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The Geelong Theatre complex looks much taken to be the correct opening date. Even so
more attractive without the cladding. Another it did seem a bit doubtful.
good instalment of Steve Maggs’ work at the
Hayden Cinemas of Penrith. In November 1935 management had written
asking permission to open the theatre,
Ross King's article on 'Scope lenses, reminded obviously intending to capture the pre-
me about a friend of mine who was a partner Christmas and holiday crowds. Secondly, a
in an open-air cinema in an outer Sydney new theatre was usually opened on a Friday
suburb. He made his own anamorphic lens for or Saturday night, preceded by advance
screening CinemaScope films. With help from publicity. This was notably lacking.
a person with a knowledge of optics, he was
able to make the right type of lens. It was With the assistance of the Archivist at the City
Let me congratulate the editorial team on the mounted on a suitable bracket, which allowed of Stonnington, the actual opening date has
latest edition of CinemaRecord. Not only did it to swivel in front of the backing lens - it was been uncovered. Three tiny entries over three
it contain a diverse mix of articles, but also a a cheap way to solve the problem. days in The Argus, the only paper to cover
worthy tribute to the memory of the late the event, add colour to the story.
CATHS President, Gerry Kennedy. Another splendid issue of CinemaRecord.
The Embassy was opened by the Chief
Gerry’s knowledge of the cinemas and theatres William Gray, Parramatta. Secretary, Brigadier Bourchier and the Mayor
of Melbourne, as well as those in the country of Malvern Councillor F. Alwey on Friday 29
and interstate was incredible. He was an CONGRATULATIONS November 1935. In their addresses the two
inspiration to all, especially those who speakers described the theatre as “a luxurious
volunteer at the archive he established. The CATHS wishes to congratulate our host at the house of entertainment” and “an
archive, now renamed the Gerry Kennedy Sun Theatre, Michael Smith on being awarded embellishment to the city.” The proceeds from
Memorial Archive, will be a lasting legacy of the 2016 Adventurer of the Year by the the sale of seats in the stalls went to the Lord
his commitment to record cinema and theatre Australian Geographical Society for his solo Mayor’s Fund. The Queen of Roses (Miss
history for future generations.
around-the-world flying adventure. Mike Valerie Purves) appealed to the audience to
presented an illustrated talk on his flight at give generously to the fund. Incidentally there
It was wonderful to read Gerry’s good friend was also a Queen of Wattle, competing in
Les Tod’s article on the Williamstown the February CATHS meeting. other charity events.)
Empress in the same edition. Les’ introductory
notes about the “old tart” conveyed so much The program was worthy of an opening night.
about Gerry’s sense of humour.
The feature was MGM’s David Copperfield,
still the best screen adaptation of Dicken’s
I know Gerry always enjoyed the research novel . The supporting films included a Laurel
involved in writing articles, including his
uncanny ability to elicit information from and Hardy comedy and newsreels.
people however vaguely associated with a
cinema – whether as a patron or a previous Why the lack of a fulsome write up in one or
employee/exhibitor. more papers, complete with a photo or two,
so common in the 1920s? Apparently a new
suburban theatre, even a smart one, was no
So to all contributors to CR, thank you for an Warm congratulations also to member Dick
enjoyable and informative read. A credit to all. longer newsworthy. Even the Malvern
Rule on being awarded Victorian Cinema Standard, the local free press, failed to
Pioneer of the Year. The award, presented by mention the theatre. This is perhaps
Tony Tibballs, Melbourne
the Cinema Pioneers, recognises Dick’s 56 understandable since the Embassy never
years in the industry reciprocated by advertising in that paper.
Thank you for CinemaRecord #91, a very What is harder to understand is why it took
colourful entry into the letterbox. until mid-January to have the Embassy
included in the Independent Theatres column.
The Capitol Theatre is one of our most Correction - The Embassy Malvern
beautiful, and I am surprised that nothing Ian Smith Perhaps the directors were critical of the cost
attractive was made of the front exterior, even of advertising in the column and believed that
the window of the projection booth could be The summary of the history of the Embassy street posters and hand-bills could do the
made more attractive. Malvern (CinemaRecord 93 page 14) was publicity work for them. Whatever the reason
wrong about two details. The first appearance it was two months of operation before the
The portholes at the Yarrawonga Drive-in of the Embassy in the Independent Theatres Malvern Embassy was listed as another
look extremely low for passing traffic. column of The Argus and The Herald was Independent Theatre.

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