Page 19 - CINEMARECORD-96

An organist would play at the matinee and evening sessions. While I was
there, the organist was Stanfield Holladay. Stan was always great to work
with, and would play any request you asked for providing it slotted into
the theme of the programs that were showing. One Saturday night, Stan
knew that Judith was in the audience and asked if, at the end of the show,
she would like to play the Wurlitzer, and with Stan’s help she was able
to play a couple of tunes. We had a change of staff when Ken Boudrie
left to go and join Channel Nine Melbourne. After a couple of temporary
assistants for a few weeks, we got Alan Winn who was a great
replacement. After a short time, Alan changed over to work with Ted and
I went over to Otto’s shift.

One of the highlights at Regent was the premiere of On The Beach.
Filmed in Melbourne starring Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner, it was a
big night and all bio staff were on duty to make sure nothing went wrong.
Hoyts Theatrette on top of the Regent

The Regent was a great place to pick up some extra money. The assistants
were first to be asked if they would like to do relief work at other city,
suburban theatres or drive ins. The most extra work I picked up was at
Hoyts Theatrette on top of Regent. The theatrette was used mainly for
the executives to preview future films as to what theatre they would be
shown in. Val Morgan also used it a lot to study overseas ads. If the
Governor Sir Dallas and Lady Brooks wished to see a movie they would
be the guests of Hoyts and use the theatrette with their party. Supper
would be supplied at the end of the show, and what was left over the
projectionist and assistant were able to finish off. I spent many hours at
the theatrette.

The year is now mid 1960 and Judith and I have set a date to be married.
In November 1961 there is talk that, owing to the dreaded TV, Regent
may close or be divided into two or three other theatres. This was a bit
of a worry for my future. First, I loved the job I was doing and didn’t
want to leave, then I had to think of the future and how much security
would be in theatres and films. I made a decision to look for another
career and if something good comes up, I would take it. If not I will ride
out the storm with TV and hopefully be able to continue in the industry
that was part of my life. Things were still going good for me. Regent
was still going, not as good as it was, but still getting plenty of patrons.
As I was getting plenty of extra work by relieving, I thought I would be
staying with Hoyts. Then, early in March 1961, I received a letter from
a company I had applied to, saying I was accepted, and they would like
me to start the following Monday. I could only give Hoyts five days’
notice and so, with Ken Neck’s (Chief Engineer) approval, I left Regent
on 7 March 1961 - one of the saddest days in my life up to that time.
Judith and I married on 25 November 1961 and are still together. We
celebrated our 56th wedding anniversary in 2017.
After I left Hoyts, I still received phone calls from Sid Emmerson,
Alan Winn delivers the Premiere print of “On the Beach” on 17/12/59
assistant engineer, asking if I could do relief work, I did this for the next
It was a great night - the theatre was full with VIPs, headed by the couple of years. I would get a call at 6.30pm, could you do tonight at?
Victorian Governor Sir Dallas Brooks. The Royal Australian Navy Band This could mean Padua Brunswick or the farthest, the Southern at
was on stage to open the evening’s entertainment, then the movie after Hampton. I spent several weeks at the Esquire running South Pacific in
interval. At the end of the movie the audience gave a standing ovation, 70 mm. I could never say no to the company that made my life great. One
something that was not seen at that time, a very successful evening. of the last relief jobs I did was three weeks at the Skyline Broadmeadows
drive-in. This was to help not only one of Hoyts’ projectionists, but to
Below: Royal Australian Navy Band on stage for On the Beach premiere help one of my life-long friends who had lost his wife. ★
Keith (L) with Otto Johnson in the Regent Projection Room 1960 (above)
Padua Brunswick - Opened 1937, Closed as The Metropolitan 1980
Lygon East Brunswick - Opened 1924, Closed 1959

Alhambra Brunswick - Opened 1914, Closed 1959
Plaza Essendon - Opened 1935, Closed 1959.

Credits:

Images:
CATHS Archive
Keith Gulliver collection

CINEMARECORD # 97 19