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innovation was something that MGM insisted
take place, as it was part of the agreement with
the Producer, David O. Selznick.

Another example of good showmanship on the
Dorgan circuit was for the film Beau Geste.
When audiences were departing at the end of
the session, they were confronted by the sight
of the entrance wall decorated with the image
of a desert fort, projection ports between the
turrets even after the film’s season had ended.
This mural was retained for many years.

During the war, the Vogue was also used for
community concerts and broadcasts on Radio
2LM. During May 1941, Ballet National
appeared on stage in a dance recital programme
featuring Tamara Tchinarova, a ballerina from
Covent Garden Russian Ballet, and Valeri The Vogue (left), as seen from across the river.
Shaievsky, the principal dance from the Monte
Carlo Russian Ballet. The Vogue closed in November 1954 to allow a variety of colours to give a mosaic effect.
the remodelling to commence. The roof was Black and white tiles are used for the upstairs
It was during 1941 that the Vogue lifted to allow the construction of the dress foyer and passage.
experimented with newsreels at a special circle, resulting in an increase in seating
Saturday morning session, as did several capacity from 950 to 1448. The works also The auditorium is a striking contrast. It has
Sydney suburban theatres. Newsreel cinemas involved an outside terrace above the footpath, been very simply treated with an overall colour
were popular in Sydney and other capitals a new upstairs lounge foyer, and alterations to scheme of blue and grey. The curved ceiling
because they gave the latest images of the war the façade which gave it a very modern and with concealed lighting gives an effect of
effort. attractive finish. It was also air conditioned. A widening the auditorium. Natural timber has
new projection room was built at the back of been used for the proscenium treatment, which
In October 1941, the Vogue also screened the the dress circle, and toilets were provided on blends with the unusual contemporary style
MGM film Comrade X, starring Clark Gable both floors. Gone, too, was the 48-sheeter golden yellow curtains. Lounge seat covers are
and Hedy Lamarr. What was unusual about poster board from the roof. The theatre bore in rich royal blue fabric, and the blue carpet
this was that the film was a wartime comedy virtually no resemblance to the way it had has a fleur-de-lys pattern. The upstairs foyer
which lampooned the Russians, who had appeared when built in 1935, having now taken opens to a terrace overlooking Molesworth
become allies against Hitler. The film had been on a contemporary and streamlined appearance. Street. The new screen measures 42 feet
booked into Sydney’s St. James theatre, but across, one of the largest in NSW”.
was withdrawn before screening. It had already The Northern Star Newspaper reported “A new
been screened in Brisbane and other places, approach to theatre design makes the The Vogue was officially reopened to invited
including Lismore, and it was not regarded as remodelled Vogue Theatre the most modern guests on 22 April 1955, and on 23 April to
friendly towards the new Allies. outside the metropolitan area. The theatre now the public. The opening feature was Broken
has an upstairs dress circle. The theatre will Lance, the first CinemaScope film to be
open to the public tomorrow, but there will be screened in Lismore.
During the dark years of World War II,
T.J. Dorgan Pty. Ltd. gave the Vogue over for a special screening for the shareholders
War Bond nights to raise funds for the war tonight. Mrs. T.J. Dorgan will perform the The coming of CinemaScope to a country town
effort. Usually, a special screening took place, opening ceremony. The emphasis throughout was, in those days, a momentous event. It
such as on 11 December 1942 when Blood and the theatre is on contemporary styling. Great meant that the local theatre was on a par with
Sand was shown. This was a preview of a use has been made of strong contrasting those in the city in terms of presentation and
th
forthcoming major 20 Century Fox film colours, natural timbers and the latest style.
starring Tyrone Power. For the high cost of overseas trends. It will be the largest theatre
£10 ($20), the patron received a War Bond to in Lismore, and one of the largest on the North It was during the remodelling that the huge art
that value and “one seat to the preview”. Coast. deco auditorium light fitting was removed, and
Advertising encouraged people to attend to re-installed in the ceiling of the Star Court
reach the target of £10,000. The theatre has been remodelled to the design Theatre where it remained for many more
of the architect, Mr. J.L. Toomey. The overall years.
Another War Bond drive was held some two colour scheme of both foyers is a yellow
years later right across the T.J. Dorgan circuit. ceiling, with seaweed green, flame and grey In 1958, the air conditioning plant was
The magnificent sum of £73,565 was raised walls. Natural timbers have been acquired enlarged in order to supply increased air
from screenings which included Grafton locally and used as a wall finish. The light changes per hour.
fittings are of Swedish beaten copper which,
(£21,940), Maclean (£9,275) and Casino
£10,670). combined with concealed lighting, give an In September 1963, the Vogue featured the
ultra-modern effect. The downstairs foyer has Sydney Symphony Orchestra as part of the
The war years were a
buoyant time for cinemas
and encouraged the
T.J. Dorgan Company to
plan a remodelling of the
Vogue with the addition of
a dress circle. This plan was
made in 1951 when it was
established as a Public
Company, but would not be
firmly decided upon until
mid 1954. The first night at Lismore’s new Vogue Theatre. The official opening was performed by the Mayor (Ald. E.J. Eggins).

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