Page 21 - CinemaRecord #76C

Hoyts Richmond Cinema - Interior.

On Monday 23 September, 1929 the Empire After so many years of loyal service, in 1949
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was the first of Brunswick’s Theatres to present Hoyts gifted a trip for Harry to accompany
the “Talkies” with the Fox Movietone film, his wife for a visit back to England - the first
Thru’ Different Eyes starring Warner Baxter and time in 33 years.
Edmund Lowe.With the advent of the “talkies”
the nearby Lyric was not suitable for the new From 1947 until his retirement in 1954 at the
technology and under the management of Mr age of 72 years, Hoyts had Harry manage
H. Gratton an application was made to council their Merri Theatre in North Fitzroy.
and permission was granted to use the theatre as
a boxing stadium. At his retirement, farewell luncheon held in
the Gloucester Room of the Hotel Australia,
During these depression years, Harry Gratton his host, representing the company (Hoyts), Hoyts Richmond Cinema.
helped vast numbers of Brunswick’s unemployed George Griffith Jnr., said “Harry is a pioneer
with Sunday benefit shows at the Empire. Harry who is among the few who have been in the
did a great deal of charity work through concerts business from the early bioscope and have
at the Empire. He was made a Life Governors actively participated in its growth to the Merri Theatre, North Fitzroy.
of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind latest - Cinemascope.”
in 1921; the Women’s Hospital in 1924; the
Melbourne Hospital in 1928 and received a The luncheon, which was attended by the
City of Brunswick Certificate for Special Civic entire Hoyts Managerial team and executive
Service in 1930. personnel, was highlighted by a number
of presentations and personal tributes
In 1934 Hoyts transferred Harry to The Cinema by his confreres.
in Richmond. He was afforded a Civic farewell at
the Brunswick Town Hall. Frank Anstey M.H.R. Harry Gratton Snr. passed away
James Jewell M.L.A. and all City Councillors on the 30 July, 1959.
th
paid tribute to his public spirited and charitable
services to the citizens of Brunswick. Continued overleaf…
From 1934 until 1945, Harry managed the
Cinema Richmond, a large barn of a place that
still stands today as a “Barbeques Galore” retail
store. With his proven track record in theatre
management, Harry took on an additional position Merri Theatre, North Fitzroy.
within the Hoyts organisation as the Circulation
Manager for “Screen News” magazine.

Merri Theatre, North Fitzroy.

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