Page 4 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

Happenings by Fred Page

Following the 1996 AGM, members were entertained by a big screen video presentation of the Kyabram and
Charlton excursions. One of the highlights of the latter was a chorus of members "singing" the Hoyts Surburban
Theatres song.

We were then amused by an Ealing, colour film, "The Titfield Thunderbolt" on super 8, shown by Ron North rope.

Our thanks to Vic Guihennuec and Graham Smythe for organising the Victorian Movie Makers theatrette for our
use, and again to Graham for producing the travel videos, not forgetting Ron for supplying the feature movie.

The final event, on the 1st of December, was our end of year function was held at the Erwin Rado 1 Theatre at
211 Johnston St. Fitzroy. After a hamper luncheon, a program of enjoyable short films, including "A Tribute To
Paramount", was presented by Ross Campbell. Thanks Ross for hosting this event, which capped off another
socially successful year for CATHS-V.

A meeting of the newly elected committee and appointees was held prior the the function.

Our January activity featured a three night season( January 15, 16 and 17) at the Ken's "Roxy" Ashwood made
up of selected shorts, followed by "That Night In Rio" starring Alice Faye, Don Ameche, Carmen Miranda. All
members were delighted with the music and whacky humour of this period film.

The Future of the Classic Cinema, Elsternwick

Five CATHS-V members were present at a well attended special meeting on the 3rd of February, 1997, con-
vened by Heather Welsh, President of the Friends of the Classic Cinema Society, at the Glen Eira Civic Centre
Theatrette, Caulfield.
In a very positive atmosphere, speakers from the Kadimah Library outlined their negotiations with several
prospective lessees interested in reopening the building for films and/or live theatre, and the situation is well
advanced.
Support was also offered by the Elsternwick Shopping Centre representative. Application will be made to the
Glen Eira Council for assistance with parking problems, and possible use as a cultural centre for local groups
from time to time.
Attention is being paid to projection equipment, furniture and fittings, and it is hoped this 106 year old cinema
will soon be back in business.

World of Pictures Herald-Sun 20/12/96

Nestled in the leafy setting of Treasury Place is an impressive film library which would turn video vendors green
with envy. Cinemedia's Access Collection (formerly the Film Centre Library) has more than 9000 video titles
and 18,000 16mm films, making it the biggest collection of films in the Southern Hemisphere.

It carries some works that cannot be found anywhere else in Australia, and it's one of the best kept secrets in
town. The collection manager, Gael Mcindoe, believes the library is a national treasure, with similar libraries in
other states now obsolete.

"The last library to go was South Australia two years ago. They have all closed and the collections are scattered
among the public libraries. There is no other centre solely dedicated to screen culture like we are." Cinemedia's
Access Collection is hooked up to the public library network, spanning 200 libraries nationwide.

The government envisages that Cinemedia, now part of the new Multimedia portfolio, will eventually reside in
the proposed film centre at Federation Square.