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a relatively small number of
independent importers. By 1920,
Australasian Films, which operated
the Union (later Greater Union)
chain of theatres, is said to have
supplied films to 75% of Australian
exhibitors. However, during the 1920s,
the Hoyts circuit expanded rapidly
until it surpassed Union in both the
number of theatres it controlled and
the amount of film for which it
secured distribution rights.
Returning to Richmond and the
situation in 1926-27, at this time the
National Theatre had an agreement
with Union Theatres to show its
product. With the impending take-over
by Hoyts of the Richmond Cinema,
the Theatre would have been virtually
starved of product and reliant on films
not cornered by the Union-Hoyts
combines or relegated to a diet of re-
The Crystal Palace Rink converted to Hoyts ‘Cinema’ Richmond.
runs and revivals. Not a very bright
prospect. Even when the writer was a could not assist, although for a hefty fee
In summary, it is hoped that the youngster, in the early 1930s, I formed I could examine site files which, they
foregoing will put an end to the myth the opinion that the Pentecostal conceded, would be of little assistance.
that the Richmond Theatre and Church had once been a picture Finally, a visit was made to the
Richmond Cinema were the same theatre. Establishing this was not easy. new building which stands on the site
building. They were not – the Theatre The first breakthrough came in the mid of the former Richmond Theatre. An
was at 339 Bridge Road, east of the 80’s, several years after my retirement, enquiry there evoked the reply that the
Town Hall, while the Cinema was at when I took a part-time position as firm occupying those premises has
313 Bridge Road, west of the Town Hall. curator/guide of the former Richmond been there for 40 years, during which
It is interesting that in the book Post Office Museum. One regular time there had been neither demolition
“Picture Palaces and Flea Pits”, visitor was an elderly Richmond lady nor remodelling. The kindest thing
pages 188 and 189 show photographs and one day I asked her if the that could be said about this response
of what is purported to be the Pentecostal Church building had once is that it is absolute nonsense! The
Richmond Theatre. This is not correct been a picture theatre. Without building is relatively new and
and the building depicted is, in fact, hesitation she replied “Yes it was. It currently houses a furniture store. A
the Richmond Cinema. Strangely, the was known as the Richmond Theatre”. photograph taken in April 1989 by Les
Richmond Theatre or Pentecostal My reaction to this was somewhat Tod proves the original theatre
Church as it was by then does appear negative as I considered, erroneously, structure was still in existence then.
in the page 188 photograph. It is the that the dear lady was confused with And so a long-time mystery has
last and lightly coloured structure of the Hoyts Richmond Cinema. at last been solved and another long
the buildings shown at the left of the Unfortunately, at that stage I could not forgotten “lost” theatre finally found.
photograph (see photo left). check with any theatre historians or Most of the information relating to
historical societies, because I did not the Richmond Theatre comes from
know of any. material kindly supplied by Robin
So it was not until mid-2001 that Jackson of the Richmond and Burnley
my long period of wondering came to Historical Society. Notes on the
an end. An enquiry I made to the Richmond Cinema and the National
Richmond and Burnley Historical Theatre, Richmond, are based on
Society revealed that the Richmond information supplied by Les Tod. To
Pentecostal Church had indeed started the Society and Mr. Tod I extend my
its life as the Richmond Theatre. thanks for their co-operation and
Sadly, the building has now been permission to reproduce material in
demolished, but approximately when is this article. ★
difficult to ascertain. I recall seeing it
in the mid 1990s, but cannot be more
specific. Pentecostal staff were
approached but could not help, Do any readers know of any
seemingly losing interest in the old other “LOST” Theatres?
The old Richmond Theatre as the Pentacostal building once they vacated it. Yarra Write In Today!
Church in 1988. Photo: Thomas Vitale
Council, (successors to Richmond),
CINEMARECORD 2002 15