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'The Ten Commandments' was expected to run at the Sound was installed during 1929 in line with other city
Capitol until the end of January 1925 but ran for a record cinemas at the time. The first ' talkie' screened was 'In
total of 19 weeks after which Paramount changed to weekly Old Arizona'
changes at the Capitol, mostly double features for the next
41 weeks then to extended season runs beginning with The theatre screened a variety of product including MGM
'Scaramouche' (11 weeks), 'The Wanderer' (6 weeks), the films until 1930, when it was leased by Paramount Pic-
United Artists, Charlie Chaplin's 'The Gold Rush' (10 tures for ten years. Paramount was looking for suitable
weeks) and other successes such as 'Beau Geste' until the theatres for it to screen its first release product. 'The Prince
theatre was leased by Paramount for ten years from Box- Edward' in Sydney was 'The Capitol's' Paramount coun-
ing Day 1930. ( l) terpart in that city. It was advertised by Paramount as the
'theatre magnificent' in their press advertising. Paramount
Special Feature shared the theatre with RKO Radio, Universal and United
Artists. These companies rebelled against the dictatorial
ATMOSPHERIC EGYPTIAN PRELUDE
exhibition policies pressed by the temporary alliance of
Hoyts and Greater Union theatres (during the Great De-
of rich splendor, amid the grandeur of old Egyptian sellings, depicting in
pathos and deep solemnity the death of Pharaoh's young and old son. This pression). (1)
precludes the stirring action leading to the inspiration of the Ten Command-
ments to Moses on Mount Sinai. Produced by Jas. L. Thomley. The theatre was approved for stage presentations and these
formed part of the program, although it would appear that
Special Musical Score of
HUGO RIESENFELD'S it was in decline by the mid 1930's It was revived in 1938
By when Paramount brought out American, Jack Lester, to
CAPITOL OPERATIC ORCHESTRA produce 'quick fire' stage shows of 45 minute duration
and featured a number of acts, each of about four minutes
S. R. White, Conductor
duration. They were to consist solely of Australian enter-
and the tainers and commenced on October 24th, 1938. It was
WURLITZER GRAND PIPE ORGAN quickly followed by the announcement that from Novem-
Horace G. Weber, Master Organist
ber 2nd of that year, that 'The Capital' was going 50%
stage and 50% film entertainment.
BOX PLANS
BOX PLANS Paramount's lease of the theatre expired and was not re-
BOX PLANS
newed when a higher rent was sought. On Boxing Day
Are now open in the Main Entrance Lobby of the Capitol Theatre for the 1940 Hoyts, under the name Commercial Enterprises, took
first seven days oflhe extended season engagement of "THE TEN COM- over the lease of the of the Capitol theatre and continued
MANDMENTS"
the original extended release policy over the War years
opening with RKO Radio ' Irene' (11 weeks), then UA
PRICES Chaplin's 'The Great Dictator' (8 weeks).
MATINEES (Except Saturdays), II- and 21-. Reserved 2/6. Plus Tax. The war years saw large attendances and the cabaret in
the basement also entered troops. It was referred to as
NIGHTS and Saturday Matinees- Stalls, 1/6 and 2/6; Dress Circle, 3/-;
Loges 4/-, Plus Tax. 'the dugout', the interior having seen better days. Both
the theatre and its cabaret helped maintain morale for the
SATURDAY NIGHTS- Stalls, 1/6 to 3/-; Dress Circle. 4/- Plus Tax local population and the many visiting servicemen, par-
ticularly the Americans, during periods of leave.
Grand Opening program for The Capitol Theatre
(Advertlsment from The Argus Nov. 1924) One of the major problems that 'The Capitol' had was its
lack of sufficient stalls lobby space to cater for large crowds,
unlike its contemporaries. This was attributed to the trend
An advertisement from 'The Herald' on the 31st of July in the USA at the time. This in tum caused problems in
1925 promoted the Live entertainment accompanying the busy Swanston Street when crowds overflowed into the
films as follows 'featuring Capitol Operatic Orchestra of street, disrupting pedestrian traffic.
21 picked musicians ... overture 'Dance of the Hours' ...
Horace Weber at the WurliTzer. The greatest period that 'The Capitol' experienced under
Hoyts management was after the disastrous fire on the 29th
Another contemporary account made during winter stated of Aprill945 which virtua!Lly destroyed 'The Regent' and
that "'The Capitol' is the cosiest theatre in Melbourne these waterlogged 'The Plaza'. This meant that Hoyts' major
cold frosty nights. The most modern heating apparatus of attractions had to be allocated to their other city theatres,
any theatre in Australia is in full working order and makes which meant that 'The capitol' screened more prestigious
'The Capitol' a real haven of comfort. The heated air is product.
pumped into the auditorium after being thoroughly puri-
fied and dried. There is no suggestion of steam heat with Situated adjacent to the Melbourne Town Hall, it later
its attendant danger of chills and colds. witnessed scenes of jubilation as peace was declared.

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