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$MALL CHANGE? By Ian Williams

The late Ian Williams’ submitted the chart below as a “stand-by” article for a future edition of CinemaRecord.
It is produced here as a further tribute to Ian and his love for all things Regent.

Admission prices, Melbourne Regent Theatre 1929

Day & Area of Theatre Shillings / Pence Cents Today’s Value *
Saturday & Holiday Nights
Lounge & Dress Circle 4/5 44 $ 17.73
Stalls - Reserved 3/4 33 $ 12.63
Stalls - Unreserved 2/6½ 25.5 $ 9.47
Saturday & Holiday Matinees
Lounge & Dress Circle 3/4 33 $ 12.63
Stalls - Reserved 2/- 20 $ 7.58
Stalls - Unreserved 1/6 15 $ 5.68
Week Nights
Lounge & Dress Circle 3/4 33 $ 12.63
Stalls - Reserved 2/6½ 25.5 $ 9.47
Stalls - Unreserved 1/6 15 $ 5.68
Weekday Matinees
Lounge 2/6½ 25.5 $ 9.47
Dress Circle 2/- 20 $ 7.58
Stalls - Unreserved 1/6 15 $ 5.68
Morning Sessions
Dress Circle 2/- 20 $ 7.58
Stalls 1/6 15 $ 5.68
* Today’s Value has been calculated using the Reserve Bank of Australia’s on-line pre-decimal calculator

THE TRUE UNIVERSAL MANNER by William Gray

hen I was employed at Universal in Being a film that I thought was worthy of a
W1961, there was a monumental film second viewing, I waited until the last weeks
release which was something outside the were announced. At the start of this screening,
Universal Standards. I was somewhat dismayed to find that there
was no overture. The film opened with the
One of the biggest pictures to be produced at main fanfare and titles. A further surprise
this time was Spartacus, a film by Bryna came when intermission concluded and the
Productions, which was the product of the lights dimmed to the immediate
film’s star, Kirk Douglas and directed by an commencement of Part Two.
upcoming successful Director, Stanley
Kubrick. So important was this film to Next day, I telephoned the chief projectionist
Universal that they were able to negotiate a to ask why there had been no overture, and
release date at Sydney’s Forum Cinema was surprised when he told me that they had
removed the overture and entr’acte from the
through Greater Union Management.
70 mm print the morning after the premiere,
under instructions from the Manager, no
There would be a first night premiere, with
both Universal and Greater Union executives reason being given.
in attendance. In addition, an invitation was
extended to staff members and guests of both I then went to Universal’s local Publicity
companies. Director and reported the matter to him.
Without hesitation, he said, “We had those
parts removed the morning after the premiere
The presentation of the film, as with other big
on instructions from the U.S.A.
productions of that era, was faultless. The
lights dimmed and the film commenced with I was not convinced by that statement,
an overture which set the mood for the action because I knew the standards set by the local
ahead. There was an intermission at the end Universal Executive.
of Part One, followed by an entr’acte to Part
Two. After the emotionally charged ending Some years later, Spartacus made a return
of the film, the curtains closed, the lights appearance at Sydney’s Ascot Theatre. With
came up and music played to the emotions Universal now controlled by a new team, it
felt by the large audience. played in its entirety. ✶

CINEMARECORD # 92 11