Page 9 - CR31R.pdf

Kinema Interior

When completed in 1938, the new theatre was subject to brick is reached at the footpath level. The grading of the
several reviews which in journals like '·film Weekly" and colour forms an atlractive exteriOJ; and at once arouses
··Building" ran for several pages. An article also appeared interest".
in the "Argus" newspaper with a photograph of the exte-
rior. All were praisewotthy about the wonders of this new Hoyts planned a gala opening just in time for the Christ-
cinema. mas holidays. The theatre was officially declared open by
the Managing Director ofHoyts Theatres Ltd., Mr. Charles
Two paragraphs from '"Building", in its March 24 issue of Munro, on December 24,1938.(7) The opening attraction
1939, describe the exterior in great detail. was "Aiexanders Ragtime Band" which starred Alice Faye,
Tyrone Power and Don Ameche. The Park had the dis-
"The block of land on which the theatre is erected is of a tinction of having both a stage band (under the baton of
shape that called .for special treatment, but in designing George Bellmaine) with guest artists Ray Trewarne and
the Park theatre, not only have the architects used the Peggy Shea. In addition, Len Davis became featured or-
baser-shaped block most successfully. they have acwally ganist (8). The screening policy in those times was six
made of it eccentricities real advantages which have per- nightly shows plus one matinee on Saturday.
mitted them to cany out a scheme economic as regards
space ornamental, attractive and refreshingly original." The seating capacity being provided for 977 persons in
the stalls and 575 in the circle, making a total capacity of
''The circular towe1; with which the designers have used I ,552. (9)
to ad11antage the comer position, first commands the eye.
Modern glass bricks, illuminated ji-om within, .form the The entrance to the Park was on a comer directly beneath
Font of the towe1: which is topped in iv01y stone .finish. the tower. The ground floor had provision for a manager's
office and unique ticket box. The foyer area had a ceramic
Below the band of iv01y stone finish in which each facade mosaic tiled floor with scumbled green walls whilst the
culminates, is a similar broad horizontal band of cream ceiling was in tbe form of a volute. rtlumination emanated
bricks, followed by bands of pale oatmeal, the successive from elaborate light in the top of the ticket box.
apricots, pinks, reds. chocolates, till the band of black

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