Page 22 - CinemaRecord Edition 3-2003 #41

...goes to the

“Pictures”

by
Graeme McCoubrie

Nestled snugly between the mountains and the sandy beaches on Victoria’s famous
Great Ocean Road, this coastal holiday haven has a long tradition of going to the movies!

n 1916 a traveling projectionist Jack Anderson didn't waste the
Iarrived at Victorian seaside town of opportunity and quickly formed the
Lorne with his Pathe hand operated Lorne Picture Company in partnership
Projector and convinced the Lorne with local resident businessmen Jim
Foreshore Committee of the day to let Dorman, Albert Jarratt and Jack
him use some land on the beach front Stirling. They collectively built a small
to set up an Open-Air Picture Show to Hall for use as a picture house and
view the latest silent films. dancing on flat land near Erskine This served the community well and
After a good summer season the House in a position not that far from the Lorne Picture Company grew with
fickle weather causing a drop in the failed open air venture. patronage and in 1920 the Company
patronage forced the operator to built a bigger theatre again close by but
consider returning to Melbourne. with more comfort. Deep in the silent
Without enough cash for a return fare era with imported films such as Tom
he went to the main street and Mix, Felix the Cat, Charlie Chaplin and
approached Anderson Stores in Fat n’ Skin (Laurel and Hardy as they
Mountjoy Parade to seek money for his were known). Children would sit at the
fare. Asked what security he had he front row on bench seats for 6d. Mrs
could only offer his projector saying it Annie Stirling would play the pianola
didn't do him any good showing films rolls that were suggested by the
on the foreshore. distributor to suit the films.

The imposing Lorne Theatre looks across to the beach
and the original foreshore venues it eventually replaced.

22 2010 CINEMARECORD