Page 4 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

HAPPENINGS by Fred Page

In spite of an awful weather forecast and insufficient support to hire a coach, twenty-three stalwarts pooled their
vehicles and headed for the Frankston Village Cinema complex. Merilyn gave our group a warm welcome and
we were invited to partake of coffee and biscuits. She then conducted us through the twenty years old beachside
twin that we noted to be in very good condition, and which featured Bauer projection equipment in the "L"
shaped bio box. The cinemas are set at right angles to each other (and are now for sale).
After collecting our stragglers we proceeded across the highway to the 17 year old twin in the
Peninsula Centre and Merilyn drew our attention to the offset projection angle, as a structural pillar was located
in the centre of the building some distance from the bio box wall. This resulted in a smaller than expected
screen. The last inspection, cinema 4, was quite shabby and the lack of curtains for the screen didn't help.
Gerry Kennedy presented our certificate at the conclusion, and complimented the management on the high
standard of maintenance of Cinemas 1 and 2 and their efforts to at least keep Cinemas 3 and 4 in fair condition.

It was then off to Sorrento in improving sunny weather to view the splendidly renovated Athenaeum at which
another warm welcome awaited us. The restoration work is a credit to all involved with it. The carpet is most
eyecatching, based on a marine theme, and we were told the design has been patented. New wide chairs in a
complimentary aqua colour blended beautifully with both the carpet and the wall curtains. The wall curtaining
is broken up at intervals by the original half pillars on which is now mounted the theatre lighting. The foyer is
decorated in rich mauves and gold and looks stunning with the complimentary pale pink light fittings.
The manager, David Croad, then led us to the integrated flat in which was stored the obsolete
equipment. Offers for it soon pervaded the space and numerous items were spirited into the car boots - the
purchasers remain anonymous. Before leaving, the official presentation was made and David invited us to
return when the two smaller cinemas are built beside the present one later this year.

It was now lunch time and, thanks to Ivan Maquire's initiative we adjourned to the Rye R.S.L. where an
enjoyable lunch was soon disposed of. Then, thanks to late arrangements made by Peter O'Reilly, we traveled
to Rosebud to inspect the former Broadway Theatre, now a variety store, which was opened especially for us.
The proscenium and curtains are still in situ and the basic infrastructure still in place but in a very tatty state.

Once more into the cars to return to Frankston, this time to the Cultural Centre which is celebrating its' first
birthday. Our host, Craig, conducted us back stage, into the orchestra pit and the two levels of the auditorium.
In welcoming us he spoke of the technical facilities with special mention of the huge 67ft high fly tower and the
well placed dressing rooms and performers facilities. Once more the certificate of appreciation was presented
after which the group moved on for afternoon tea before heading home after an excellent outing in good
autumn weather. A special thanks to the drivers who so willingly pooled their cars.

Our next outing was in response to the surprise announcement that the Valhalla lease of the Westgarth Theatre
was ending on 10 June, exactly twenty years since they opened at the old Victoria Theatre in Richmond.
Although a little tired, the old theatre is looking remarkably good for its eighty years. The stalls seating has
been replaced with chairs from the Adelaide Mid-City Cinemas and were part of the $250,000 the management
has spent on the premises since taking over. It is understood that the theatre will continue to screen under the
management of the owners of the building.
Then on to Lanis' Reception Centre -the old Northcote Theatre. Like similar venues such as the
former Regent Thornbury and the Western West Brunswick, the conversion has been carried out tastefully with
full effect being made of the architectural features. The colour scheme is maroon and white, with special
features picked out in gold. The proscenium is original with what looks like an external window set back a little.
Behind that, occupying the stage house, is the kitchen. The former dress circle is blocked off and is used for
storage but baffled us, as we were unable to find a staircase leading to it. The morning's outing was a super
bonus for the more than forty people who attended.

Following the 23 June meeting, the audience was enchanted as it watched the 1963 GTV9 production of its
Christmas Special "Marianne or The Toymaker of Trifencastle" which was presented by Denzil Howson who
produced the show. It would be wonderful to see shows like this revived as live pantomimes. Then we finally
saw episode 1 0 of Spysmaster our serial. The Swap meet held on 7 July was more noteable for the film
entertainment than for the trading which was a little quieter than previous events. On screen we were entertained
by a super Bugs Bunny cartoon, a fascinating documentary of the evolution of film projectors, some historic
advertising film and a medley of Australian shorts, including a performance by George Wallace.

Events still to come in August are a cabaret night at 'The Piano-men" to celebrate the re-opening of the
Forum's Old State Cabaret Room and the "Cinematograph Chicken & Champagne" celebration at the Progress
Theatre to commemorate the centenary of the first films shown in an Australian theatre to a paying audience.