Page 10 - untitled

Exterior After The Fire (c1944)

Hoyts always operated the New Glenhuntly as a second or third week release house, an undeserved fate caused by the
close proximity of other first release Hoyts venues, which were SUITOunded with housing estates. The Glenhunrly was
located nearly next door to the Caulfield racecourse and therefore a large part of its theoretical catchment area was
unpopulated.

Unlike many other Hoyts suburban theatres the installation of the Cinemascope screen c 1954 was achieved without the
need to either widen the proscenium arch or relocate the screen into the auditorium.

The theatre was closed in 1959, three years after the introduction of TV in Melboume. At the time of closing the seating
capacity was recorded at 1252[3]. "It was sold for 24,000 pounds and conve11ed to squash courts. In 1976 it was
demolished". A Safeway Supermarket now occupies the site.

The Recollections of a War-Time Lolly-Boy from Brian MiJJer

"My family arrived from the country on the first of March. I 941 and with difficulty had found a house to rent in
Glenhuntly. Three blocks along the tramline stood Hoyts New Glenhuntly, as it was then known. on the comer of
Glenhuntly Road and Manchester Grove.

The following month a sign appeared on the theatre sweets shop window staling "Lolly-boy wanted". After racing home
to announce the news J returned to meet Mr Frank McNamara, the shop's lessee. I remained for three years after which
my sister Marilyn joined the shop staff. No experience was necessary; on the job training was supplied.

My first impression was why was this theatre so different from others in the area? I had seen '·Snow White & The Seven
Dwarfs" at the Plaza, in Collins St .. Melbourne but that was a later, more ornate Spanish style.

10