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The seating accommodation (1500 capacity)
was described as restful and of sturdy
construction, with local industry contributing
the best in Australian timbers and locally
woven fabric. John Martin’s were said to have
achieved the ideal theatre seat, so
“scientifically designed that the patron is not
conscious of any strain at the conclusion of
the longest show.”

The stage curtains (so sadly lacking in today’s
cinemas) received special mention in The
Advertiser. There were two sets of curtains,
the front proscenium ones of gold crushed
velvet parting to reveal a stunning main
‘waterfall’ style curtain of no less than 375
yards of silk closely rucked with gold tape
which allowed this curtain to rise majestically
to reveal the screen. In an unusual departure
from the use of black, the screen masking was
made with a deep wine velvet material, such
treatment believed to have been the first of its
kind in Australia. Curtains and masking were
all made and hung by John Martin’s. A final
touch for the proscenium was a set of carpeted
steps leading to the stage. The ladies Cosmetic Room 1940. Image: D. Darian-Smith
In the auditorium, concealed lighting minutes. An unusual feature of the auditorium
A streamlined architectural style was carried ‘troughs’ along each side of the ceiling could was that no seating was placed beneath the
through the whole building, to which indirect contribute soft colour effects from rose pink, circle balcony. Instead, that space was
‘trough’ lighting created a pleasing blue and green neon lights, combining with a occupied by administrative offices, and the
atmosphere. An outstanding feature of the grille containing amber lighting panels that woman’s lounge and powder bar.
upstairs foyer was a beautiful circular ran along the centre of the entire length of the
stairway leading to the Dress Circle and ceiling. Completing the effect, the proscenium The colourful Powder Bars, or Cosmetic
Lounge. Decorated by the arrow-shaped was also highlighted with further lighting Rooms as they were then known, rated a
windows following the curve of the front of ‘troughs’. The expanse of the cream special mention in The Advertiser. There were
the building, the whole setting was auditorium walls was relieved by blue two of them, one up and the other downstairs,
complemented by a striking domed ceiling coloured circular ventilating windows, six feet each treated differently, but both impeccably.
enhanced by concealed lighting. The effect is in diameter, which could be opened by a The upstairs Cosmetic Room and Boudoir
made even more impressive when the special mechanical system to any degree. featured French period furniture and
morning sunlight streaming through the They assisted in a comprehensive ventilation wallpaper in a predominantly Powder Blue
amber windows adds a golden glow to the system which included suction vents in the and Silver colour scheme, while downstairs
whole setting, heightening the overall effect roof used to draw off hot air from the Burgundy Futuristic wallpaper, quilted settee
greatly. auditorium The whole air content of the and velour wall hangings admirably set off the
building could be changed every nine glass Powder Bar with huge mirrors

As the Forum, 1973. Image: Doug McGregor

18 CINEMARECORD # 94