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I also made friends with some of the
staff at Hoyts and Greater Union, they
were so brilliant and kindly encouraged
my interest in cinemas by allowing me
to look over most of their cinemas.

I felt especially spoilt when they also
organised for me to attend the opening
of How the West Was Won (in Cinerama)
at the Plaza in George Street - where I
even met Henry Fonda! Later, I also was
treated to 2001 – A Space Odyssey at the
Plaza where I met actor Keir Dullea.

During that time I also worked as an
usher at the Sydney Regent and State
theatres. I loved them both, but was
scared witless on a quiet night when I
was doing the end-of-night lock-up at
the massive State in Market Street – all
those corridors etc terrified me!

I used to sit in the upper-circle of the Looking back, I think l must have been the most
State and let the bio-box staff know of precocious, pushy child - but I was indeed lucky to
any sound issues (if I hadn’t nodded meet so many people in the industry who encouraged
off)… but mainly I would just soak up my love of cinemas and theatres. A passion which
all the history of the place. I even loved continues just as strongly today!
the distinct smell of all the cinemas - it
was like a drug to me. I hope that there are similar people around today who
will also encourage youngsters to follow their interest
in cinemas and theatres – people like Stuart Greene,
Robert Fox and of course, the many enthusiastic and
dedicated members of CATHS. +
Photos from the Kevin Adams Collection.
Debbie Reynolds photo and clipping from the author.

That’s

During my time at the Sydney Regent
they changed to live shows and Debbie All
Reynolds actually appeared – you can
imagine my excitement! I actually Folks!
brought Debbie to Perth a couple of
years ago - so sometimes dreams can
come true!

Debbie is also a fan of old theatres and
she was totally captivated by Perth’s
His Majesty’s Theatre where she
performed. She took the excellent book
about the history of the theatre back to
the USA with her. A memento which I
know she still treasures.

CINEMAREC ORD 2011 25