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From the Editor....

This issue could be subtitled, A tale of two regions. As well as a follow-
up on the CATHS’ tour to south-west Victoria and the border region of
South Australia, we strike a geographical balance with two stories of
independent cinemas in the equally picturesque north-east, as well as give
a step-by-step account of how a group at Woodstock, near Cowra NSW,
hope to resurrect movies in their hall.
With the development of the St Kilda triangle, which includes the Palais
Theatre now a hot topic in Melbourne, Ian Hanson’s cover story on the
The official journal of the Cinema And earlier versions which have stood on that spot is a timely reminder of just
Theatre Historical Society Inc. how long that section of real estate has been associated with film
Australia entertainment.
ISSN 1443-3664 • Published quarterly As for the building renovated by Walter Burley Griffin, (with credit to
★
Marion Mahoney too), incomplete at the time of its destruction, the dearth
Editor: Ian Smith of photos and no surviving plans, leaves a gap in our appreciation of their
★
talents. If there had been no fire, would the Griffins have continued with
CinemaRecord Artwork:
modernisation, even putting in a balcony?
Bill Kerr, Optimum Design 9419 4144
★ Out in the real world, the reprieve for another (East) St Kilda icon - the
Astor - was great news. And we acknowledge the contribution of Roc
The main aim of CATHS and this
publication is to accurately document and Kirby, founder of the Village Theatres empire.
create an archive of the history of You will notice that we have plugged holes in our news coverage.
cinemas and theatres. Members Peter Jackson and Steve Maggs will file reports from WA and
Input in the form of articles, Qld. respectively. – Ian Smith
constructive criticism, and substantiated
dispute of printed matter is welcome, and
necessary to enable us to reach our NOW SHOWING!
objective.
Opinions expressed are those of the
Editor or contributors, and unless
expressly stated so, are not necessarily 4 Letters and Newsreel
those of the Cinema And Theatre
8 Theatre of the Middle Ages - Cameron Hall
Historical Society Inc.
The religious and profane battle for centre stage
Articles printed in CinemaRecord
should not be reproduced without the 12 CATHS Tour Part Two - Ross King
Projectors in the South West
permission of the author or the editor.
16 Palais Pictures, St Kilda - Ian Hanson
All photos are from the collection of
the person or organisation stated. Every The early years 1912-1926
effort has been made to trace the 21 Sputnik Helps Hoyts - Rod Cook
ownership of copyright. In the event of A world event turns into timely advertising
any questions arising as to the use of any 22 Swanpool Cinema - Alice Stratton
material, the author and publisher will be An ‘indie’ and its community observed
happy to make the necessary corrections 25 Yackandandah Cinema - Grahame Hutchings
in future printings. Bringing movies back to another small town
Contributions and suggestions for
CinemaRecord are most welcome. Please 27 Woodstock Hall Projectors - Wayne Hammond
contact the Editor if you are planning A ‘discovery’ starts a project
to write an article for the magazine. 28 Bass Hill Drive-in - Phil Mathews
We may be able to assist you with An affectionate tribute
information, contacts, etc and it will help 32 Book Review: Life in the Operating Box
us with forward planning. A projectionist's view of the Empire Toowoomba
★
Contact: Ian Smith Images in this publication are from CATHS Archive unless credited to another source.
Telephone: 5443 0692 (1-9pm)
Email: iansmith8@bigpond.com Cover: Walter Burley Griffin’s new frontage for the Palais Pictures, St Kilda, a
Postal Address: PO Box 476, photo taken in February 1926, was dressing up a building from 1920. The program
Bentleigh, Victoria, 3204 reveals that the picture was taken within six days of the disastrous fire.
Image: Ian Hanson.
CINEMARECORD 2008 3