Page 22 - CR31R.pdf

THEATRES
By Fred Page

Nestled on the banks of the Mighty Murray River, the historic
Victorian town of Echuca has enjoyed a rich cinematic history….

The first Paramount Theatre

he recently opened Paramount Around 1920
Cinemas and Performing Arts competition
TCentre is not the first venue to arrived when
bear the Paramount label in Echuca. William Richards,
In fact, locally it is known as a prominent local
Paramount III. But even Paramount I businessman, opened the open-air
- which opened in 1923 - was not the Tivoli Theatre in Hare Street. Later,
first cinema in town. the site was partially roofed and the
Travelling showmen arrived in venture lasted until 'talkies' came to
1901 using venues such as the Town the first Paramount in 1930.
Hall and Temperance Hall, and in the The Tivoli was then fully roofed
summer, outdoor sites. and converted into a dance hall. This
Screenings of a more regular nature first Paramount Theatre opened at
soon commenced at the Alton Reserve 272 Hare Street on 29 September 1923
when an electrically lit "Biograph" in the rebuilt Temperance Hall -which
machine was acquired by the Federal dated from 1878.
Band whose members provided the The site was 40 feet wide by 100
musical background for the silent films. feet deep and the auditorium had
This operation had transferred to seating for 800 with 300 in the balcony
the Lyric Theatre by 1912, which was and 500 in the flat-floored stalls. There Paramount Stage
located at the site now known as was a small stage suitable for concerts
Easden's Corner. and small-scale vaudeville and Forward of the stage was a latticed-
dramatic performances. off area for the three-piece orchestra.
This orchestra was soon expanded
to seven highly qualified musicians:
Mrs Wearne, (wife of the part owner)
was pianist; Clem Ryan, violin; Tom
Manger, cornet; Joe (?) trombone; Tom
Merriman, clarinet and saxophone; Bill
Elder, bass fiddle; and Roy Lee, drums.
Partners in the enterprise were Joe
Currell and William Wearne, with Dave
Rowan as senior projectionist. The
auditorium featured a picture frame
proscenium furnished with a scenic
mural dressed with drapes and fringed
swags. Matching murals created by Mr.
Hummerstone adorned the walls.
The opening film was “My
American Wife” starring Gloria
Swanson. Seven years after opening,
The Open-air Tivoli “talkies” came to the Paramount on 9

22 2002 CINEMARECORD