Page 15 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

Letters To The Editor

While perusing my latest CinemaRecord May 1997, I read the article "Australian Connection" by Denzil Howson,
and as expected I found it entertaining and informative. In the article he mentions Louise Carbasse (Lovely) in
the 1912 "Con the Shaugran".

Among my gear from early theatres I have part of a programme (from the Public Hall Shepparton 1882-1970),
of a three part play performed in 1893, written by Dion Boucicaults as an Irish drama, and produced by
Williamstown C.Y.M.S. Dramatic Club, using local talent.· The name of the play was 'The Shaughraun".

Denzil states he could not find the word Shaugran in the dictionary. The programme describes Conn (The
Shaughraun) as the soul of every fair, the life of every funeral, the first fiddle at all weddings. Louise Carbasse
would most likely have played the part of "Moya", who was Conns sweetheart and Father Doolans niece.

The film was produced by Australian Life Biograph, and was screened in Sydney at Waddingtons Grand Theatre
28th March 1912, then Adelaide Lyric Theatre 10 Jan 1914.

P.S. I never knew about Snub Pollard being Harold Fraser, and I reckon many others would be the same. Keep
up the research, though it's unlikely that we may one day purchase a little book on Aussie Connections.
Ramon Estrada

As a member of CATHS-V I wish to point out an inaccuracy in Mr. Ralphe Neill's article titled "Hamlet On The
Big Screen" published in the August edition of Cinema Record. Mr. Neill states that the Astor Theatre is one of
only two venues in Melbourne capable of screening 70mm film.

In fact this is wrong. Hoyts Cinema Centre, 3 cinemas, Greater Union Russell Complex, 2 cinemas, Village City
Centre, 2 cinemas and Dendy Brighton, Cinema 1, can show 70mm. Also the Trak Cinema, the Regent Melbourne
and the Capitol Melbourne are fully equipped for 70mm. That makes eleven. Add the Astor and you get twelve,
a bit different to two. Pity this article was published in an American magazine.
Trevor Walters

Top 10 Dubious Cinematic Definitions Researched by S.P. Rocket

FILLUM An oft-used and alternative pronunciation of the word "FILM".

CINEMA COMPLEX A conglomerate of concrete cell-like structures optimistically masquerading
as "Picture Theatres".

COLOSSAL Obligatory terminology for any film trailer promoting next week's bummer.
MEMORABLE As above
ACTION PACKED As above

VETERAN PROJECTIONIST A highly qualified technician whose skills are no longer required.

DOLBY SURROUND SOUND A cinema sound system for which the description "Ear-splitting" is totally
inadequate.

SPLICE An unbreakable join in a film which is likely to come apart at any moment.

TAKE-UP SPOOL That part of a projector likely to spill its entire contents on to the floor.

PROJECTOR LAMP Highly priced accessory of dubious longevity prone to fuse at the moment
when the "Cad" has enticed the innocent virgin to his bedroom.

HOLLYWOOD STARLET A female member of the species homo sapiens, very often discovered supine,
dormant beneath a director's doona!