Page 6 - CR

GOODWOOD: The (1941) art-deco Capri
Cinema celebrated its 70th birthday in
style with a week-long festival of classic
films, nostalgia and music featuring its
famous organ from October 4-9.

KENSINGTON PARK: Burnside
Council has resolved to retain ownership
of the Chelsea Cinema and have been
reviewing “Expressions of Interest” for
its further use. Council is keen for it to
continue as a cinema, however operators
since 1971, Wallis Theatres, are continuing
- but now only under a short-term
lease arrangement.
VICTORIA
SOUTH AUSTRALIA:
BALLARAT: On October 22, a massive
GOODWOOD: On the morning of October hail and rain storm inundated many houses PRESTON: The former Planet Theatre
31, the Capri Cinema was rocked by an and businesses - including the historic Her was demolished during October-November,
explosion from a leaking natural-gas mains Majesty’s Theatre where the audience was clearing the site for a large-scale apartment
pipe in the adjoining street. The incident evacuated as a precautionary measure. building. The cinema had been used as retail
damaged some of the stalls floor and seating premises for over forty years, but original
and also blew out a side exit door and front ceiling opalene light-fittings remained in the
window. Several people inside the building closed-off balcony until demolition.
were unhurt, and the cinema was closed for a
day, re-opening using only the balcony. Rumours abound that the historic Astor
Theatre has been purchased by two
WILLUNGA: The 1891 Show Hall is set business-men. The 1936 building is
to re-open as Cinemallunga after a local owned by St.Michael’s school but has
enthusiast secured a $2600 grant from been operated by lessee, George Florence
Onkaparinga Council to help upgrade since the mid 80s.
equipment. Used as a cinema for over 30
years from the 1930s, classic, art-house MELBOURNE: Three brand new digital
films and the amateur film work of locals CARLTON: Expressions of interest for auditoriums have been added to the Kino
will be featured. the lease of the former Carlton Movie- Cinemas by utilising the former foyer space
House have been sought now that the and creating a new box-office/candy bar at
PROSPECT: The Maras Group plan to the entrance.
build a 3-storey retail complex with shops real-estate office tenant has departed. The
and restaurants at ground level and a multi- 1909 building was converted into a cinema NORTHCOTE: The triple screen
screen cinema complex above. Maras plan to in 1924 and then into retail space after Westgarth Theatre has turned 90 and
movies ceased in 1999.
partner with Palace-Nova at the site on the celebrated the event on October 19 with a
corner of Prospect Road and Rose Street. CHADSTONE: The Hoyts Complex special champagne and movie screening of
farewelled film projection in October Midnight In Paris.
ADELAIDE: Regent enthusiast and with 35mm equipment going straight into
respected cinema historian, John Thiele CROYDON: The Croydon 4 Cinemas
has released his lush new book “When the dump-masters as the cost of recycling closed unexpectedly recently but will be
Wurlitzer reigned in the Mighty Regent”. was deemed unworthy. All 44 Hoyts sites re-launched on Boxing-Day, revitalised
288-pages of magic! across Australia are expected to be fully and renamed Plaza Cinemas and under
digital by next year.
the operation of Metro Cinemas at nearby
NORTHCOTE: The Regal Ballroom, Boronia. The Kinoton projection equipment
in the 99-year-old former Northcote is to be recommissioned, a damaged screen
Theatre will complete a large circle when repaired, and a total rebuild of the candy-bar
it becomes Melbourne’s newest live music will take place.
venue in December.
PORTLAND: At auction in early
October, the Star Cinema was passed
in following a vendors bid of $450,000.
The 240-seat cinema (in the former
dress-circle) closed in August. The large
943-square metre site has been on the
market for $550,000 and may be subject
to redevelopment, although there is keen
interest for a cinema to be included.
MARYBOROUGH: The Paramount
th
Theatre celebrated its 85 birthday
on October 15-16 with a nostalgia film
program that reflected the long and
colourful history of the 1926 theatre.

6 2011 CINEMAREC ORD