997, to see "My Fair Lady".

But this time it was special because as the lights dimmed, up came the live Regent Orchestra to entertain us.
Then appeared from the pit our 'new' Wurlitzer Organ with Tony Fenelon at the console - its' first performance
since installation, to play along with the Orchestra.

Then came some vintage silent newsreels, Australian Gazettes from the 20's
with Tony doing the accompaniment on the organ and the girls roaring with
laughter at the fashions of a bygone day.

The feature film set a new standard of projection for the Regent. "My Fair
Lady" was a newly restored print in 70mm using modern techniques and now
with Dolby surround sound. The two Cinemeccanica projectors gave a brilliant
Widescreen picture which was a joy to watch.

During Intermission the sweets boys appeared and coffee, champagne and
nibbles were available in the rear foyer. At shows end the Wurlitzer played
excerpts from "My Fair Lady" with loud applause and a large crowd milling
around the organ console.

We came out of the theatre in a happy frame of mind humming the various
songs and a desire to say thanks to David Marriner for having given movies
back again to our "Palace of Dreams".

CATHS-V Patrons

The Committee is pleased to announce that the Society has appointed three Patrons who have recently confirmed
their acceptance. They are:

Elaine Marriner: Executive Director, Marriner Theatres.

Peter Smith: TV and Radio personality, GTV 9 and Fox FM.

Frank Van Straten: Former Director of the Performing Arts Museum and long time CATHS-V member and
theatre historian.

We welcome their participation in the Society. The Committee will soon be meeting with our Patrons after which
we hope to provide readers of CinemaRecord with a feature article on their careers.

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