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Alex Sharp and Dick Silman's achievement: the Coburg Drive-in.

They advertised in a block and were They also expanded to Sydney for a cinema business and was always keen to
a competitive force against the Village while. hear the latest from around the circuits.
and Hoyts Skyline circuits. Product for the drive-ins was About five years ago I took him out
Alex and Dick then took on the difficult to come by and both to see Coburg Drive-in, now a triple
hardtop game and entered it with a Maribyrnong and Coburg were sold to screen theatre operated by Village. He
bang: a long-term lease on the modified Hoyts in 1967. An alliance with Village was amazed that it had survived and
and much loved Capitol, Swanston was formed for their city hardtops for proud that this independent drive-in
Street. Silman and Sharp ensured that much the same reason. built by himself and brother-in-law still
another generation would enjoy films The Silman, Sharp and later Bruce flourished. He was a great inspiration
under the wonderful Capitol ceiling. Selleck group were the mainstay of in the launch of the Lunar Drive-in at
The Great Race was their premiere film Village theatres for many years. Dandenong.
when the building reopened in 1965. It Alex travelled overseas visiting Alexander Sharp was a true
was one of the first 35mm to 70mm studios and meeting stars and gentleman and a clever businessman.
blow-up prints. This film made many producers. He was also a keen 16mm He had a great belief in the cinema
visits to both Coburg and and Super 8 enthusiast. business at a time when many theatres
Maribyrnong drive-ins. were closing due to the influence of
In 1983 the video boom was hurting
Further expansion by the partners and the partners sold out completely to television.
saw the Australia Cinemas, the Village. Alex died on 8 September 2006 of
Swanston (formerly the Century and complications related to a brain tumour.
Alex later operated a disposals store
later Capitol 2) and Bryson acquired. He was 81. - David Kilderry
in Elizabeth Street. He missed the

The Cinema And Theatre Historical Society Inc. is proud to have
The Sun Theatre Yarraville as our major sponsor. Many thanks to member
Mr Michael Smith, the owner of the Sun Theatre, for providing the venue for
CATHS meetings and events.

For program and venue hire inquiries, contact Theatre Manager Ms Angela Murphy
on Tel: 9362 0999 ◆ Fax: 9362 0338 Website: www.suntheatre.com.au
◆
Email: angela@suntheatre.com.au

8 Ballarat Street, Yarraville 3013

CINEMARECORD 2007 7