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Bound by the temts of Sir Norman's will, the company of a new entrance leading from Market Lane, into the
bad no other option than to undertake a major upgrade of hugely successful "Flower Drum Restaurant".
the Forum and Rapallo (or Forum 1 & 2, as it was hence-
forth known). Whilst the "Flower Drum" has gone from strength to
strength, garnering many local and international awards
Despite the dreadful location in Flinders Street, which by and recognition, and thus, establishing itself as an Icon of
now, was the "dead end" of the city, particularly at night, Melbourne's dining community, the same cannot be said
Greater Union had no choice but to persevere with the of the ground level of the building. Following expiration
now beautifully restored, but financially disastrous Fomm of the lease, the CES moved out, and further extensive
twin. renovations took place to accommodate a Tattersalls gam-
ing venue named "Welcome Stranger".
Clearly, there were now too many theatres on the circuit,
and with property values at an all-time high, the Bercy The only reminder of a Cinema previously occupying this
was placed on the market. In a sad reversal of most other site can be seen from the exterior of the building. As men-
theatre closures, the still profitable Bercy was forced to tioned earlier, the sh·eet fascia has been drastically al-
go, in favour of the Forum twin, wmch on many occa- tered, save for the very top of the building, which still
sions, were cancelling sessions due to the lack of any au- maintains the ornate parapet, and the under-awning light-
dience member at all. ing fixtures - sadly in need of cleaning.

The property was barely on the market before it was sold Wttlt many thanks to Bmce Wapsltott, David Ki/deny,
to Mr. Alan Gostin of Toorak. Defiantly, the Bercy con- Mr. Ed Wtlson, Bob Anthony.
tirmed to do exceptional business right up until the end.
The very popular films "Flying High'', followed by "Fly-
ing High 2" ensured a busy sh·eam of happy patrons, even
to the extent of the latter film transfen·ing to the Russell TOSA PLAYS AT THE REGENT
Cinemas following the season at the Bercy.

The final attraction to screen at the Bercy was the some-
On Saturday November tbe 11th the Theatre Organ Soci-
what mediocre "Psyclto 2". Despite being pamted by the
ety, Victorian Division, through the courtesy of Man·iner
critics, this sequel to the 1960 mega-hit had received a
Theatres, arTanged a morning for TOSA members to en-
huge amount of pre-publicity.
joy "first hand" the Regent Theatre 4/36 WurliTzer. For a
very modest cost of$5 this must have been the bargain of
This was also one of the early films to utilise the new Dolby
the year.
Stereo format. United International Pictures. the film's dis-
tributors, demanded the installation ofDolby into the Bercy
The Regent Theatre WurliTzer is in the top 10 in the world.
for the release of the film. Considering the theatre was
only 6 weeks away from settlement to the new owner, and The morning was kicked off very impressively by organist
therefore, 6 weeks from closure, the fact that Greater Un- John Giacchi, who then went on to help any members
present who were able to "have a go". They were all very
ion actually agreed to the expense of installing Dolby into
confident, and very competent, on this giant of instmments,
the Bercy for this short period of time is qtLite astounding.
the Mighty WurliTzer.
Behind the scenes tours were conducted of the two organ
So. regretfully, the final screening at the Bercy Look place
chambers. Very complex, very cramped, and very loud
on Thursday 29th. September, 1983. For the final per-
when you are standing right next to all that volume that
formance, many of the projectionists who had worked at
floats out into the theatre. The advice was to take some ear
the theatre over the previous 18 years, some of whom were
plugs or some fingers with you to protect the ears. Bliss.
now employed at the Russell cinemas, gathered in the bio-
box to take turns for a final reel change.
One CATHS/TOSA member, Mr. Anon, thinking of his
"dodgy pump" after hearing about the steep ladders he
A farewell party in the ground foyer after the last session
would have to climb, was heard to say "I'd rather die in
was the only tribute to (yet) another of Melbourne's enter-
the Regent than some cmmmy hospital". He survived.
tainment venues.
One worth mentioning was our own CATHS-V Treasurer
The folJowing day saw the dismantling ofthe screen, which
(and TOSA member) Barrie Wraith. Tbjs keyboard vet-
had been sold to the Astor Theatre in St. Kilda.
eran confessed to fulfilling a lifetime ambition, having
waited from the age of 12 to play the Regent WurliTzer.
Work immediately began on anoU1er complete gutting of
the building. A new floor, running the entire length of the
After worrying about the sound delay Barrie went on to
building, resulted in a 2 storey installation. the ground
play the beast, and received a vety generous applause for
floor becoming a Commonwealth Employment Service
his impressive debut.
Office, whilst the second storey was transformed, by way
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