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37. SHEPPARTON - LYRIC/CAPRI by G. Kennedy, A. Stroop & M. Purden

Shepparton is the major centre in the rich fruit growing district of the Goulburn Valley, situated 166 kms. north
of Melbourne. Shepparton and its twin town of Mooroopna, across the Goulburn river, have a combined
population of 32,500. Travelling showman were the first film entrepreneurs in the area screening silent films in
a variety of locations including the Lyric Open-Air and the Star theatres.

In 1916 the late Mr. Walter McMillan purchased the Lyric, which stood at the intersection of Wyndham and High
Streets. This saw the beginning of Shepparton Theatres Pty. Ltd., a 64 year association between the name
McMillan and cinema entertainment in Shepparton, and indeed the surrounding districts.

In the same year W. M. McMillan purchased the Star Theatre building in High St. The Star was Shepparton's
only hall at the time and was used for films, dances and other community purposes. Re-modelled in 1939, it
continued as a multi purpose hall until it was sold to Shepparton Indoor Bowling Ltd. in 1961. The Star Bowl
now occupies the site.

In 1924 the Lyric Open-Air was replaced with a new substantial brick theatm built on the corner of Maude and
Stewart Sts. The New Lyric, which opened on April24, was a two level theatre with permanent seating for 800.
The bio box was located at the rear of the stalls under the dress circle and it was equipped with a pair of Han
Gertz projectors. The theatre was cooled by the latest American Typhoon cooling system. The Lyric orchestra
was under the direction of R.J. McCaskill. Three shops were also incorporated at the front of the theatre. The
opening program stated that a complete change of music would occur fortnightly with a partial change weekly.
The two part opening program included musical overtures and three films.(1)

In 1926 the McMillans acquired their third screen in Shepparton with the purchase of the Paramount theatre in
High St. The Paramount was an open air fronting High St. behind which stood a hall. A single projector,
mounted on tracksenablled screening in the open air during fine weather, and indoors during bad weather.
Additional equipment was later installed. Many screenings saw patrons herded into the the hall during a
rainstorm.

In June 1930 the Lyric was the first theatre in the Goulburn Valley to be equipped with sound. The original
projectors were converted for sound and a Western Electric system was installed. The opening sound film was
"The Desert Song". At this time the Lyric advertised a screening policy of six nights per week with Wednesday
and Saturday matinees. Silent films continued to be screened at the Star Theatre.

The Paramount was demolished and replaced with the Astor in 1937. This budget, light construction, one level
theatre seated 664 and was used as a "B house". The Astor screened until1963 when it was converted to a
dance hall. The site is now a Council car park.

1938 NEW LYRIC

Walter McMillan managed the Astor and, being an accomplished musician, also ran the Lyric Music Salon
(situated in the Lyric theatre building). The Lyric Salon ran the box plan and reservation service for the Lyric
theatre. Syd McMillan managed the Lyric theatre at this time.

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