Page 28 - CR31R.pdf

The Last

Picture Show

By Reg Jones

With tongue firmly planted in cheek, Reg. Jones reports on
the closure of a much beloved “home theatre”.

A few tears were shed on Sunday evening the 14th of but mainly responding to audience requests for those made
October 2001 at Pasadena Ave. Beaumaris when the during the halcyon days of the 1930s through to the 1950s.
Acurtains closed for the last time at McLeods Movie Ian estimates that all up, the Movie Palace showed around
Palace, a “home theatre” institution in the area for the past 27 1350 features and 3200 shorts and cartoons. The current
years. theatre had a seating capacity of 30 (seats from the former
As a student, Ian McLeod first got the bug as the school Hoyts Glenhuntly) and he used two 16mm B&H TQ11s
film monitor, and after attending Saturday matinees at the projectors.
Dendy Theatre at Middle Brighton he started working there Closing night, as always, found Ian and Anne to be the
in 1956 as an usher, being paid two shillings per afternoon. perfect hosts, and their enthusiasm was as evident as it
He subsequently “lured” himself into the Saturday afternoon always has been. The first half of the program consisted of an
assistant projectionist role and was occasionally required assortment of wonderful shorts, cartoons, trailers and glass
for evening session emergencies at both the Dendy and the slides followed by a delicious supper and drinks, at which
nearby Prince George Theatre, both theatres being owned time a small presentation was made by the unofficial
and operated by the Ward family. He was often the film- “number one ticket holder” Mr. John Knight. He and his wife
runner, when the one print was shared between both cinemas. Helen have been regular attendees during the theatres’ long
His worst experience was running out of carbons as he was history.
only permitted to use butts at matinee sessions! An emotional Mr. McLeod accepted the presentation
During this period, Ian began showing films at home plaque on behalf of the theatre and its’ staff (of two) and
using borrowed films, projector, the lot! He established his explained that although it was a wrench for he and Anne to
first home cinema in Cheltenham in 1966, sharing with his be moving on, circumstances dictated that the time was right
friend Peter White a Bell and Howell 16mm TQ1 projector. to do so.
Most films were obtained from the State Film Centre, the He shared with the audience a list of the most popular
BP Library and occasionally from 16mm Australia and films shown over the period - and also the worst of them. He
Metro Goldwyn Mayer (3 pound 5 shillings per hire). explained that he was unable to choose what to show for the
The Movie Palace blossomed when Ian and his lovely second half of the program so Mrs. Helen Knight drew from
wife Anne moved to Beaumaris in 1974. The official opening a hat full of popular titles and the audience sat back to enjoy
in 1975 featured the 16mm premier of Picnic At Hanging that 1933 Marx Brothers classic DUCK SOUP.
Rock. It was during this second half that the quality of the
A short time later, a monthly Sunday movie buffs night evenings’ presentation deteriorated somewhat, with sloppy
was established which ran for over 20 years and during this reel changes and uneven sound levels, as Mr. McLeod spent
time, Ian and Anne have played host to film buffs from far more time dashing into the bar and less in the bio box!
and wide, showing a wide range of films, both old and new, It is always difficult to see the end of any institution such
as this, one which has given immeasurable joy to so many
people over such a long period of time, particularly following
on so close to the closing of the Longford theatre.
In the interests of balanced reporting, Mr.McLeod was
asked if the closure had anything to do with the recent
opening of the more modern Prince George (home) Theatre
in nearby Clonmore St, at which time he became visibly
aggressive, and a small scuffle broke out before the lovely
Mrs. McLeod intervened and explained that she and Ian
already had plans in place to build a brand new single
screen complex at Brighton which was due to open in the
first half of the year 2002.
This of course is wonderful news for all McLeods Movie
Palace patrons who extend to Ian and Anne a hearty thank
Top & bottom: Ian McLeod at his home “Movie Palace”.
you and best wishes for the new Brighton venture. ★
Photos by: Ron Lowe.
28 2002 CINEMARECORD