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Eight entrance doors led into the outer ground floor foyer of the theatre. Shops were located on the left and right sides of
the theatre entrance. The outer foyer, which was floored with mosaic tiles also contained ticket boxes on the left and
right, and a grand central staircase which led directly into the circle at the cross aisle. On each side of the staircase a pair
of glass doors led into the large carpeted, inner foyer which occupied the width of the building. From the inner foyer
entrances to the staJJs were located at the right and left hand extremities. An exit stairway from the circle also ended in
this foyer.
The new Hoyts Glenhuntly opened in October 1926 with a seating configuration of 1254 (circle and boxes 526 and stalls
728. The lounge seating was continued down stepped balconies along each sidewaJJ. The 18" wide back stalls seats were
replaced with 19"' seats in 1939. This reduced the total seat capacity to 1208 (2).
Exterior Before The Fire
In 1942 the theatre was damaged by fire. The "Film Weekly" of December 31 reported the event. "December 29: Damage
estimated at thousands of pounds was caused by a fire at Hoyts Glenhuntly. But an army of workmen are rushing the
house back into a suitable order for the show to go on".
The Australian Exhibitor of 7 January 1943 reported "It is believed that the fire was caused by a lighted cigarette being
dropped on the carpet as the patrons were leaving on Monday night after the show. The lounge and most of the ceiling
and roof above the circle area were destroyed, while considerable damage was also done in the entrance hall, retiring
rooms, operating box and other rooms, amounting to several hundreds of pounds. The entire force of the Hoyts circuit
was mobilised for the purpose of clearing up the debris, and repair work. A very hot day helped to dry up carpets, seats
etc., and the gang worked to such splendid effect, that the show went on as usual on Tuesday night, although experts
tipped some weeks delay before re-opening."
A strong smell of smoke pervaded the building and was not dissipated until all carpets, seats and surfaces had been
cleaned. The theatre in fact opened the next evening but it was some weeks before the fire damage had been repaired and
furnishings replaced. "The Film Weekly" of 18 March 1943 reported "A gala re-opening of the theatre took place."
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