Page 29 - CR

He then took us into the auditorium,
warmed up the Compton and gave us
a recital of signature tunes of different
theatre organists - followed by a range
of items that gave us an example of the
sounds available from the instrument.

The pipe-room is on the prompt side of
the theatre beside the stage. As different
notes are drawn, louvres on the wooden-
faced wall open and close to broadcast
the sounds to the auditorium.

Ron then took us on stage to show the
work being done to develop the area.
Ron has worked enthusiastically at
developing and rebuilding the organ
equipment with the assistance of master
organ builder, John Brooks.

Our son told us of the power generator
that had been in use during the early
years (but now removed) which had
been capable of supplying the electricity
needs of the township of Pomona.

In 2004, Ron was presented with the
premier Noosa Shire Australia Day
Award for “32 years of service to culture
and the community as operator of the
Majestic Theatre”.

At the visits we have made, we found
components of old Melbourne cinema
organs stored in the foyer. A novelty
of the theatre is to wear fancy-dress
attire in the theme of the silent-movie
being shown and a pre-show meal in the
adjoining Valentino Restaurant.

A number of many silent-movies that
Ron accompanies on the organ includes:
The Son of the Shiek, Waxworks,
Steamboat Bill Jnr. with Buster Keaton,
Hot Water, Why Worry and Speedy with
Harold Lloyd.

A special dress-up night was arranged
for Nosferatu (the 1922 Dracula classic)
with appropriate dress as a vampire or
ghoul - including an hour of drinks and
canapes before the show. (Just thinking
about it put a chill through me.)

Anyone who visits Ron at the Pomona
Majestic is bound to receive the warm
welcome we enjoyed - and will quickly
recognise a theatre showman proud of
his craft and achievements. +

Vintage photographs from the Majestic Theatre Above: Ron West and the Majestic in 2011.
Collection. 2011 photographs by Kevin Adams.

CINEMAREC ORD 2011 29