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and 39 East Street. Their profit was just over walked the streets ringing a bell, and shouting In 1949, Allan’s daughter, Lynette, and her
£10 ($20), at a time when the average adult out what pictures would be shown that night. husband, Jeff Woodhart, took over the touring
wage was just 8 shillings (80 cents) a day, and show, continuing on until the introduction of
the admission price was 2 shillings for adults By 1930, the Amusu Theatre was showing television forced the closure of that part of the
and one shilling for children. Even at those talkies twice weekly at nearby Canowindra business.
prices, audiences kept coming. Advertising and in the Manildra Hall by 1932. After
was by way of hand bills and posters supplied finding that the acoustics in these venues were Over the years, the Amusu Theatre in
by the movie promoters. Allan even gave free terrible, Allan had a large tent made in Manildra screened many of the hit movies of
tickets to any two children in town if they Sydney, eliminating all echo. the day. Allan claimed that Crocodile Dundee
made him more money than any other film he
In 1932, Allan started had ever screened, showing to packed houses
touring his show to almost for 18 nights.
all towns in the outer
central west using a 1927 In May 1995, Allan screened his last film, just
Chevrolet truck and later a week before his death at the age of 93. His
a 1934 V8 Ford. It would daughter, Lynette and her husband Jeff
take the four members of continued to operate the theatre until 2003.
the team around an hour
and 20 minutes to set up From 2004, the theatre continued to operate
the tent theatre. under a committee, headed by Mrs. Joan
Stephenson, assisted by Lynette Woodhart
By 1936, Allan had made and the Cabonne Shire Council. The Amusu
enough money to build a Theatre continues to screen every Sunday
home for his wife, Dorry, throughout the winter months. Once summer
and their five children, as starts, additional screenings take place on the
well as galvanised iron third Saturday night of the month. The
theatres at Manildra and Amusu is reportedly the oldest continuing
Tullamore. picture show in Australia.

In 1937, after the death of The Amusu Theatre is unique in NSW, and
his brother Jim, Allan its significance to the state is recognised by its
handed the business over inclusion on the State Heritage Register of
to his employees, and NSW. With funding through the Heritage
returned to full-time Assistance Program and with assistance from
employment as a motor the Cabonne Shire Council, a Conservation
mechanic and proprietor Management Plan for the building and its
of Manildra’s movie collection of movable heritage has been
theatre. In 1942, he undertaken. ✶
purchased a hall at
Millthorpe and also Images:
opened a theatre there. John Budge, William Gray

CINEMARECORD # 94 13