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lt is thought films were first screened in Rushworth in 1900 and it is likely that up until the 1930's the screenings were
undertaken by touring operators. ln her book "The Golden Yeru·s of Rushworh", Joyce Hammond records that in 1928
the Rushworth Hall traded as the "Regent", and in 1933 new talkie equipment was permanently installed. "Dixiana"
starring Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyons was the first talking film screened along with the support "On Our Selection" (I).
On checking early editions of the Film Weekly Cl Motion Picture Directory various exhibitors have been listed in
Rushwortb including V. Recbner (late 1930's and 40's), H. Hobson (1945 to 46) and J. Walshe (1950's and 60's) (1).

Rushworth was the headquatiers for a 35mm circuit that traded under the banner of Photophone Talkies !Theatres.
Films were screened on one night a week in Rushworth. The towns serviced by the Photophone cirwit varied over the
years with the differe111t owners. During Vic Rechner's ownership the communities ofRushworth, Nagambie, Stanhope,
Mru·oopna, Murchison and even the distant towns of Cobram (on the Murray River) and Finley in south em New South
Wales were covered. Jim Walshe's circuit included Rushworth, Stanhope, Dookie and Murchison this was later reduced
to Murchison and Rushworth and finally Rushworth. The spread of television to country Victoria in the 1960's brought
film exhibition to and end in all but the largest towns such as Shepparton.

When the Shire Hall closed it was equipped with a pair of C & W projectors fitted with Raycophone sound heads. Vic
Rechner operated an electrical store in Rushworth and operated the film circuit as a second business. Jim Walshe
worked for Vic Rechner and assisted in the operation of the circuit, along with Jim Lloyd and Nipper Pocknee. Jlm's
brother Bruce took over [rom Nipper Pocknee. After Vic Rechner was badly injured in a car accident, in Nagambie, Jim
Walshe took over both the electrical business and the circuit. Rechner then moved to South Australia (3).

Mrs Linsey Walshe ran the ticket box and front of house. Two men (and sometimes three for a big movie) would go on
tour. Local front of bouse staff were employed in each town. Jim Lloyd was responsible for posting about four bill-
boards around Rushworth, promoting the coming attractions (3).

Jim Walshe was a resourceful and talented man. He invented an arm which linked the two projectors thus enabling a
semi-automatic reel changeover. Perhaps if he had patented the invention he may have made a fortune in the days
before the large spools (and their attendant towers. platters etc.) were ever thought of.

The last film screened by Jim Walshe in Rushworth in 1966 was "Son of Captain Blood". There were no regular
screenings in the Rushworth Hall from 1966 until January 7, 2000, when Brendan Hawking and the local Leo Club
members commenced regular screenings again.

Since the reintroduction of film screenings the Rushworth Hall has undergone an extensive refurbishment of both the
projection room and toilets, has a new kitchen, and has had restoration of its heritage features.

Acknowledgements: I 'The Golden Years ofRushwot1h .. by Joyce Hammond. Published by the author in 1978
2 Film Weekly- Motion Picture Directories various issues in the 1940"s, 50's and 60's
3 Mrs Lorraine Lloyd (widow of Jim). Interviewed 2 April2000
4 Jim Walshe- Photophone Theatres: by Mike Purdon. (CinemaRecord. 12 May 1996- Published by CATHS-V)
Photographs: Gerry Kennedy collection

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