Page 20 - CR31R.pdf

FINAL FADE-OUT

FOR SOUTH COAST DRIVE-IN
By Ross King

hilst on a motorcycling When I arrived back at the Drive- The screen had already been
holiday to South Australia In a fellow was removing some of the dismantled and the giant concrete
Win mid-March, and then on entrance lights and we struck up a footings extricated from the ground.
a day trip to Victor Harbour and conversation. He lived locally and had He explained how the site had been
Goolwa, I rode past the “South- worked at the theatre on and off over purchased for some $400,000 by the
Coast” Drive - In Theatre at Port the years and was saddened at its local council for re-development.
Elliot (S.A.) which was in the throws closure. (The theatre had originally
of being demolished. opened way back in 1959 – and
When we arrived at Goolwa I told survived until April 2002!)
my riding companions that I would He was in the process of salvaging
meet them back in Adelaide as I anything he could and had managed to
wanted to return to Port Elliot to take retrieve the slide biunal before the
a few photos of the Drive-In. Bio-Box had been demolished. The
(Fortunately they understand my bent remainder of the projection equipment
for old theatres!) had been removed and stored.
Being on the side of an incline it
certainly commanded superb panoramic
views of the southern coast towards
Victor Harbour. There has been
tremendous residential development in
the area since my last visit about ten
years ago, and the once remote drive in
site had become prime real estate.
And so, because of this, the old
“South-Coast” goes the way of many
other theatres before it – and sadly, the
balmy summer nights in Port Elliot
will now be a tad darker, a little duller
-and possibly a lot quieter. Another
entertainment institution sadly gone
Remains of slide projector
forever - But thanks for the memories!

The Cinema And Theatre Historical Society Victoria is proud to have
The Sun Theatre Yarraville as our major sponsor. Many thanks to member
Mr Michael Smith, the owner of the Sun Theatre, for providing the venue
for CATHS meetings and events.

The Sun Theatre is the home of The Sun Film Society and MGS Infa Set.This unique cinema
offers comforts for all to enjoy in delightful art deco surroundings and is available for hire.
In conjunction with the Sun Film Society, the Sun Theatre offers you a wide selection of films.
For program and venue hire inquiries, contact Theatre Manager Ms PinaVirtuoso
on Tel: 9362 0999 ◆ Fax: 9362 0338 Website: www.suntheatre.com.au
◆
Email: sun@mgsgroup.com

8 Ballarat Street, Yarraville 3013

20 2002 CINEMARECORD