Page 29 - CINEMARECORD-99

an intriguing question – would a string of lack-lustre results bring about Scoring a Champion Theatre
demotion to a lower zone? Inspections of Hoyts Suburban Theatres continued into the 1960s. Here
is the points system. (Source: Ross King)
Most patrons who made up the weekly audiences in those times probably Category
viewed the picture business as the most glamourous job in the world. Points
For insiders it was perhaps another matter. It would have had its Exterior: Cleanliness, doors, showcases. Are displays
moments, but it was a business, driven by hard-headed men who expected enticing and attractive? 10
results. Steve Maggs, CATHS’ Queensland Coordinator, when writing Lobby: Ticket boxes, smokers bowls, draperies,
about his 30-plus years in the business, admittedly in a light-hearted way, glass, furnishings, lighting 20
titled it, Who Would Want to Work in Pictures? (CR 88 and beyond). Upper foyers: Same as lobby 15
Hoyts Herald shows that it was ever thus. ★ Auditorium: Stage and curtains, lighting of stage,
auditorium lighting, comfort of seats 30
Credits: Misc: Stalls toilets, circle toilets, office, booking
office and ticket box, heater room, switch
The copies of Hoyts Herald are from the late Ian Williams Collection, held at the room, staff rooms, cleaner’s rooms, store
CATHS Archive. rooms and backstage 15
Effort: What ideas, ingenuity, advancement or
Keith Gulliver and Ross King offered helpful comments. special sales effort has the manager shown? 10

TOTAL 100

Above and at right - Cinema Richmond c. 1939

What the Cinema Richmond lacked in architectural merit, it made up for with its foyer promotions. These cut-outs from late 1942, or early 1943, would have
been hand-me-downs from the city theatres. It wasn’t always this easy. Managers were expected to dip into their own pockets for extra publicity for special
attractions. (Publicity photos from the Ross King collection)

CINEMARECORD # 99 29