Page 3 - cr54

From the Guest Editor....

Whilst there were some minor rumblings as many of
our treasured suburban picture theatres were razed in the
late 1950s and early 1960s, a real voice for cinema
preservation was not heard until after the closure of the
Regent Collins Street. We are still yet to hear much if any
concern for the almost total disappearance of our drive-in
theatres.
Twenty-five years ago token articles appeared in newspapers as drive-ins began
The official journal of the Cinema And
to close reminiscing about how they were a dearly loved part of our youth, but how
Theatre Historical Society Inc.
Australia little real affection seemed to remain for them! Not a single call for the retention of
ISSN 1443-3664 • Published quarterly these socially important and architecturally significant theatres was voiced. It was
★ not only the snack bar building that made up a drive-in’s design; it was the
Editor: Ian Smith screen(s), the landscaping, natural setting, moon-glow lighting and illuminated
★
highway sign.
CinemaRecord Artwork:
The Hoyts Altona drive-in, designed by Sir Roy Grounds, one of the nation’s
Bill Kerr, Optimum Design 9419 4144
★ most prominent architects responsible for the Victoria Arts Centre, was flattened
The main aim of CATHS and this for factories without any comment in the 1990s.
publication is to accurately document and Now, over 50 years since their establishment and decades past their boom
create an archive of the history of
years, little remains outside of the couple of dozen still operating around the
cinemas and theatres.
country.
Input in the form of articles,
constructive criticism, and substantiated The former Hoyts Wantirna drive-in, now under threat of demolition, is the last
dispute of printed matter is welcome, and of the Hoyts 1960s modern-style drive-ins left in the country; perhaps the most
necessary to enable us to reach our pleasant designs ever constructed. Remarkable sites like Skyline Burwood, Metro
objective.
Clayton, Wagga Wagga, Coopers Plains and Hoyts Bulleen have joined the 300
Opinions expressed are those of the
gone forever. I hope the articles in this edition do some small part to redress this
Editor or contributors, and unless
lack of interest in our picture paddock history. – David Kilderry
expressly stated so, are not necessarily
those of the Cinema And Theatre
Historical Society Inc. NOW SHOWING!
Articles printed in CinemaRecord
should not be reproduced without the
permission of the author or the editor.
All photos are from the collection of •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
the person or organisation stated. Every DAVID KILDERRY PRESENTS
effort has been made to trace the 8 BIRTH OF THE DRIVE-IN
ownership of copyright. In the event of
15 THE DRIVE-IN ON THE SCREEN
any questions arising as to the use of any
material, the author and publisher will be 16 SKYLINE BURWOOD
happy to make the necessary corrections AUSTRALIA’S FIRST DRIVE-IN THEATRE
in future printings. 28 THE LUNAR DRIVE-IN, DANDENONG
Contributions and suggestions for •••••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••••
PLUS
CinemaRecord are most welcome. Please
contact the Editor if you are planning 4 LETTERS
to write an article for the magazine. 6 NEWSREEL
We may be able to assist you with
21 THE NIGHT I SAVED JOHN WAYNE
information, contacts, etc and it will help
us with forward planning. 22 MEMOIRS OF A FILM DISTRIBUTOR - PETER BROOME
★ PART FOUR: CLIMBING THE EXECUTIVE LADDER
Contact: Ian Smith •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Telephone: 5443 0692 (1-9pm) Images in this publication are from CATHS Archive unless credited to another source.
Email: iansmith8@bigpond.com
Postal Address: PO Box 476, Cover: Something for everyone: the playground beneath the screen at
Bentleigh, Victoria, 3204 Hoyts Skyline Burwood.

CINEMARECORD 2007 3