Page 15 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

Happenings by Fred Page

Our first meeting for 1998 was almost a fizzer due to the Carlton Moviehouse scheduling a film over our
meeting period. The situation was saved by a fluke. The Saturday prior (21 Feb '98) the Committee held an
extraordinary meeting at which we learned of the closure of the Progress Theatre. At the close of the meeting it
was decided to lunch at the Genevieve Restaurant (next to the Moviehouse) and enquire at the Carlton on
memb~r Rod How's situation. When entering the foyer we noticed a show advertised for screening at 10.15 on
Sunday (22 Feb). We drew this to Mrs. Freeman's attention and she apologised for the mix up, but could do
nothing except invite CATHS-V to see "The Wiggles· . I'm sure we would have all enjoyed it, but as we had
business to conduct and a Guest Speaker we had to quickly find an alternative venue.

A phone call to the Erwin Rado theatre was diverted by some marvellous modern technology to Ross Campbell's
residence and the situation was saved. Our guest speaker was Terry McDermott who gave a vivid account of
his life in a most humorous manner and at the same time disclosed some ofthe secrets of the acting profession.
Like all our previous special guests, Terry's talk was a great success and we all appreciate him giving his time
to us. And thanks also to Ken Tulloch for organising the visit.

Our March activity, a visit to Ballarat, was superbly arranged by Brian Miller. Eighteen members journeyed up
on the Saturday (21st) to do private tours, then to meet later for dinner at Sovereign Hill. The meal was most
enjoyable, although getting in a long queue to get it was somewhat chaotic. It was then to the "Blood On The
Southern Cross· assembly area to view a multi slide project audio video prelude prior to seeing the spectacular
sound and light show. The first part of this was on foot, then to various destinations on train like transporters.

The following morning, after spending the night at the Avenue Motel, we met at the Regent Theatre. Our guide
at the Regent decided -for theatre staffing reasons- to direct us to The Sturt for our first inspection. This old
theatre is reminiscent of the old Temperance HaiVSavoy Theatre in Melbourne, the ground floor foyer leading
into the Mechanics Hall and to stairs to the stalls level foyer of the theatre above. The Sturt is painted in an all-
over off white colour scheme, the screen mounted at the front of the stage with no curtaining. We were told the
screen can be pushed to the back of the stage which is still occasionally used for pantomimes. Films are usually
only screened during school holidays. There is a small balcony (about 8 rows), this having the appearance of
being a later addition.

We then moved back to The Regent which is just as impressive in the original dress circle as in our previous
visit. The only notable difference being two basic dressing rooms placed behind the screen. The new small
cinemas are housed in a tastefully designed building beside the original theatre and are in similar decor to
those housed in the former stalls area of the old one.

It was then time to again inspect Her Majesty's Theatre. In addition to the auditorium and foyers that we saw
previously, we were able to climb into the fly grid, wander all over the stage and inspect the dressing rooms. As
in our earlier visit, we were entertained on the Compton organ by Winston Loveland of TOSA who also ex-
plained the history of the organ. Paul Forte, the "resident" organist then played tunes from "Showboat".

Whilst assembling for the purpose of presenting our CATHS-V Certificate, we heard, but couldn't see the organ,
being played by our own Barrie Wraith. Barrie could certainly hold his head up among the other organists.

After cljmbjng all over three theatres it was unanimously decided to call off the other inspections, especially as
the temperature was approaching 40C. Our thanks go to our Ballarat hosts at the Regent and Sturt and Peter
Friend at Her Majesty's.

No sooner had we caught our breath after the Ballarat weekend we were off to the Salvation Army building in
Melbourne, and ~stairs. Our host George Ellis, gave us a thorough briefing on the history of the Army's
involvement as pioneers in the Australian and international film industry. We were then invited to inspect their
museum and archival store before ascending to the top of the building to see the old No. 2 studio. There is little
to see except the cramped, hot conditions Major Perry and his crew worked in. There are no plans at present to
restore this part of the building as it would cost around $300,000 to do so. Unfortunately we were unable to get
access to the No. 1 studio. After this 2 • hour exercise we now know why we were fortified with tea and biscuits
prior to the tour.

George supplied everybody with a history pack and he was presented with a specially worded certificate. Our
thanks for a thorough inspection.

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