Page 14 - CR-95

THE CINEMAS OF NARRANDERA, NSW

arrandera (until around 1949, spelled The new Plaza Theatre provided an unusual
NNarandera) (pop: 3900) is located in frontage to Bolton Street and is more
the Riverina region of southern New South reminiscent of a hotel than a theatre because
Wales, some 450 km west-south-west of of its second storey verandah over the
Sydney. The town lies on the junction of the footpath with its timber support posts.
Newell and Sturt highways, adjacent to the
Murrumbidgee River, and it is the gateway to Internally, the theatre could be described as
the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. being of a high gallery style. The theatre was
Laurantus then leased the Criterion Hall entered through a wide vestibule with a
The first films screened in Narrandera were at (originally licensed as a public hall in 1915) at terrazzo floor. Two shops flanked the
the Globe Theatre in 1910. At this time, the 6 Bolton Street to temporarily replace the entrance, one of which was the sweets shop.
Globe Picture Palace was an open air theatre former Globe Theatre whilst his new cinema The stalls area was entered through two
at 94 East Street, the hall adjacent also was being constructed (from 1926) next door central doors. Doors either side led to the
screening as the Globe (in winter months). at 8 Bolton Street. The new theatre, also called stairs which led to the lounge and dress circle.
the Globe, opened in 1927. The first “talkie” This was a most unusual way to access the
In 1922, Nicholas Laurantus took over as was screened on 7 June 1930. Laurantus better seats. The large auditorium seating was
exhibitor at both venues. The Globe Theatre maintained the lease on the Criterion Hall originally rectangular shaped until the 1950s,
was destroyed by fire in 1925. until 1934 and used it as a dance hall and when proscenium alterations were completed.
supper room for the Globe.

Below: The original Globe open air theatre (right) and the Public Fire damaged the new Globe The projection room and circle before conversion.
Hall next door, which became the Globe Theatre in the Winter Theatre on 5 June 1934 and
months.
once again film screenings
reverted to the Criterion
Hall.

The rebuilt Globe was
opened as the Plaza Theatre
on 31 October 1934. The
Criterion Hall returned to
general use, including
dances, skating, live theatre
and later on as retail and
office premises.

14 CINEMARECORD # 95