Page 15 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

The large bio box was equipped with C & W projectors and an RCA sound amplifier. Larger arcs were installed
with the arrival of Cinemascope and Vista Vision formats.

From Health Department records It would appear that the camden Theatre was well under construction by the
lime they approved the building plans in May and August 1935. The Health Department threatened the owners
with action if they opened the building without heating and ventilation plans being approved. It appears that
after some negotiatlons the theatre is likely to have opened In late 1935. The 1941 building registration certificate
records the seating capacity as 1626.
In 194 7 a pram park was incorporated Into the ground noor foyer ladies lounge whilst In 1953 plans were
approved for refurbishment of the theatre probably to coincide with the installation of the Cinemascope screen.
Due to the location of heavy steel framework it was not possible to widen the proscenium. This prevented the
projection of films to the maximum wide screen width. The films were cropped to overcome this limitation and
a second set of stage curtains were removed and the mechanism converted to carry variable black screen
masking.

After television commenced in Melbourne in 1956 attendances at the Camden quickly declined and the theatre
was closed on Saturday 11 August, 1962. Mr. Yeomans advised the HD that the building was to be converted
into a Brunswick Ten Pin Bowling venue. The art deco elements of the facade were removed and replaced
with a bland modern frontage. The opening of the bowling alley was approved on 2 April, 1963. Within three
years this business closed. The building is now a double deck indoor •fawn' bowling club.

Some elements of the former theatre are still to be seen in the stairwells to the second level, and at the back of
the spectators •stand' In the former circle.

FROM THE CAMDEN'S BIO BOX By Brian Miller

I was employed at the Camden Theatre as an assistant projectionist from 1948 to 1951. In 1957 I was no
longer in the cinema industry but retained a projectionist's tlcence. The night I was testing my first ever black
and white television set, the phone rang and I was asked to return to the Camden for six weeks each year, to
relieve the projection staff. This continued until the sale of the property in August. 1962.
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