Page 11 - CinemaRecord Cover Section # 45

The Show shortage of copies of films, theatres After the overture the house and
Although movie presentation at the shared the same program. A team of curtain lights dimmed and the curtains
Ivanhoe was never a fancy show-biz film runners would switch programs parted. A locally produced, black and
experience, the sessions were always between two theatres using motor-bikes white introduction would show patrons
workman-like and reliable. By contrast, or small vehicles. arriving at a Hoyts Suburban Theatre
the Melody Preston and in later years a In the case of important newsreels with the famous Hoyts sign
few other suburban theatres, used covering major international or local superimposed over the images, while
special screen effects and appropriate events, a single newsreel could be the sound track (possibly recorded by
recorded music prior to and during the switched and shown at as many as four 3AW's John Masters, then king of
show. At Ivanhoe, following the different locations in one night. Hoyts Melbourne morning radio) welcomed,
presentation of the Val Morgan slides Ivanhoe usually shared films with the "Good evening ladies and gentlemen,
and the Coming Attractions slides, the independently owned and operated this is your Hoyts suburban theatre
curtains would always close on the Exit Fairfield Theatre in Station Street presenting...” The Australian edition of
Plan in readiness for the start of the Fairfield, or at times with Hoyts Circle Fox Movietone News would follow,
supporting movie. Preston. with the distinctive final shot of the
On most nights the audience would At the Fairfield, the projection passenger aircraft approaching and then
be treated to a gramophone record room was conveniently located at the passing overhead.
overture prior to the show. The non- back of the ground floor foyer, During interval the commercial
vocal music mix would contain any one providing quick and easy access for the slides would be repeated. There was
of Reg Oldham’s personal selections switcher. The precious 2000 foot spools also a hand written slide in the mix
from his 78rpm collection. These would were usually transported in canvas showing the lucky numbers for the
range from Exhibition Swing by Victor bags, the reel having been taken night. A lucky number was shown at
Silvester (Parlophone), Ragamuffin by straight out of the take- up spool box, the back of the Hoyts magazine Screen
Barnabas Von Geczy and his orchestra tail out. The Ivanhoe assistant operator News, a sepia gravure promotional and
(HMV), Doll Dance by Harry Robbins, would then need to quickly re-wind and movie gossip production. Page boys,
xylophone solo with rhythm section check the film for an almost immediate Johnny Grayden and later Lester
(Red Decca), or possibly The Japanese start. Anderson, would stand in the foyer
Sandman by Freddy Gardner Ivanhoe usually ran the longer under a spotlight, centrally located
saxophone, and his rhythm section feature after interval. This feature, between the upstairs stairway and the
(Parlophone). running first-up at Fairfield, would downstairs walkway to the back of the
One of the reasons for the overture arrive in two deliveries. Delaying the stalls area. “Screen News, two pence
was to provide a handy filler whilst starting time at Ivanhoe made it a little each” was the call to patrons.
taking a little pressure off the easier to keep to the strict deadlines. On presenting your lucky number at
projection staff. Due to an acute the box office, you would receive a free

Heidelberg Town Hall stood higher on the hill, but Ivanhoe theatre was the centre-piece of the shopping centre.
John Wayne and Ella Raines in Tall In The Saddle dates the photo as c. 1945.

CINEMARECORD 2004 11