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The TROC Today
Digital Animators & a Theatrette
On resuming operations in March 1916 at
Newtown, Manager Jos Miller advertised
that the Trocadero Theatre would offer
Wednesday and Saturday screenings
only, with vaudeville on other nights.
While some expressed that view that the
local population could not support such
a large picture show offering 2000 seats,
indifferent presentation had not helped
previous enterprises.
Miller then promised: no waiting, no
break-downs, no dull pictures, no riff-raff,
no vulgarity, the best procurable pictures,
sweet music, civility and courteous
attendants! Availability of refreshments
would be offset by attractive city prices, a
ladies retiring room, telephone and regular
program changes – satisfaction guaranteed
or money back!
The third instance of pictures was by the This was quite a tall order considering
Clement Mason Cinema Co Ltd in July that at least one modern theatre, the
1914. Again it is unclear how long this Hub, had opened nearby in 1914, and
lasted, but his first-class picture program other large regular shows had been
on every evening took second place to a operating not far away for some years.
demonstration of endurance piano playing It seems Miller did not last beyond the
by world-champion Professor Steele. Mr year. Sand’s Directory has no listing for
Mason had extensive experience in the pictures at Trocadero after 1916 and
movie industry in both city and suburbs. skating resumed in February 1917. +
The fourth identified exhibitor was
Central Picture Palace Ltd which had
been deprived of its city location as
a result of preparations for the new
underground railway. Sources: RAHS History; Illustrated Sydney
News; Sydney Morning Herald; The Sun;
Located at 397 Elizabeth Street, and Newtown Jubilee Souvenir 1862-1912;
bordered by Campbell, Hay and Sand’s Directory; S McLennan
Castlereagh Streets, the site lay right in Photographs from the collections of
the path of the proposed embankment Robert Parkinson and Kevin Adams.
leading from Central Railway.
Under restoration
CINEMAREC ORD 2011 21
