Page 5 - CR

NEWSREEL THEATRE NEWS
CINEMA AND

QUEENSLAND:

BRISBANE: Developers of the Regent
Theatre Towers project were fined $5000 in
March for using heavy machinery in an area
where the sensitive demolition work must be This once was the magnificent Brisbane
carried out by hand. This amazing panoramic photo was taken by CATHS member, Steve Malone.

The breach of conditions could risk damage CHARLTON: Closed since flood damage ELSTERNWICK: The Classic Cinema
the heritage-listed foyer. A previously un- in January 2011, the community run Rex celebrated its 100 Birthday on Sunday
th
exposed decorative stone "fountain niche" Theatre has been painted and had seats, January 29 with party that included
has been uncovered in one wall of the carpets, screen, curtains and wiring replaced. food, wine, live music, film- and owner
theatre after being hidden for 30 years and The theatre will also re-open on April 21 Eddie Tamir attired as Groucho Marx.
conservationists want to try to preserve it. with digital projection and surround sound.

POMONA: Flooding from a heavy rainstorm CROYDON: The shuttered Croydon 4
in late February caused water to cover the Cinemas were re-opened on Boxing Day as the
floor of the historic Majestic Theatre. The Plaza Cinemas by Tom Shouten - operator of
Majestic also bid farewell to its organist the Metro Cinemas at Boronia.
former owner, Ron West who finally retired
in mid December.
GRACEVILLE: As they make way for the
complete changeover to digital projection, in
early February the Regal Twin Cinema held
a special double-feature of classic films to
farewell the use of 35mm film.
SWANPOOL: Operation of the Swanpool
MAREEBA: Having opened in 1960, the Cinema in the Memorial Hall has been
nd
Rodeo Drive-In Theatre celebrated its 52 taken over by a local community group since
birthday on January 1. the retirement of Kevin Smith and Shirley
Swallow who ran their last show on New
Years Eve 2011.
CHADSTONE: A proposed $500 million
expansion of the shopping centre includes MELBOURNE: Conversion of foyer space
refurbishment of the Hoyts Cinemas. at Kino Cinemas created space for three new
70-seat boutique auditoriums which opened
WODONGA: The disused railway station on Thursday 22 December.
nd
is to be used by the local Apex Club for
regular Pop-Up Station Cinema screenings
that will also feature live entertainment and
food vendors.

MELBOURNE: Only the façade of the
VICTORIA: former Collins Street Metro Theatre now
remains. After closure as a cinema, the
ST.KILDA: The historic (1927) Palais auditorium and foyers were converted into
Theatre has celebrated its 85 birthday with a (failed) retail store. The façade will be
new carpets as well as new roof (laid over retained in the new development.
the old) thanks to Government funding.
MELBOURNE: The 30-year-old Hamer
Hall will reopen on July 26 after a $128
th
million refurbishment. An additional $7.3 GRANTVILLE: Since the sale of the
million funding announced in December will former Grantville Drive-In Theatre
benefit the audio and lighting fit-out which late last year, developers have been
will include digital broadcast equipment. quick to redevelop the property.
Development blocks have been pegged
WARRAGUL: An auction of collectables was and sealed roads already laid between
held at the former Twilite Drive-In Theatre on the old café, bio box and screen which
March 31. This follows the death of the owner remain extant.
Roy Eaton who had converted the former
theatre into the Lilliput Miniature Railway in CARLTON: With the travel agency
a parkland setting. Attempts to re-open the having vacated the premises, the former
drive-in in 2003 were hampered and ultimately FRONT / BACK Carlton Movie House is empty and
abandoned after fierce local opposition. Pictures by Ross King up for lease.

CINEMAREC ORD 2012 5