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A new temporary projection room
was constructed upstairs, as part of the
new building. Unnamed, refurbished
projectors were installed. The sound
system was assembled by the
projectionist F. F. Edwards. A large
generator was installed in a room next
to the projection room.
The magnificent “sunburst
proscenium” with its plaster work and
delightful lighting were the highlights
of the theatre. The feature article in the
Sunraysia Daily (20 April 1937)
described the Astor as “… the most
outstanding of its type in provincial
Victoria … There are 21 blends of
brown and gold in the magnificent
sunburst proscenium above the stage …
Four modern chandeliers light the
theatre, while indirect red and purple
lights illuminate the wax coloured wall
panels”. This was the fourth spectacular
“sunburst proscenium” used by the
architects in their Victorian works. The
others were installed in the Waverly
(Caulfield), Vogue (Kew) and the
remodeled Moonee (Moonee Ponds).
Shilladays, a local furniture store,
provided the theatre chairs, curtains,
linoleums, drapes, brown carpets and
furnishings for the new theatre. It was
renamed the Astor.

ABOVE: Opening advertisement.
LEFT: Sunraysia Daily, Tuesday 20th April
1937.

12 2011 CINEMARECORD