Page 17 - CR31R.pdf
P. 17

In March 1937, Mr. H. McCracken, the lessee at the
          time, applied to the authorities to build a new projection
          room to be located over the footpath above a steel and
          concrete portico. New toilets were also to be located to the
          right hand side of the foyer and the proposed seating level
          was to be reduced to 527 (442 stalls and 85 balcony). W B
          McCullen was noted as the architect for the project.
          These works and other cosmetic alterations were
          completed by 1 March 1938 and the building was
          renamed the Paramount Theatre. McCracken Brothers
          and Whitehead were noted as the exhibitors; this
          partnership also operated a cinema in the Ararat Town
                                    (3)
          Hall (seating 700) over the years  . The seating in the
          trade press continued to be recorded as 1000 but was
                                            (3)
          reduced to around 800 in subsequent years .
            The Paramount's role as the main cinema in Ararat
          was short lived for within 18 months the magnificent
          art deco Midland Theatre would open nearby.
            After the cessation of film screenings c1949 the
          Paramount was used as a multi purpose hall.  In
          later years the building was used for warehousing
          purposes.
            In May 1980 fire destroyed the former
          Paramount Theatre and the site is now occupied
          by an indoor heated swimming pool.  ★


            Acknowledgements:
            With generous assistance from the Ararat &
          District Historical Society. Public Records Office of
          Victoria - Building Files
          (1) Over the years the bureaucracy controlling public buildings was
            given various names. I have generally referred to this
            organization as the Health Department.
          (2) The Ararat Advertiser -May 14, June 8,11, 13,15 & 18 1912
          (3) The Film Weekly Motion Picture Directory - various issues.   Paramount/Town Hall advertisement - Courtesy Kevin Adams Collection
                                                              Photographs courtesy of the Ararat & District Historical Society.





































                                     Above: Aftermath of the 1980 fire - demolition was to follow.


                                                                                       CINEMARECORD 2002 17
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