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Upstairs Foyer

After many years as an exhibitor and also having interests in two other theatres which were sold off {these being the
Plaza, Coburg and Empire, BnUlswick.) The O'Collins family decided to sell the Astor in 1964. Demolition may have
taken place as the Astor was in the way of major road widening, which ultimately saw mass demolition of housing and
the re-routing of tram tracks from Wellington street to the new freeway by- passing St.Kilda Junction. Finally, after much
local objection. the Astor and other buildings were not resumed, except for the hotel next to the theatre.

A sale of the theatre took place where it was re-used as one of twelve Melbourne theatres purchased for providing cinema
entertainment for Melbourne's Greek community. The need for such venues had starred in the 1950's but waned in the
1980's as video and ethnk television made inroads into the business.

Other uses were found for the Astor, including a bingo hall, and reception centre which never materialised. In 1981 it
was closed then re-opened in 1982, and then closed again.

The cunent proprietor. Mr. George Florence, saw an opp01tunity to revitalise the ailing Astor and bring it back to life.
Subsequently the Astor re-opened as a repertory cinema augmented by concerts, on September 17, J 982 with the 1933
classic, "King Kong". Video by this time was making life difficult for all cinemas especially by 1983. Rock bands
provided alternatives to the ftlm screenings, but by the end of 1985, films only were screened. ( 12)

The policy of repertory movies continued under the guidance of both Mr. Florence and the late David Mun·ay. A poUcy
of upgrading the cinema also took place at this time. A badly needed improvement was a new and larger screen. In 1985,
a new screen and stage tabs were installed forward of the original proscenium and stage, this was also coupled with the
decision to install 70mm equipment using surplus Cinemeccanica projectors from the then closed Bulleen drive-in
theatre. 1998 was to see yet another improvement. an even bigger screen an proscenium !

What would have to be the largest indoor screen to exist at the present time, with the exception of Imax and Max vision
cinemas, (the largest previous indoor screen being at the Plaza theatre in Sydney, 75ft. x 31ft.) the new Astor screen is
some 60ft wide and 27ft. high. These improvements have greatly enhanced the quality of entertainment for its patrons
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