Page 20 - CinemaRecord #82

ormer South Australian Hoyts Manager,
FGeorge Kimlin shifted to Canberra to
established Canberra Enterprises Pty. Ltd with
the idea of converting 16 acres of farmland into
the first drivein theatre in the ACT.
Work began on construction in 1956 and in
June of that year Greater Union purchased
12,500 shares in Canberra Enterprises Pty.
Ltd. A year later GU also took shares in the
company which operated both the Capitol and
Civic cinemas.
With great fanfare the new Starlight Drive-In
opened with an invitation only preview night
nd
on 2 January 1957 featuring the film Reach
for the Sky. The theatre then opened to the
public on January 3 with Where no Vultures
Fly. Thereafter the theatre screened 6 nights
a week (excluding Sundays) with a bi-weekly
change of programs.

480 cars could be accommodated and patrons
could enjoy the amenities of an extensive
snack bar and a Kiddie-Land playground for
the children. In the projection room the Kalee
projectors were operated by Norm Edwards
and Bob Lucas.
The Starlight proved to be a popular venue,
although film product was usually secondrun
to the local hardtop cinemas.

Opposition first reared its head when the
Sundown Drive-In at suburban Narrabundah
was opened in 1969 by the operators of
Canberra’s Center Cinema. The Sundown
even offered “in-car heaters” - much needed on
chilly Canberra nights.

Car Heaters arrived
in the 70s.

Above Pictures: The Starlight in 1957.

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