Page 19 - CinemaRecord #79

n Saturday 13 July 2013, a crowd of CATHS
Omembers were the guests of Melbourne’s
Greater Union Russell Street Cinema
Complex. A tour of the whole complex was
conducted by GU employee and fellow CATHS
member Rod Gilmour - assisted at times by
David Kilderry.

From the entrance lobby, the illuminated, honey-
combed, lattice expanse of the sweeping foyer
ceiling is an exceptionally attractive and striking
feature of the building.

All six auditoria were inspected, each cinema
being of a different décor and architectural style.
Considering the age of the complex, it was in a
well maintained condition.

Free access was granted to all projection areas
where it was interesting to note the absence of
digital equipment. In the 1980s, large audiences
had enjoyed the many 70mm films screened
here, and despite current trends, the mainstream
operation of the site remains 35mm film based.
However, as a venue for the Melbourne
International Film Festival, some temporary
digital equipment had been installed.

Members enjoyed a short film presentation
followed by light refreshments in the foyer,
after which CATHS president Gerry Kennedy
presented Rod with a Certificate of Appreciation.
It is sad to report that closure of the complex on
October 2nd was later announced.

Our next visit of the day was to the nearby
Salvation Army Heritage Centre at 69 Bourke
Street. Here, Lindsay Cox, the Salvation
Army’s archivist was our guide who presented
a fascinating talk of the early film work of the
Salvation Army. His presentation included
some stills from the Salvo’s 1900 multi-media
production Soldiers of the Cross.

We were then given free access to the well laid
out museum area, which contained many items
from the early days of Cinema and the Army’s
history. This included the former Limelight
Department, which was home of Australia’s
first film production company. The collection
includes a large number of hand coloured glass
lantern slides.

President, Gerry Kennedy thanked Lindsay and
the Salvation Army for their hospitality and
presented them with a plaque acknowledging our
visit.

Thanks to tour organizer, Shane Moore and all
involved for their kind assistance for providing a
highly enjoyable mornings activities.

Report by S.Broadway & Photos by Kevin Adams.

CINEM AREC ORD 2013 19