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Brisbane Re-visited, June 2001

By Brian Miller

fter an absence of six years, a town halls and well worth a visit.
short visit to Brisbane was an Probably one of the last major
Aopportunity for a quick look Australian public buildings erected in
around the city, where the new is fast a classical European style,
replacing the old. construction commenced in 1919 but
Hoyts Cinemas and Greater Union it was not opened until 1930. After
have merged their city operations. 1930, architects concentrated on the
Greater Union have closed and are Art Deco and Moderne themes.
selling two Albert Street properties: The auditorium is completely
the Albert 1-2-3 (ex 1934 Metro) and circular with a shallow horse shoe
the Albert 4-5 (ex 1967 Forum, shaped balcony at the rear and a grand
twinned in 1983). concert organ fills the stage area. The
A new eight screen complex is building is in very good condition and
being built opposite on the sixth floor is in constant use. Inspection of the
of the Myer Centre, above the clock tower is offered during the day.
department store and is expected to Around the city, the Suncorp
open by Christmas 200l. [The complex Theatre (live) appeared to be closed
opened on 15 Nov 2001] This will due to a building re-developement.
replace the basement eight screen Time did not permit a return visit
Hoyts complex which will be to the impressive Queensland
converted to shops. Performing Arts Centre at Southbank.
Of the original city cinemas, only An advertisement in the Courier Mail
the Regent 4 and the Dendy Twin showed Hoyts have opened a smaller
remain. The outer entrance lobby of the complex in this district.
Holiday crowds were flocking to Regent Theatre, Brisbane. Prior to television, Fortitude
the Regent for Moulin Rouge and Photo: From Cinemas Of Australia Via USA, Valley, just north of the city had three
Pearl Harbour, each showing on two Courtesy Ross Thorne. second-run cinemas. Films have long
screens. The Regent’s classified, been absent in the Valley, but have
original 1929 foyers remain but the grand auditorium — recently returned at the new Centro Centre, operated by Palace
second only in size to the Melbourne Regent — was re- Cinemas.
developed in the late 1970s to a four screen complex. The good news! Sighted on the long bus ride via the
The Dendy in George Street occupies the site of one of the northern suburbs to Redcliffe on Moreton Bay, the Chermside
city’s oldest cinemas, originally the Lyceum and later re- Dawn Cinema is still operating.
modelled as the George. Art house type programs fill both Despite the influx of complexes, the Dawn is a traditional
screens. Brisbane single screen suburban theatre complete with
My hotel room overlooked the shallow, copper-clad rendered facade, side walls of fibro and wooden ventilation
circular domed roof of the Brisbane City Hall auditorium. The shutters.
City Hall is totally different to other capital city Victorian-style Long may the Dawn’s screen continue to shine. ★

Ornate foyer decoration in the Brisbane Dendy Theatre.
Photo: Courtesy Kevin Adams Collection.

CINEMARECORD Spring 2001 15