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From the Editor....

This issue is dedicated to the Regent Theatre Brisbane. The emphasis is
warranted because, thanks to the archival efforts of Ian Hanson, some rare photos
have become available which enable readers to explore a building which perhaps
has not been given its due. Some Melbourne readers, accustomed to thinking that
the Queen City of the South had the premier Regent, may even revise their
opinion.
The theatre boom of the mid-twenties was an unrepeatable moment in history, a
time when the capacity for growth in film entertainment seemed unstoppable.
The official journal of the Cinema And
Theatre Historical Society Inc. Stories abound of the child-like enthusiasm of the powerful in film-land for new
Australia theatres, and their sharing out of the fun to equip them. Mrs. William Fox is said to
ISSN 1443-3664 • Published quarterly have gone well over budget in her spending on antiques for the Fox, San
H
Francisco. In Australia one story says that Mrs. Stuart Doyle had a hand in
Editor: Ian Smith choosing the furniture for the State, Melbourne. Perhaps Mrs. Thring and Mrs.
H
Tallis did the same for the chain of Regent theatres.
CinemaRecord Artwork:
The building of an elaborate theatre for public enjoyment is both inclusive and
Bill Kerr, Optimum Design 9419 4144
H democratic: the rich provide a setting in accordance with their own tastes and
The main aim of CATHS and this everyone shares the pleasure, an instance of capitalism putting on its best face.
publication is to accurately document and Somehow a Tabaret or Leagues Club isn't quite the same.
create an archive of the history of
In constructing their Regent, Perth (1927), Hoyts did put the brakes on a bit.
cinemas and theatres.
This Regent, in the words of Dr. Ross Thorne, was more of a suburban cinema in
Input in the form of articles,
constructive criticism, and substantiated appearance. Mind you, Stuart Doyle at Union Theatres made sure that Perth did
dispute of printed matter is welcome, and not miss out. Union's Ambassadors (1928) seated more than 2,000 people in a city
necessary to enable us to reach our of less than 200,000 people. – Ian Smith
objective.
Opinions expressed are those of the
Editor or contributors, and unless NOW SHOWING!
expressly stated so, are not necessarily
those of the Cinema And Theatre
Historical Society Inc.
Articles printed in CinemaRecord 4 Letters
should not be reproduced without the 5 Obituaries
permission of the author or the editor.
6 CATHS Visits Reading Cinemas, Geelong - Brian Miller
All photos are from the collection of
the person or organisation stated. Every 8 Reels On Rails
effort has been made to trace the 12 The Regent Brisbane - Ian Hanson
ownership of copyright. In the event of
24 The Role of the Film Exchanges - William Gray
any questions arising as to the use of any
material, the author and publisher will be 26 Ruby Palmer at Paramount
happy to make the necessary corrections 28 Fair Exchange - Terry Wise
in future printings.
Contributions and suggestions for 29 A Cockatoo at the Park - Gregory Gilpin
CinemaRecord are most welcome. Please 30 Same Time Service - Noel Kerr
contact the Editor if you are planning
to write an article for the magazine. 31 Waterfall Curtains in Australia
We may be able to assist you with 32 Projecting Under Difficulties - Through a Glass Darkly Mel Elliott
information, contacts, etc and it will help
34 In The Frame
us with forward planning.
H 35 Grandeur Australia
Contact: Ian Smith
Images in this publication are from CATHS Archive unless credited to another source.
Telephone: 5443 0692 (1-9pm)
Email: ijsmith@impulse.net.au Cover: The Regent, Queen Street Brisbane c. 1938. The chunky Plank sign with
Postal Address: PO Box 476, myriad globes could be a transplant from Times Square. The signs over the doors
Bentleigh, Victoria, 3204 advertise Ginger Rogers and Douglas Fairbanks Jnr. in RKO's Having Wonderful Time.
Will Mahoney and Evie Hayes are on stage.
CINEMARECORD 2005 3