Page 10 - CR

The whole theatre complex was The original sound system was Films such as Mick Jagger’s
incredibly well designed and thought installed by GUO (NTS) and consisted Performance, Death in Venice and
out. The theatre was at the rear of a of valve amplifiers. others such as Ludwig — The Mad
new arcade and one went down a few At the far end was a desk where the King of Bavaria, etc. Other times there
steps to the ticket box on a mid level. projectionist sat with a port hole might be the original Planet of the
You then proceeded down a set of directly in front so the projectionist Apes, followed by Return to the Planet
stairs, or via a lift to the foyer which could have a clear view of the screen. of the Apes. There was an amazing
was below ground level. The foyer was All in all it was a very easy, well variety catering to all tastes.
incredibly bright with purple and designed and wonderful bio-box in These late shows were always well
yellow walls and bright red large which to work. attended and incredibly enjoyable.
plastic seats.
The Trak soon gained a reputation
The candy bar was at the far end for being innovative in its programming
with a smaller circular bar (used during and was the very first modern cinema
functions) at the other. One then to introduce regular “Late Shows”
entered the theatre via a tunnel which which were held every Friday evening
ran on either side of the auditorium. commencing at 11.15pm. At these late
Situated behind the ticket box was shows, Melbourne was introduced to
the Manager’s office and the bio-box many foreign or alternative films —
was further down a few more stairs. perhaps making the Trak the first Art-
Entering the bio-box you went House cinema.
through the “rectifier room”, then into
the “rewind room” and further beyond 1970’s
was the rather long and comfortably
large projection room. At the far end of
the bio-box was a smallish kitchen area
which housed a small fridge and coffee
and tea making facilities.
Going through the far bio-box door
you went through a passageway which
swung around leading to the
projectionist’s bathroom incorporating a
shower, hand basin and toilet. Perfect
for long shifts!
The projection room had two
Cinemeccanica Victoria 8 (35/70mm)
projectors plus a Bauer Selecton
(16mm) projector along with a carbon
arc slide projector.

10 2010 CINEMARECORD