Page 3 - CinemaRecord Edition 3-2003 #41

From the Editor....

Three very different main stories make up the heart of this issue.
David Lascelle's detailed story on the Regent Auckland, highlights how lucky
a theatre architect could be if his first work was so well received that it gave him
the standing to be entrusted with a sequence of similar designs, a wonderful
chance for practice to make perfect. In this case I refer to Cedric Ballantyne and
his signature-style, the ‘double proscenium’.
Peter Wolfenden also offers meticulously researched histories, and in this case
it is the story of projector manufacturer David Garvie, a name remembered only
by projector specialists. Yet Garvie’s prowess built a business that extended
The official journal of the Cinema And beyond South Australia, and was later expanded by a former apprentice. This
Theatre Historical Society Inc. insight into early cinema history is in two parts.
Australia In his occasional series on the development of theatre in the western tradition,
ISSN 1443-3664 • Published quarterly Cameron Hall discusses the influence of the Italian Renaissance on drama and
the rise of indoor theatres. Stage-craft had evolved to offer spectacle worthy of
Editor: Ian Smith our era, if only for the richest people, but as for content, that is another issue.
Cameron explains this seeming paradox in a culture hungry to revive the best of
CinemaRecord Artwork: ancient Rome.
Bill Kerr, Optimum Design 9419 4144 Two anniversaries are imminent, and CATHS is in celebration mode. First, the
centenary of Hoyts, a name synonymous with cinema, warrants attention. There
The main aim of CATHS and this will be a special (extra) edition of CinemaRecord. Although it will cover the one
publication is to accurately document and hundred years, the emphasis will be on the man who coined the name Hoyts, the
create an archive of the history of almost forgotten Dr Arthur Russell.
cinemas and theatres.
Of equal importance to our readers, CATHS will celebrate its 20th
Input in the form of articles, anniversary later this year. The next (regular) issue will include some of that
constructive criticism, and substantiated
history. - Ian Smith
dispute of printed matter is welcome, and
necessary to enable us to reach our
objective.
Opinions expressed are those of the NOW SHOWING!
Editor or contributors, and unless
expressly stated so, are not necessarily
those of the Cinema And Theatre
Historical Society Inc. 4 Letters
Articles printed in CinemaRecord 6 Newsreel
should not be reproduced without the
permission of the author or the editor. 8 CATHS Visits Myrtleford - Mike Trickett
All photos are from the collection of Films and fellowship in north-east Victoria.
the person or organisation stated. Every
effort has been made to trace the 10 In Pursuit Of Excellence
ownership of copyright. In the event of Part One: Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
any questions arising as to the use of any
material, the author and publisher will be 12 Regent Auckland - David Lascelles
happy to make the necessary corrections Marble and magic in New Zealand's second main Regent.
in future printings.
20 Projector Pioneers of South Australia - Peter Wolfenden
Contributions and suggestions for
CinemaRecord are most welcome. Please Part One: David Garvie shows his mettle.
contact the Editor if you are planning
26 Theatre of the Italian Renaissance - Cameron Hall
to write an article for the magazine.
We may be able to assist you with Extravagant stage effects become possible.
information, contacts, etc and it will help 31 Wide-Eyed In the West End - Ian Smith
us with forward planning.
London stage as vibrant as ever.

Contact: Ian Smith
Telephone: 5443 0692 (1-9pm) Images in this publication are from CATHS Archive unless credited to another source.
Email: iansmith8@bigpond.com
Postal Address: PO Box 476, Cover: Stage of the Regent Auckland, a setting instantly recognizable as the
Bentleigh, Victoria, 3204 work of Cedric Ballantyne.

CINEMARECORD 2009 3