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A Family By

Affair: Ian Smith

unding the construction of a suburban
Fpicture-theatre was often the ‘next big
thing’ for a local businessman in the heady
days of cinema expansion immediately
after World War I.

What was unusual, especially by 1924, was
for a family with no formal architectural or
other training to design the theatre, project
manage its construction, then have it
accepted as a prestige suburban Regent.
Yet Sam Millsom and his sons, shouldered
all that responsibility, and pulled it off.
The Millsom family’s timing was perfect.
Associated Theatres Pty. Ltd. was a
company with a bold vision, thanks to its
governing director F.W. Thring.
Above: Opening year 1925. The high arch frames a ploughman and his horses.
Thring was keen for the public to link the name Pediments and quorns are emphasised. Re-mastered by Barrie Wraith.
Regent with superior venues in which to enjoy
motion pictures. By accepting the Millsom For his first Regent Thring turned to into adulthood. Each of the surviving boys
(1)
theatre he was able to open three Regents in 1925: his friend, Melbourne architect, Cedric entered the firm. Their descendants have
the flagship Regent South Yarra in April, Regent Ballantyne. The success of this commission many stories about the family involvement
Thornbury in June and Regent Gardiner guaranteed that Ballantyne would design with theatres, but no primary documents
in September. other stand-out examples, including some in about preparations for Thornbury survive.
New Zealand. For some of this story a bit of conjecture
Thring must have seen something in Sam must suffice.
Millsom which convinced him that this For the third Regent the Associated directors
family could pull off their part of the bargain. chose Sydney architect Charles Bohringer, When construction was well advanced, the
The Millsom company letterhead stated their who, in a prolific career, would also have Member for Northcote, John Cain Senior
accomplishments as Fibrous Plaster Experts, some prestige theatres to his credit. The received a letter: ‘The disquieting rumours to
Architects and Figure Modellers, skills learned Millsoms were in distinguished company. the effect that the New Theatre (Regent) …
without recourse to formal apprenticeships Sam Millsom Senior had 14 children of through faulty construction is unsafe should
or degrees. whom five sons and five daughters lived long be authenticated one way or the other. ….An
inspection and an announcement from the
Authorities would be reassuring.’ After
(2)
checking on progress the council Building
Inspector reported that nothing was amiss. This
was not the only time in the history of cinema
construction in Melbourne that envy tried to
trump enterprise.

Left: Foyer dome and its surrounds show-off
The modellers’ skills. Image: Ren Millsom.
Below: A cable tram passes the new Regent.

CINEM AREC ORD 2012 9