Page 14 - CR

In June 1938 “Hammer Steam Radiators”
were installed in the foyers and auditorium. Western Suburbs Cinemas - Dinner for theatre managers in October, 1944.
Not being air-conditioned, the theatre also
had roller shutter outlets on the exterior Television and its effect on so many
walls. In summer, these shutters were theatres caught up with the Civic,
rolled open to allow air from the auditorium and it was announced that the theatre
to pass out through the grill panels, and also would close on January 21, 1967.
let cool air be drawn inside. However in March the license was
renewed for another year, but the
In March 1944 the film industry was theatre remained dark.
taken by surprise by the announcement
that Hoyts Theatres had bought into In February 1968, the licence finally
Western Suburbs Cinemas, ultimately expired and most of the seating was
giving Hoyts control of their circuit of removed - as well as the stage curtains,
23 theatres – including the Civic. screen and equipment. The theatre was 1960s.
then put up for sale.
In March 1947, a new “Brakelite” screen On August 26, 1970 it was reported that
was installed in the Civic, and in October the building was now owned by Stocks
of that year I personally visited the and Holdings Ltd.
theatre for the first time… and I recall
being very impressed!
And so, the once beautiful Civic
Theatre was soon demolished and
The coming of CinemaScope saw the Civic there now stands in its place, just
installing a new screen once more - one another non-descript office building. +
capable of running films in all of the new
screen ratios. All of the projection ports had References:
to be enlarged as well, and the Civic was also Chief Secretary’s reports; Cumberland Argus;
one of the lucky theatres to have genuine Film Weekly: The Biz. Photographs from the
4-track magnetic stereo sound installed. collections of: William Gray, Kevin Adams
and Ian Hanson.

1960s.

14 2012 CINEMAREC ORD