Page 24 - CinemaRecord #76C

RE-WRITING HISTORY?

uring WW2 the Queensland city of Townsville
Dserved as a garrison for thousands of American
troops. With them came new ways and ideas from
their homeland, one of which was the concept of the
“Drive-In” theatre… the first of which had opened in
at Camden (New Jersey) in 1933.

With a warm (albeit seasonal) climate, the operators
of Townsville’s Roxy Theatre decided to open what
could be Australia’s real first Drive-In by utilising the
huge sports ground at suburban North Ward.

Following American plans, the “fan shape” of the site
leant itself to this use and walk-in patrons could also
use the large undercover Grandstand at the rear. A
massive cinema screen was erected which also housed
loudspeakers providing the sound in the way that all
early drive-in did. Projection and food facilities were
set up and the new Roxy Drive-In Theatre opened
for business on November 15, 1940 with the film The
Dark Command.

Programs changed bi-weekly with prints often
exchanged from the hardtop Roxy in Flinders
Street. The venture proved to be a great success and
operated throughout the dry seasons for the next
few years. When screenings were discontinued
later in the decade the projection plant was
relocated to an indoor venue nearby.
It would be February 1954 before Hoyts would open
their Skyline at Burwood (Vic) and even longer before
the Stuart, Norline and Range drive-in’s would
Roxy Theatre, Flinders Street. Townsville.
open to serve Townsville. All have long gone, and
the sports ground now continues to serve its original
purpose. Few would even remember its years served
as Australia’s first drive-in. H
Any further information
on this venue would
be appreciated.

The site before conversion into a Drive-In.

24 2012 CINEM AREC ORD