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The famous Warren Miller ski films
were also an annual event at the Trak
where, for one week, the theatre was
full of skiing enthusiasts. These events
went for many years up until 2001
when the Trak closed.
After Alan Simpson vacated the
theatre it was privately hired out and
returned to repertory-style
programming up until the Palace
Cinemas company took over its
operation.
Palace continued the repertory style
for several months eventually phasing
this out for more conventional
programming.
Films such as Angels and Insects,
Beautiful Thing and Jeffery were all
very successful.
Palace also continued the Ladies’ Despite Palace redecorating the As a film buff, the Trak was an
Luncheon tradition but phased them foyer and trying a variety of outstanding venue in which to view
out, preferring to favor these types of alternative-style programing, audiences films. In particular it was famous for
functions at their Balwyn Cinema. continued to fall at the Trak until it screening 2001: A Space Odyssey in
I left the Trak to work in the city at closed in 2001. 70mm which had many reruns there.
the Capitol as combined Manager/ I considered this a tragedy, as Whenever newspaper ads promoted
Projectionist in 1997, but after twelve Melbourne lost one of its most unique 2001 the words “Back where you
months returned to Palace initially as cinemas – a venue that even in its belong” always were featured.
Manager of the Brighton Bay Twin dilapidated state was still far superior in The Trak — gone but not forgotten!
and a few months later was transferred design to many that are currently still in
to manage both the Trak and their operation. Opening night material from the CATHS
Como Cinemas at nearby South Yarra. archives. Photographs by Kevin Adams.

…And Now?

After closure, the Trak Cinema was
purchased by the adjacent Silvers Disco.
In 2009 it was given a major refit
and re-launched as the “The Trak Live-
Lounge Bar”, a live music venue and
upmarket nightclub.

12 2010 CINEMARECORD