Page 26 - CinemaRecord #84

proscenium and moveable screen were in-
stalled. Red velvet stage curtains were also
fitted.

In 1962, Charlie and Marietta Ricciardi pur-
chased the Paragon and regularly screened
four nights a week. After the advent of video
c1984, attendances dropped and screening
became irregular. The Paragon last screened
in 1998, but is still equipped with screen,
sound system and working projectors. It was
left to slowly decay and, over the years, has
been used as a retail premises and a church.

Merissa Craft, the grand-daughter of the Ric-
ciardis, took over the venue in 2006 and,
along with her husband and friends, has spent
some seven years refurbishing the residence
and the theatre. Extensive painting has taken
place, and many seats have been refurbished.
The new owners have been given council
approval to use the Paragon as a cinema, and
they continue to lobby for permission to use
Dudley Gee was an accomplished musician sellers and usherettes. The family lived in a the venue for wider entertainment and com-
and played with local orchestras. He like to timber bungalow at the rear of the theatre. munity use. The Paragon was re-opened as a
experiment with sound effects during the si- cinema with a film festival on Friday 25 July
lent era, and once frightened the audience In 1923 William Gee sold his business inter- 2014. Various concerts, festivals and nostal-
when he put a shot gun blast through a stack ests to his son Dudley, and his sister, Margery gia film nights are being promoted (with the
of empty kerosene tins. Gee, became a partner in 1929 when she first two subject to council approval). For
bought Harold Philpott’s share. convenience, films are screened in the digital
The films arrived by train and were “made up” format.ê
on Tuesday nights ready for the Wednesday In 1949, the Gees sold the business to Peter
screening. Screenings also took place on Fri- and May Souris (from Gayndah). Souris re- References:
days (sometimes) and Saturdays (matinee and placed the two ticket boxes with a central box Interview with Marilyn Plath
evening). Saturday matinees did not last long, between the entrances to the stalls. At this Interview with Marissa Craft current owner)
despite that day being a big shopping day in time, the left staircase was closed of and four Film Weekly – Motion Picture Directory 1956/57
Childers. Sometimes major films were pairs of glass doors replaced the metal gates. Cinemas of Queensland - Griffith University (2001)
screened for longer periods.
The Western Electric sound system was re- Images:
The Paragon was operated as a family busi- placed with an RCA system. CATHS Archives
Merissa Craft
ness. Dudley was the projectionist/manager,
and other members of the family were ticket The next owners, Granville and Iris Knowles,
installed CinemaScope in the 1950s. A new

26 CINEMARECORD # 84