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as a philanthropist and businessman, and his
support of Greek immigrants to Australia.

Laurantus was overjoyed to be knighted and
described his investiture at Government
House, Canberra, as the happiest day of his
life.
From 1968, he had lived in Sydney at the
Masonic Club. A frail but stubborn old man,
still fond of jokes and good company, Sir
Nicholas died on 26 July 1980 at Greenacre
and was buried in the Greek section of Botany
cemetery. He was survived by his only child
Helen. ✶

Credits:
NSW Cinema Heritage .
Narrandera Argus
Narrandera & Sturt Historical Society website
Images:

Main picture Mike Trickett
CATHS Archive
The wide verandah upstairs was level with the The original operator and builder of the Globe Narrandera & Sturt Historical Society
back row of the circle and the projection and the Plaza theatres, Nicholas Laurantus
room. The verandah, designed as a was awarded an M.B.E. in 1977, for his work
congregating point for patrons at the interval,
no doubt provided quick relief for the The original ceiling design can be seen above the present suspended ceiling
projectionist during times of the summer heat.

The Plaza Theatre was sold to George Evans
in September 1938.
In 1954, it was still screening six nights per
week, with 500 seats in the stalls and 356 in
the dress circle. CinemaScope was installed in
1955, with alterations made to enlarge the
proscenium. Seating capacity was increased to
1028. The theatre was not air conditioned,
relying on cross ventilation from side
windows instead.

The Plaza Theatre was closed in 1983 and
was subsequently purchased by the Christian
Reformed Church (CRC). A comfortable
church has been built in the stalls section by
the use of false walls and a suspended ceiling.
The “circle” remains basically intact with the
original seats still in place.

CINEMARECORD # 95 15