Page 33 - untitled

publicity to the effect, the State Government of the day References:
decided to hold a series of inquiries into all remaining
1. Sydney and Suburbs- Kennedy, p.90
cinemas in the Sydney area that were under some type of 2. The Manly Lines- D. Keenan, p.4 •
threat. The Minister for Planning and Environment, Mr. 3. PHOTOPLAY- 20/7/1912, p.203
Terry Sheahan instigated these hearings. The Manly Odeon 4. The Manly Lines- D. Keenan p.3
5. Dream Palaces-Spanish Influence- L. Tod & K. Cork. p.l 0
was one the theatres that came under review. The hearing
6. Building July 12,1933
took place prior to the closure of the theatre, which inci- 7. Heritage tnquiry-Odeon Theatre, Manly 1984 p.l6
dentally closed on Wednesday, 7th March, 1984. 8. Kino No. 7 1 -Letter from Malcolm Smith, p.6.
9. ibid.
10. Theatres and Public Halls Licence Lists 1959 NSW Govt.
The hearing into the fate of the Manly Odeon produced a
II. Kino No. 71 - Lener from Malcolm Smith, p.6.
report totalling some 59 pages. Submissions for its reten- 12. A Pictorial History ofSydney Suburban Theatres- B.Sharp, p.38
tion came from a number of citizens plus other interested 13. Faith in the Future- Archie Mays, (The Showman) May I 960, p.S
parties including the National Trust and Australian Thea- I 4. Authors files.
tre Historical Society, the latter being represented by As-
Photographs:
sociate Professor, Ross Thome.
1. The Olympic Theatre, fom1crly the Britannia, Sydney Road Manly.
(Jan Hanson collection)
The report revealed some interesting statistics about the
2. Metro Theatre exterior, rebuilt from ihcArcadia,dating from 1912.
Odeon's box office and how video, the latest electronic (Late John MacCabe collection.)
gadget at the time, ate into attendances. 3. Century auditorium, before alterations to the Metro theatre in 1951.
(Late John MacCabe collection)
4. Embassy Theatre Facade, later Manly's second Odcon theatre.
For the year ended 30/6/1982 there were 48,538 tickets
Demolished in 1985. This photograph was taken in I 959.
sold, the following year there were 45,639 admissions, (fan Hanson collection)
however this had dropped to only 24,0 18 in 1984 up to the 5. HoytS Manly Theatre located in Belgrave Street.
closure in March. Shown here as it appeared in 1959. (lan Hanson collection)

At the hearing into the property. Greater Union, (of which
Odeon Acme- Kings was a former subsidiary) presented a
case that it would cost about 2 million dollars to restore CATHS Christmas Bash
and renovate the building. The Odeon Restoration Com-
mittee wanted to preserve the building as a local arts cen-
tre, but could not raise the cash to buy and renovate the
cinema. The annual CATHS-V Christmas meeting and lunch was
held on the 26th of November and was plenty of fun.
A number of other proposals were put forward however
nobody had put a proposal to alter the building to a cin- Denzil gave us a great stand-up/vaudeville performance
ema complex, retaining much of its architecture. with plenty of laughs, and a few reflections. There was a
sing-along with slides and was led by Wally and Ingrid,
Finally, in summing up, the Commissioner oflnquiry, Mr. lolly bags handed out by Santa's reindeers with lucky ticket
Charles O'Connell found ten reasons why the theatre number, and a fantastic selection of short films, including
should be pulled down. T11e former owner, Greater Union a great film on dance musicals, and, yes of course, we had
thus were able to complete the sale to Permanent Trustee
some cartoons.
Nominees (Canberra) Ltd.
We also had a special guest speaker, Brendan Hawking,
Approval was given for demolition following the inquiry
who spoke about his experiences in re-establishing cin-
on November 8th, 1984 with demolition commencing in
ema in Rusbworth this year. At the age of 16 Brendan
early 1985. headed a committee to get movies started in the hall at
Rushworth.
A well known land mark in the Manly area that could be
seen from the approaching Manly ferry has now gone, but
CATHS President Gerry Kennedy presented Brendan with
not without a fight.
a certificate of commendation for his efforts.
Despite the Joss of this grand edifice, the developers and
Afterwards, Brendan and his family were guests at the
previous owners altered the plans of the new residential
CATHS Christmas lunch, held at the nearby Seddon Scout
block to include a new cinema, located underneath. Greater
Hall.
Union leased out the new cinema (which was twinned
whilst under construction) to an independent exhibitor.
Over 70 people were at the lunch- a great success! Many
thanks to Mike and Barb Trickett, Barrie Wraith and all
The new Manly Twin Cinemas opened in 1988 and are
the other helpers for a great day.
still in use today.

- 33 -