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The impressive double storied, rendered masonry frontage

A large “Cinema” sign was installed along the equipment and furnishings. It was also product of sugar refining). Such a medium
gabled roof after which the theatre was pointed out that the Council did not have the was cheap and provided a high level of
variously known as the Municipal Theatre as expertise to run the theatre, with its associated insulation and improved sound. There was
well as the Municipal Cinema. costs and risks, and that Tait’s rental payments also a touch of Art Modern decoration around
also helped defray the cost of the Town Hall. the elliptical proscenium and side walls. The
In 1935, the Council was asked by Tait to The renewal of the lease and refurbishment flooring and modernizing of the theatre
approve an admission price increase. plans for the theatre delayed the granting of presented opportunities for other uses. Over
Unusually, the front of the theatre was priced the lease. Eventually the Council proposed a the years these improvements were
higher than the rear of the building. In the ten year lease to commence on 6 April, 1942. undertaken, culminating in the installation of
early days the theatre patrons were separated Tait had volunteered to improve the theatre a large, evaporative air cooling system in the
on racial lines. building and its amenities in return for an late 1940’s. The seating capacity increased
advantageous lease. gradually to 1050 (including 200 in the dress
Over the years, the continued leasing of the circle). The segregated audience accessed the
theatre to Tait was the subject of much Council and Tait discussed the improvements dress circle from a rear entrance.
community and Councillor opinion. In that Tait would pay for as the lessee. These
November 1938, the renewal of the ten year included the construction of a new floor and Tait and family were the exhibitors up to
lease was the subject of a large community vaulted ceiling, the installation of a dress 1962/63, followed by M. Heineman 1963/64
meeting attended by 600-700 people. There circle, a new proscenium, a crying room and to 1967/68. The Municipal Theatre/Cinema
was considerable opinion that Tait had had a rebuilding of the foyer and improved toilets. ceased screening around 1983. The building
very good go. Some were of the opinion that The stage facilities were also to be improved. was controversially demolished by the
the Council could run the theatre. It was The canvas chairs were to be replaced with Council after the discovery of a structural
pointed out that if Tait lost the lease, then the proper theatre seats. The entire interior of the fault in part of the roof timbers.
Council would have to refund the cost of auditorium was lined with Caneite (a by-
The Municipal’s long run could be partly
attributed to the isolation of Charleville and
the delayed introduction of adequate
television services. The fact that there was no
drive-in theatre in the area afforded a level of
protection to the business. ✶
Credits

National Library of Australia - Trove Collection -
Charleville Times
Film Weekly - Motion Picture Directory (issues
1938 -1971
Queensland Picture Theatres (2001) - Griffith
University
Images: Courtesy Charleville & District Historical
Society

With the assistance of George Balsillie - Charleville
& District Historical Society

CINEMARECORD # 92 35