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NEW YEAR.S EVE 1938 by Rod Cook

Looking through 'The Herald' for New Years Eve 1'938, It was lnteresting to note what our theatres had on offer for the
population of Melbourne to welcome Tn 1939.

As it was a Saturday night, most theatres ran the regular weekend program in the evening, but for those patrons who
wanted some special entertainment there was more! ·

Hoyts Regent Theatre in the city had an entirely separate show commencing at 1·1 pm (following the conclusion of
"TheAdventures of Robin Hood''). For bargain prices of 1/-, 1/6 and 21- plus tax you could see the following:

- Daniel Mas anc! the· Regent Orpheums in novel musical arrangements

- ON STAGE Ceiebrtty stars Billy Nelson and Irene Knight, (billecf as 'Amenca's foremost comedy entertainers'),
Freddie Fox and Sa'liy Evans, (London's rhythmic dance stars)

-ON SCREEN Walt Disney's latest technioolor cartoon, Silly Symphony etc., et·~-
Patrons were advised that tttey could book for both the 7.45 and 11 pm performances.

Not to be outc.'lone, Greater Union's State Theatre presented "Dad & Dave Come To Town'' at 7.45 pm, PLUS at no
extra charge, 'as a personal gesture of goodwiY by the management', a complete band show to take patrons into 1939.

The other maJor city thet~tre, the Capito l had extra entertainment for no extra char~~e ~o supplement "Spawn Of The
North" and "Meet The Gins", Presumably lsador Goodman and His Orchestra and Horace Weber at the organ were
responsible for the post film entertainment as no specific attractions were advertised.
Hoyts Suburban Theatres had special New Year's Eve entertainment following the conclusion of the regular program at
10.45 pm. It would appear that this was a bonus rather than a separate program you had to pay extra for. The follow·
ing theanes were involved:

Victory St. Kilda (Vaudeville acts, 'superlative' screen entertainment, novelties & streamers! Prices 1/1 , 1/7%, and 2/2),
New Malvern Theatre Regent, South Yarra NE!W Windsor Theatre
Padua BrunsWick New GlenhLlrltiY REmown ElsternWick
6arkly Footscray Grand Coburg Hampton Theatre
Palace Glenferrie Regent Thorhbury Waratah Ascot Vale
Regent Fitzroy Cinema Richmond Edip$e Port Melbourne
Circle Preston Circle Essendon Brighton Theatre
Merri North Fitzroy ivanhoe Theatre RElgent Gardiner
Williamstown Theatre Park Albert Park {one Week after opening)

Apart from the Victory st. Kilda, the entertainment was not specific for each theatm. The large display ad (about 1/8 of
a page) did give some hint.
"A wondrous night of revelry and f/Jn! Streamers, {Jaf/oons, noise-makers~ noveltf~~s and surprises unlimited! Stage
bands! Ballets! Comedians! Variety Acts! Specially selected screen entertainment- all crammed inlo Mighty New
Year's Eve Revels! Join in the chorus of Auld Lang Syne as 1939 dawnsJ Bring the family'~

There was also the announcement at each theatre of a valuable new year hamper containing the following:
Pair of Escapade Vitabloom Hostery by Prestige A Jack: O'Lantern shirt
Bottle of Hardy's Timjara Manhattan Cocktail Bottle 10f Lanoma Gin
Box of Faulding's ExqUisite Lavender Box of MilKy Way sweets
Tin of Swallow and Ariel's Christmas P:udding Seagull. swimsuit
Package of Black and White Cigarettes Tie fro111 Fred Hesse
Bottle of Milne's Whisky Toys from Tim the Toyman
Delicious Chicken from 'The Maypole' Box of Ideal Assorted Shortbread
Bottle of Atkin's Quinine Tonic Wine

Tcr have a chance of ail of this, you had to be at the New Year's Eve showl
The independent suburban theatres did not advertise any special programs in 'ThE! Herald', but I am sure that most
probably had something special for their patrons that was advertised locally. Altho1UQh not advertiSed as a new year's
eve attraction, the Palajs St Kilda had on sjag~; 'The Fairy of the Christmas Tree'. The ad boasted that you could see
'Ice Skaters gliding across the lake, sKiers gliding down the Mountain Slopes! El<qulsite scenery, brilliant lights and
gay coloursl' It appears that this needed every inch of the' stage!
Unfortunately such frivolity of New Year's Eve came to a halt for some years with World Wa,r 2 being declared in 1939.
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