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From the President....

During October and November I took the opportunity to
visit the United States where I joined with the Cinema and
Theatre Association of the United Kingdom tour of New
York theatres. What an experience that was. You may
remember that the CTA toured Melbourne and Sydney
theatres with CATHS’ guidance in 2006, and so it was a
pleasure to renew friendships with this dynamic group.
The official journal of the Cinema And For some years we have also shared publications and the occasional e-mail with
Theatre Historical Society Inc. the Theatre Historical Society of America, so on this trip I made sure I visited to
Australia
Chicago to meet their Executive Director, Richard Sklenar. We talked over issues in
ISSN 1443-3664 • Published quarterly
★ preserving theatre history, archiving and membership development. Don’t expect
Editor: Ian Smith radical change within CATHS, but hopefully some ideas brushed off.
★
On the home front, the formation of the Brisbane chapter of CATHS under the
CinemaRecord Artwork:
enthusiastic direction of Steve Maggs will ensure that the Sunshine State is better
Bill Kerr, Optimum Design 9419 4144
★ represented on the ground and in the magazine. Which brings me to this issue.
The main aim of CATHS and this For some time I have wanted a story from the viewpoint of theatre staff contact
publication is to accurately document and with patrons. Not only do we now have one from an usherette’s perspective, but
create an archive of the history of
her work surroundings were arguably Australia's best cinema - the Capitol
cinemas and theatres.
Melbourne. There’s lots to enjoy in this issue designed for easy holiday reading.
Input in the form of articles,
constructive criticism, and substantiated May your Christmas with family and friends be a rewarding one.
dispute of printed matter is welcome, and – Gerry Kennedy
necessary to enable us to reach our
objective.
Opinions expressed are those of the NOW SHOWING!
Editor or contributors, and unless
expressly stated so, are not necessarily
those of the Cinema And Theatre
Historical Society Inc. 4 Letters and Newsreel
Articles printed in CinemaRecord 6 CATHS Tours the South-West
should not be reproduced without the
Four days of theatre inspections
permission of the author or the editor.
14 Front of House at the Capitol - Loraine Wood
All photos are from the collection of
the person or organisation stated. Every An usherette tells
effort has been made to trace the 18 From Regent Fitzroy to Teletheatre - Harold Aspinall
ownership of copyright. In the event of
Television breathes life into a faded venue
any questions arising as to the use of any
material, the author and publisher will be 24 Bringing Sound to the Theatre Audience - Peter Wolfenden
happy to make the necessary corrections The search for clarity, not noise
in future printings. 26 Naming Rights - Brian Miller
Contributions and suggestions for
Fashions in theatre names
CinemaRecord are most welcome. Please
contact the Editor if you are planning And more, much more
to write an article for the magazine.
We may be able to assist you with
Images in this publication are from CATHS Archive unless credited to another source.
information, contacts, etc and it will help
us with forward planning.
Cover: Foyer of the Capitol Melbourne in 1937, decorated for the film chosen by
★ Paramount head Adolph Zukor as the company's 25th Anniversary Picture.
Contact: Ian Smith
Back page: Think ‘Capitol’ and chances are the first thought is ‘ceiling’ and the
Telephone: 5443 0692 (1-9pm)
second the stage candelabra. Purists once decried this 19th century addition to a
Email: iansmith8@bigpond.com
most 20th century building, but the impressive pair supported the adage that quality
Postal Address: PO Box 476,
furnishings can enhance any décor. The candelabra have a history as oversize as
Bentleigh, Victoria, 3204
their height, further enhancing Capitol mystique.
CINEMARECORD 2007 3