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to secure seats. The best seats were Marysville, had this responsibility ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
considered to be in the three back from 1960 to 1965 when he took over My thanks to the many people who
rows to the left of the entrance. To the mail run from Lilydale to scratched their memory banks to supply
information, some of whom were: Graeme
boast of a permanent booking there Alexander. This system continued
Weinberg, Elsie Jowett (the oldest living
meant that you were ‘made’ socially until the theatre closed.
resident in Marysville), Mary Kenealy of
in the town! Jim Wallace had so much pull in the Marysville Historical Society, Ted
The ushers were locals and did not the district that when a branch from a Greatorex, Healsville Historical Society,
have to wear uniforms. Knowing all the large street tree fell on his other pride Mountain View Mail, Delice Guscott of
townspeople made for friendly greetings and joy, a green Jaguar, he had the The Triangle Newsletter, Jill Manders
and laughter. Jim insisted that any council cut down the tree. Apart from (Jim's daughter), Michael Darmody, John
larrikin who made "loud kissing noises" running the theatre, Jim played Cartright and David Perry. Pat and Harry
in a romantic scene, or misbehaved in saxophone and banjo in a band and Whitley remember the theatre as a
any way, was shown the door. belonged to golf, tennis, and bowling highlight in their life. Peter Dickinson was
an usher there and Ted Greatorex enjoyed
Advertising slides seem to have clubs. He was involved with the his time as a projectionist from 1941-43.
been part of the presentation, at least for Progress Association and the local Thank you all!
some years, but local businesses did not church. He was a busy man and
participate. This was often the way in a enjoyed it. The words “astute, honest, REFERENCE
small town. No slide on a screen could hard-working, upright and respected” Health Commission File: Marysville
Theatre. Public Records Office, Victoria.
tell locals anything new or change their are used by the townspeople today
opinion about a business and out-of- who remember the couple.
towners were captive shoppers for a In 1973 Jim and Marj decided that
short time. If a business in another town after nearly 43 years of running a
had a slide on the screen they might successful movie house, it was time to
pick up a few of the visitors as they move on. They bought a home in
explored the district. Ringwood to be closer to their
Billboards placed around town and daughters. A joyful dinner dance
in the guest houses advertised the tinged with sadness was held for Jim
programs. The theatre did not advertise and Marj at the Marysville Hotel in
in the local paper. The films shown May 1980.
were frequently pre-city and always Michael Darmody, the son of the
pre-suburban. (Jim had some great publican purchased the theatre,
contacts.) Audiences were not only bringing in a projectionist from
locals and holiday makers but people Alexander. But the writing was on the
from Narbethong, Buxton, and wall. Marylands Guest House was also
Taggerty. Getting together at the movies showing films. When Michael sold up,
was a social highlight. Several locals the seating went to a local farmer for
commented that if it hadn't been for the the comfort of the farmers attending
local theatre they may have lived his cattle auctions.
elsewhere as entertainment was sparse One of the projectors was installed
and radio reception was not the best. in a private house and the other in a
Refreshments were not sold in the theatre, but which theatre has not
foyer. Before the show and at Interval come to light.
patrons went to the general store/milk The building became an Arts
bar for sweets and the Sporting Globe and Craft Centre for two years then
on Saturday evenings. The rustle of the Pumpernickel Restaurant in 1977.
paper was a familiar sound as patrons It is now the In Neutral Restaurant.
sat reading in their seats. (Something I There are few reminders of its days as
don't recall in city theatres.) a theatre, not even the outline of the
After the movies, many patrons bio box that gave many people in this
went across the river to the Crossways small township 43 years of
restaurant which often served supper entertainment and social togetherness.
From top: Proud owners – Daughter
with live entertainment of a Saturday The theatre was the unwitting Marie, Marj, and Jim Wallace front of
night. There were no matinees on a cause of a divorce. One female patron house. The lobby cards are for
Saturday or a weekday. Occasionally who lived not far from Buxton, was Columbia’s The Swordsman (1947).
the theatre was used for church or often dropped off by her husband who
school concerts. was not very keen on movies, and A sad interior before the conversion
The films were picked up at picked up after the show. began in 1976.
Lilydale Railway Station and brought Unfortunately, on three occasions he
in on the tourist bus. From 1954 to fell asleep at home and his wife had to
1960 they were picked up and walk the long trip home. The third
returned by the mail van. John time finished their relationship. ★
Cartwright, who still lives in

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