Page 19 - CR31R.pdf

Westgarth retains so many fine, distinguishing attributes. Its phernalia now bedeck the foyer walls giving a warm, nostalgic
auditorium, almost gargantuan by contemporary standards, feel. Cinemeccanica projectors, formerly of the Moe drive-in,
provides that all too rare picture palace feel. The aesthetics are now serve in the Westgarth bio cabin and a Dolby, digital
there to behold: an ornate proscenium, a decorative plaster sound system is in operation.
ceiling, a central staircase, a dress circle, sensitive lighting The enduring Westgarth Picture Theatre retains its charm.
effects, an imposing facade. The Westgarth is famously served The nostalgia resonates. To some, Westgarth may evoke rever-
by public transport. The availability of carparking is by no ies of bygone days when cinema was a little less palpably syn-
means the worst. The novel Westgarth streetscape comple- thesised by the concepts of commercialism. With these virtues
ments the theatre admirably. and the right program/marketing mix, this wonderful old pic-
In recent times the former, adjoining video shop at the ture palace might find its way to the hearts of a receptive
north end of the Westgarth Theatre has been incorporated into Melbourne audience. This writer truly hopes so. ★
the theatre’s vestibule. Tables and chairs and a sweets bar, the
latter salvaged from the Regent Theatre Collins Street, have
been introduced into this space. Framed, movie related para-

Acknowledgements: References:
Without the assistance and encouragement of the following, this National Trust of Australia (Victoria). File No.B6619.
report would not have materialised. The author sincerely thanks: The Northcote Side of the River, 1983, by A Lemon.
The Northcote Historical & Conservation Society, most especially History of Northcote, 1927, by W G Swift.
Mr Paul Michelle. Northcote: Glimpses of our Past, 1988, Northcote Historical
The staff of the Northcote Library. & Conservation Society.
Mr Colin Costa, via Northcote Historical Society. Northcote Leader newspaper, various editions 1912-1934.
Mr Michael Protopapa and Mr Michael Yiannoudes, managers of Victoria Health Department: Public Building File.
the Westgarth Theatre. Everyones magazine 12.11.1924.
Mr Les Murphy, Mr Frank George and the remarkable Mr Jack Cinemas in Melbourne 1896-1942, by D Catrice, Dept of History,
Nicholls, past employees of the Westgarth Theatre. Monash University 1991.
Mr Ian Baggott and Mr John Baggott, family of former manager, Preston: An Illustrated History, 1985, by B Carroll and I Rule.
Mr Jack Baggott. Walter Burley Griffin: Landscape Architect, 1995, by
Mr Malcolm Seccull, son of the Westgarth Theatre designer and Peter Harrison. National Library of Australia.
builder, Mr John Seccull. Correspondence received from Mr E F Billson Jnr,
Mr Gerry Kennedy, Mr Brian Miller, Mr Bernie Halperin and March 2000.
Mr Martin Powell of the Cinema & Theatre Historical Society Vic. The Age newspaper, various editions 1996.
Mr Peter Navaretti, Dept of Architecture, RMIT University. Westgarth Theatre ad, The Age ‘Entertainment Guide’
Ms Julie Nixon, RMIT University. Valhalla ad, The Herald, 9.12.1995. Courtesy David Kilderry.
Mr Andrew Lemon, author of The Northcote Side of the River.
Mr E F Billson Jnr, Architect and son of Walter Burley Griffin
associate, Mr E F Billson Snr. Note: A fully referenced version of this article is available in the
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria). CATHS Archives.

New MTC theatre planned million 27-storey development featur-
•
•• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • • •
NEWSREEL • The University of Melbourne has ing a cafe, carpark and 328 luxury
unveiled plans for a new $21 million,
flats. The theatre would be funded by
••
•
••
continued from page 6 • 500 seat theatre to be built at the sale of the flats above it.
••
Southbank providing a permanent
•
••• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• •
••
home for the Melbourne Theatre Projectionist required
Crown Lyric theatre doubts Company. The MTC presently pays Melbourne IMAX has a casual vacan-
Crown Casino’s promise to build an $1.2 million in rental and labour fees cy for an experienced 35/70mm
1800 seat Lyric theatre as part of its for use of the Playhouse Theatre and Projectionist to work weekend shifts.
entertainment centre is unlikely to Victorian Arts Centre. Applications may be made by writing
eventuate. The theatre would be part of a $60 to: The Chief Projectionist,
Crown’s chief executive Ian Melbourne Imax, Locked
Johnson said Melbourne’s theatre Bag 9, Carlton South, Vic
industry was at saturation point. Plans 3053. Applications close
for the theatre were unveiled in May July 6, 2001. Contact Caths
1996, but a year later Crown delayed Member, Kevin Adams for
the $55 million project. more details.
• From the Herald Sun 5.6.2001
Thanks to Alan Windley,
Village Fountain Gate Graeme Hollingsworth,
Construction is under way of a ten Brian Miller, Kevin Adams,
screen multiplex for Village at the Don Flowers, Paul Smith,
Fountain Gate shopping centre at Frank Van Straten, David
Narre Warren. Village also have Kilderry, and Fred Page for
planned new multiplexes to replace their contributions.
An artist’s impression of the proposed
the Doncaster Twin and Knox 10.
$21 million MTC theatre at Southbank.
CINEMARECORD Autumn 2001 19
CINEMARECORD Autumn 2001 19