Page 22 - CR31R.pdf

“Kerosene lamps

were used to light the

exit signs”

stage area, was a large supper room and kitchen. The mens and ladies
“conveniences” (which are still in use today) were dutifly banished to the
“far extreme’s” - outside the building and well to the rear of the property!
The lounge area has a slightly sloping floor at the back of the
auditorium. The original seating capacity was approximately 500 seats with
112 in the lounge and the remainder on the flat stalls floor. The current
capacity is now 400.
The Kiosk was to one side of the foyer with a ladies cloak-room on the
other side, and the ticket-office located in the centre. Entry into the
auditorium was via doors on either side of the ticket office.
The opening of the building took place on Friday 3rd September 1937. It
was to be an event of great importance in Mansfield’s history and took the
form of a Parish Ball, as requested by Father Kett of St. Mary’s Catholic
Church. The music was supplied by Billy O’Flynn’s Orchestra from
Melbourne.
On the following night, Saturday 4th September, The Regent began
screening films for the first time. The Grand Opening program was “Jungle
Princess” starring Dorothy Lamour and Ray Milland, followed by “The
Wedding Present” with Cary Grant and Joan Bennett, plus the Popeye
cartoon “Never Kick A Woman” all on the same program. And as if that
wasn’t enough - further entertainment was provided by World Famous
accordionist Peter Bernar! Tickets were: lounge 3/; back stalls 2/6; middle
stalls 2/-; front stalls 1/6 and children half price to middle and front stalls.
Rod Quinn presided over the box office and Harvey Graves operated
the projectors, with 2 doormen and 2 usherettes on duty. The men were
dressed formally, whilst the usherettes were resplendent in royal blue and
gold -to match the stage curtains.
The theatre continued to be a popular
place of diverse entertainment with balls,
dances, concerts, visiting artists, roller-
skating, boxing tournaments (the ring
was either set up on stage or in the
middle of the auditorium), also wedding
receptions -including the wedding of one
of the builders, Albert Cleeland.
All the blockbuster movies came to
The Regent - who would have stayed
away when “The Wizard Of Oz”was
screened on the 7th and 8th of December
1940 and later that month Bing Crosby
and Bob Hope in “The Road to
Singapore”?! One can imagine the
rivalry and fierce competition between
the operators of the Regent and the
Returned Soldiers Pictures just around
the corner!
Doug Burns purchased the freehold
of the Regent from the syndicate in 1948
Star Cinema. Photo by: Kevin Adams.
22 2002 CINEMARECORD