Page 5 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

As the years progressed theatre audiences declined with the introduction of television (1956) and the theatre
gradually deteriorated. Both the health department and the Box Hill City council frequently pressured the own-
ers to bring the toilet facilities up the current standards. They basically wanted the more toilets to be built in the
front part of the theatre. By 1970 the Health Department required replacement or repairs to the fire escapes,
spouting, seating, electrical installations and a general internal and external refurbishment of tbe building.
The C,hadwick's held off the Health Department demands as they attempted to sell the theatre as a going
concern. This did not occur and the Health Department was advised that the theatre would close on 28 July
1971 as the property had been sold for demolition and redevelopment as a take away food store.
The former Regent site is now occupied by and office block.

Acknowledgements: This article was written with the kind assistance of Margery Morgan OAM and Chris
& Roy Elliott of the Box Hill Historical Society Inc.

1 Box Hill- Author Andrew Lemon
2 Public Records Office - Public Building Files
3 From an essay by Mrs. Chris Elliott
4 Interviews with Chris and Roy Elliott (former staff members of both theatres)

Photographs: All photographs courtesy of the Box Hill Historical Society
Achivlst's Note: Other screens in the circuit included, at various times. Ringwood Town Hall, Healsville
Town Hall and Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat.

Recollections Of The Regent And Rialto Theatres

Extracts from an essay by Chris Elliott and interviews with Chris and husband Roy

Chris Elliott was employed as a cashier at both theatres from 1938 and after a break of a few years she returned
to the Regent until it closed in July 1971. Chris met her husband Roy when he took over his father's ushering
job at the Regent at the start of the war. Roy went on to work at both theatres. They both still reside in Box Hill.

The two theatres were independent and had access to most films after first release elsewhere. Films were
exchanged with other theatres, by means of a "runner" (courier) if prints were in short supply. These were
transferred by car.

During the 1930's and 40's the best of the films were generally shown at the larger Rialto and Saturday nights
were generally sold out. "There was friendly rivalry between the two theatres. If one should have a full house
patrons would be persuaded to cross over to the other theatre. One Manager used to call the Regent the little
brother.

There were quite a number of permanent bookings on Saturday nights, and the Saturday matinees were well
attended. Theatre nights were held for various clubs"

In 1947 the normal ticket prices were Front Stalls 1/1 (12c approx.)and 7d, Back Stalls 1/71/2 and 9d, Lounge
2/2 and 1/1, Front Stalls, On Saturday nights the Lounge was 2/6 and the Circle 2/2.

•After interval on Friday nights the prices were cheaper, as at that time the local shops were open until 9.00
o'clock and quite a number of workers would come on to the theatre.•

The front of house staff were also responsible for monitoring the volume of sound in the theatre. Ushers were
paid 6/3 (63c) per night which included an allowance for dinner suit maintenance. Cashiers were paid 6/- per
night.

Roy Elliott placed film posters at various locations around Box Hill, these were changed on Wednesdays and
Saturdays.

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