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In around 1924, another
cinema, Palais Pictures,
commenced operation in the
former Cobb & Co. Coach
House at 21 Harker Street,
adjacent to the Terminus
Hotel. That building still
stands today, and is occupied
by Yuncken’s Steel
Fabrication business. As can
be seen from the photograph,
the original stage, dressing
rooms and proscenium still
exist. However, the rear wall
of the former stage has been
knocked out and provided
with a roller door giving
access to the steel storage
area behind the building. The
former projection room is
located at ground level,
adjacent to the side wall of
the building, which must
have created a rather The former Palais Theatre building in Harker Street, now occupied by a sheetmetal fabrication business. The projection
exaggerated “horizontal room is at the right; ticket box in vestibule on the left.
keystone” effect. By 1929, the theatre had In around 1927, a dress circle was added, much the Geelong Theatre. He offered his services
installed sound equipment and became known of it being funded through public donation. and, in August 1964, took over the running of
as The Palais Talkies. This continued until at Donors could “buy” a seat for 30 shillings ($3) movies in the Memorial Hall. Brian’s wife,
least 1944. After its closure, the only cinema and have a plaque attached to record the daughter and grandchildren all played a part in
remaining in the town was the Memorial Hall. donor’s name. Sadly, none of these seats have the successful operation of the town’s only
cinema.
View towards the building frontage, with projection room on the left.
In 2012, the Memorial Hall was completely
refurbished, the former 35 mm projection
equipment was sent to Swanpool Cinema, and
new digital projection equipment was
installed. Brian Luscombe regrettably retired
from the cinema scene at that time, but still
resides in Healesville. �

Credits:
Healesville and District Historical Society Inc:-
Mr. Kevin Mason (President)
Ms. Alma Mitchell (Secretary)
Mr. Robert Pockett (Member)
Yunken Sheetmetal Engineering.
Mr. Brian Luscombe (CATHS Member)
Mr. Bob Sibbit (deceased)
Mr. Frank Endacott (deceased)
Mrs. M. Vaughan (deceased)
As mentioned above, the Memorial Hall survived. Over the years, the exhibitors of Mr. R. Jenkins (deceased)
opened in 1924, and movies were screened films at the Memorial Hall were Woodville
regularly by the Harvie Brothers. The much Talkies (1930s-1944), J.A. King (1945-1951),
admired South African Mahogany box-office D.G. Henderson (1952-1964). A. Eva, A. Images:
was constantly in use until 2008, when a new McPherson and Brian Luscombe (1964-
reception desk was installed. The old box 1970s), and Brian Luscombe (1970s-2012). Richard Twentyman
office is on display in the building’s lounge Brian Luscombe had moved from Geelong to
area. Healesville after working as a projectionist at

View towards original proscenium (now roller door to rear yard). The former ticket box window in vestibule.

CINEMARECORD # 98 37