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HAPPENINGS by Fred Page

After a hectic close to 1994, 1995 commenced at a similar pace. Thanks to Peter O'Reilly, a hasty inspection
of the Broaoway Elwood was arranged with the selling agents for saturday, 11 Feb '95. This old theatre has
been used since closure in 1960 as a reception hall, cabaret and disco. The interior Is an allover gloss black,
and even the curtains, which still operate, are black.
The stage is framed in a Spanish style proscenium and there are similar types of grill work on the walls
although the general architectural style is reminiscent of nineteenth century town halls. Both levels of the
theatre are flat floored although it is understood the upper area was raKed when a cinema. That upper space
was used as a billiard saloon in the early days. In spite of the Short notice around twenty members attended
and several members of the public joined in during the lnspectJon.

The following week, 19 Feb, a large gathering Inspected the rormer Re!Jent, Thornbury, now the Catania
Ballroom. Many of the theatrical elements have been retained. the foyer in virtually original condition com-
plete with coming attraction recesses, tick:et box. grand marble staircase a1nd beautifully painted cupola. The
raked dress circle has been replaced by a ftat floor of Immense area for clinlng and dancing. The ceiling is
original as is the wall decoration picket out in gold and pastel colours to t1ighlight Its beauty, all in excellent
condition and a credit to the owners.

Next step was the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital theatrette where we were given a talk on the St. John
Theatre and shown slides of the theatre during demolition In 1994. Lots of historical Items were displayed
Including the St. John plaque, ten of which were part of the theatres decoration and are now preserved. Files
and photos were also open for Inspection. CATHS·V framed certificates were presented to both organisations.

The inspections were followed by a photo-stop at ttle Orient, Heidelberg, now a Commonwealth Bank admin-
istration facility, and then a barbecue lunch at the President's residence.

After lunch a sojourn was made to the Doncaster Memorial Hall. This red brick country style hall was built In
1922 and featur~s a picture framed stage opening and a purpose built bio tl10x for a single projector which was
In regular use prior to sound. During the visit a rehearsal was In progress for a nineteenth century melodrama
and we heard the familiar phrase "jolly good song, jolly well sung, jolly good fuel< to everyone". A happy line on
which to depart to the Doncaster Athenaeum. Unfortunately we could not gain entry to the premises as a
church service was in session and to get exclusive entry right a fee of $25 would have to be paid to the council.
Perhaps another day.

It was then back to the saunders for afternoon tea Including tackling the rennainder of the Anniversary cake. A
rest and a chat was then the order of the day before exercising our teeth on an evening meal. With full
stomachs we then sat down to watch an excellent selection or short subjects, the one getting the greatest
laughs was a Laurel and Hardy featurette. ThanKs to Garry and Vilma for hosting this long but enjoyable
excursion.

For the third weekend in a row, more CATHs-V. At the conclusion of our formal meeting on 26 February we
had our usual fix of Spysmaster after wflich we enjoyed a widescreen slide, presentation of Melbourne picture
palaces including shots taken on recent visits to the Forum and Capitol. As usual, Brian Beatty conducted the
Show in his own special way and was given an appreciative round of applause at the conclusion. Thanks yet
again Brian for your great effort.

The next event, tbe annual picture night was on barely three weeks later and was well attended on both nights.
The program was of several one reelers, two of which, "The Detectiven and "Shanghaied" starred Charlie
Chaplin followed by the feature "The Blue Light". The whole program, with the exception of "Shanghaiedn was
presented on 9.5mm film and was all silent film accompanied by an excellent sound tape. "The Blue Light" was
a haunting drama intensified by the superb black and white photography and with the equally superb sound
tape the film took on epic dimensions.

Congratulations to Denzil Howson for collating such an appropriate sound track. Watch out Carl David! It
hardly needs mentioning that the supper table was up to the usual CATHS-V standard.

Thanks again to Ken Tulloch for opening The Roxy yet again and to both Ken and Denzil for putting on such a
great program. If you missed this great social occasion, join in our trip to Gippsland in May. There'll be another
wonderful movie on then.
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