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opening night were particularly interested in a
special six minute demonstration film, which
highlighted the types of sound which could be
reproduced by the Mirrophonic system.
Another small fire broke out in an oil storage
area in the theatre’s basement during the
reconstruction period, but this was quickly
extinguished, causing little damage.

For the next 21 years, the Regent mostly
presented first release product simultaneously
with Hoyts’ city theatres. One notable
exception was the screening on
15 February 1951 of the World Premiere of
Gold Fever, a film written by, and starring
actor John Calvert, better known for his role
in “The Falcon” series of films.
(Interestingly, the Internet Movie Database
records the release date as being 1952 in the
USA, so there is doubt on the veracity of the
The magnificent Marble Room, a few steps above the upstairs foyer, is used for functions IMDB records in this case.)

In the 1928 Regent, the proscenium was The retiring rooms (as they were nicely Ballarat’s Regent continued screening under
curved, this being typical of all earlier Regent known in the past) struck a new note in theatre Hoyts’ banner until Hoyts decided to close all
Theatres in the chain. In the 1943 rebuild, the appointments. The “Ladies” was decorated in of their regional operations in 1964, leaving
new proscenium was rectangular, surrounded harmonising colour to the carpets in blue the cinema to remain dark and uncared for
by a series of internally lit coves. Concealing green pastel colours, with relief work in coral until 1974, when it was purchased by the
the screen was one of the largest set of red pink. The “Mens” had a scarlet ceiling and Anderson family, headed by Jack Anderson.
Regency curtains ever installed in Victoria. doors, with walls and woodwork of pale For the next two years, the Andersons carried
biscuit shades. out restoration of the derelict theatre to its
The ceiling of the auditorium was of a unique original glory, reopening on 11 November
design, and the provision of indirect lighting The Marble Room, located a few steps up 1976 with Gone with the Wind.
fixtures resulted in an even, softly lit from the upper foyer, was used as an
environment for the comfort of patrons. The “inspection” area to ensure that all usherettes The chandelier which now graces the main
light fittings themselves were combined with were correctly attired before each session. It foyer was originally installed in the
the ventilation system. was a tradition that the usherettes always wore Hoyts De Luxe/Esquire cinema in
fresh flowers in the centre of their white Melbourne. It was destined for the rubbish
In the entrance lobby, patrons in the winter blouses. At one time, the present owner of the when Jack Anderson rescued it. Over a two
months were greeted with a warm flow of air Regent, Mrs. Marie Anderson, was an year period, an expert glass cutter from
from an inset log fire surmounted by a marble usherette at the theatre. Melbourne painstakingly replaced many of
mantelpiece and mirror. The central ticket the elements with upturned champagne
office was based on Australian marble, topped Sound equipment was the latest Western glasses, cut to give the appearance of high
with richly coppered panels, carried through Electric Mirrophonic system. Patrons on the quality crystal.
into the foyer to form a barrel vaulted ceiling
in which were mounted three ornamental
lighting pendants.

Many of the furnishings were constructed of
plaster because of the shortage of metal and
glass. It is believed that the Regent was the
only theatre in Australia with light fittings of
cast metal only.

Beautiful modelling was to be found in
cornices, wall recesses, lobby board
balustrading and light brackets, while the
chandelier light features were all decorated in
old ivory and gold-tipped work to match the
general scheme. The timbers throughout were
of polished mahogany and ash, giving a truly
regal tone to the theatre.

The auditorium was decorated in similar
tones, creating a balanced, warm and
definitely Regent atmosphere.

Seating in both stalls and circle was of latex
rubber, upholstered in red leather. Seating in
the circle and lounge was based on the arena
principle. A footplate heating system added to
patron comfort.
Ornate indirect lighting fixtures above Cinema 1 rear seating provides soft, but effective illumination

22 CINEMARECORD # 88