•  

    Our CinemaRecord magazine contains a good mix of articles, which include cinema histories, industry personalities, technical items, as well as photographs of theatres of the past. Each edition has a Newsreel section, which contains information on the latest happenings in the industry.              

    Index of CinemaRecord articles - Issue 43 - Current.

     

    ISSUE 43 - Edition 1 - 2004

    • The Amazing Brenograph. Ever wondered how the clouds and stars moved across the upper surfaces of theatres such as the State, Regent Capitol and Palais? 'Projects Everything but the Motion Picture' was the company slogan. The US made BRENKERT EFFECTS MACHINE is explained here. A Les Tod photo adds a nice touch to this article.
    • Gerry Kennedy's article on The Roxy Theatre and the Cinema War in Bingara will have you searching for the atlas. A small town of 1,236 people between Inverell and Narrabri, it had its share of highs and lows, with entrepreneurs going broke etc. The Roxy remains '.... an excellent example of Australian "angular" Art Deco with the interior being profusely decorated...' .
    • Cinerama at the HOYTS PLAZA, Collins Street. The brief life of this theatre's Cinerama system, from 1958 to 1970 is contrasted with some of its contemporary competitors, in this Eric White article. An eight month run with 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' brought the Plaza CINERAMA period to an end.
    • The REGENT Fitzroy. 'From Nitrate to Television to Rocky Horror' is the subtitle of this Ian Hanson article. Theatre Patrons using the wall of the neighbouring Moran and Cato general store, which backed on to the theatre, as a urinal, triggered some improvements in existing Health Department rules regarding lavatory space. A photo of a serious looking Edwin Bryer, manager of the Solway, later Joint Managing Director for Northern Theatres and Griffiths and Wests joins internal and external architectural photos from the Ian Hanson Collection.
    • The CATHS ADELAIDE TOUR. This extensive (it runs to eight pages including the excellent photos) article by Gerry Kennedy and Brian Millar, with special thanks to Colin Flint for the Adelaide end of the organising, describes the many venues visited, with the available history and technical data. The Theatre Organ Society of Australia ( SA ) Nostalgia Night was followed by a special CAPRI THEATRE access visit hosted by Ross Lang, Brian Pearson and Paul Fitzgerald. SA is a great place to visit. The welcome extended by the various hosts at each of the venues visited, was well received, in Victoria as well as South Australia.

    ISSUE 44 - Edition 2 - 2004

    • Oral History Helps CATHS. Jim White presents a well rounded approach to capturing the history that exists in the memories of some of our older members. Using as example, his boyhood friend Brian Quigley, Jim shows how the fifty-five years of memories, incidents and experience can be passed on to future generations.
    • Bernie Halperin brings the Fuller Influence in Australia into focus in his article commencing with the acquisition of Brennans Amphitheatre at the top of Bourke Street. Detailing venues such as The Princess in Spring Street, The Bijou and Gaiety/Roxy in Bourke Street, The Imperial and Lyceum and the Palace/Apollo, this article is supported by several images of posters relevant to the day.
    • Cinerama at the Plaza is the title of this Ian Williams article. Ian has described some of his personal experiences at the Plaza as a follow-up to Eric White's Cinerama at the Plaza in our last issue. A listing of features films, nine in three projector configuration, and twelve using a single 70mm Projector accompanies this article together with their commencement dates and season lengths. It took 49 weeks to show Melburnians 'How the West was Won', but it took 59 weeks to show them that 'Its a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'.
    • The Eclipse, Port Melbourne. 'The People's Favourite' is the subtitle to this Noel Kerr piece. 25th October 1924 at 7.30pm and Noel's grandparents go to the movies. The new Eclipse had opened in Crockford Street with a six piece orchestra to 'fit and follow each picture with beautiful music symbolic to the action on the screen' Originally planned to seat 1555 persons, ventilation still proved a problem. An extensive article with a number of line drawings in support.
    • Through the Porthole. Peter Ricketts commences a series of articles by tracing his earliest childhood memories. The strong family association with the Fairfield Theatre, Fairfield, otherwise known as the 'tin shed' led to a very long association with the industry for Peter. What an amazing opening act, supported by his grandfather dressed in dinner suit, and black bow tie. Truly impressive. And more next issue.
    • The history of John Thiele's Balmoral Regent Theatre is a fine follow-up to the CATHS visit in 2003. It commenced with the salvage of some plasterwork from the renovated Regent Theatre in Rundle Street Adelaide during the major renovation into 38 shops and two theatres of the mid sixties. In 1980 an opportunity to recreate a 'Regent' came with the purchase of a house with carport and shed. Acquiring more original material in the way of marble slabs from the Adelaide Regent and a previously salvaged leadlight window from The Regent, South Yarra the project stayed true to the style of the marque. Ornate in every way, the Balmoral Regent now allows original bits and pieces from many Regent Theatres to live on, providing enjoyment for theatre buffs and organists. A number of John's fine photos enhance this article. A truly remarkable effort, in leafy Dernancourt.
    • *Cameron Hall details the 30-strong CATHS visits to the Kino-Dendy and the Hoyts Cinema Centre in March 2004. This building history article is supported by Kevin Adams Photos, providing a current look the Collins Place and Bourke Street venues. Changing needs have seen the removal of such icons as the curtains in some screens and rejuvenation caused some signature colours to disappear. This Brian Miller organised tour was well received by CATHS members.
    • Postcards from Tasmania is a Ross King/Fred Page roundup of theatres following their independent tours of the island. Photos show some of the degradation of buildings following disuse. Others retain healthy facades, but still face developers renovation. Thanks for support from local CATHS member Ray Peck in Launceston, and Museum Development Officer, Sharon Verhulst.

    ISSUE 45 - Edition 3 - 2004

    • CATHS The First Fifteen Years. Inaugural Secretary, Fred Page has documented the growth of the Society from its Oct 1989 beginnings at the Carlton Movie House. The same meeting structure exists today, a tribute to those early members. Tracing the many milestone events, Fred also provides a personal evaluation paying particular attention to John Freeman of the Carlton Movie House, and our current host, Michael Smith at the Sun. CATHS has published some 200 theatre histories in some 45 editions of CinemaRecord and maintains a strong research group.

    • IVANHOE PARADISO. In this article Clyde Simpson records his early memories of the Hoyts Ivanhoe, detailed earlier by Gary Ross and Tim Armstrong in their CinemaRecord Issue 42 article. Noted also is the co-operation with the independently owned Fairfield Theatre in Station Street, Fairfield. A 1945 photo adds a sense of nostalgia to the piece. "Screen News, two pence each". Thus began a long and enthusiastic interest in cinema.

    • AUSTRALIA'S MOVIETONE NEWS. 'The Start Of Sound and the "Lost" Issues 1929 - 1930' is the subtitle of this article by well-known media researcher Chris Long. The article commences with the arrival of the Fox Movietone Newsreel's mobile sound van in August 1929 to become the 'first unit to regularly release locally made sound films on an ongoing basis'. Chris' excellent article, supported by a number of photographs, features a listing of releases from Nov 2nd, 1929 through to 27th December 1930. The entry into the industry by Sydney's Standardtone saw the end of this era of Australian Movietone Newsreel as sole talking picture producer in this country. 

    • Through the Porthole. Master Projectionists.

    • Bill Newman. Clyde Simpson provides a closer picture of the one-time chief projectionist at the Metro, Collins Street. Later venturing into a series of mobile picture shows, then country stand-alone picture theatres he found himself challenged by the low power supply at Eskdale. Only enough power for one A.C. arc at a time, he developed a technique based on some fancy footwork in sequencing the motors and striking the arc on the new machine at the second timing mark. This would quench the outgoing machine through lack of power capacity. 'Snatching the arc' seems a very appropriate description.

    • Alan M. Hawthan. With assistance from Ray Peck and Claude Hawthan, Ross King records some of the working life of this Tasmanian projectionist. The article is accompanied by a 1917 photograph of the projectionist with what appears to be an English New Biograph "Dreadnought". Limelight and open 2000foot spools of flammable nitrate film. A day bill featuring "The Conquest of Canaan" made in the USA in 1916 dresses up this photograph.

    • The Road to GISBORNE. Brian Hunt lets us look into the life and interests of a younger Ross King, Commencing as an apprentice radio mechanic, Ross continued his cinema interest working part-time as an assistant operator, in a number of theatres in the area. Licensed in 1965 he worked as Projectionist further a field, including a stint at the Casterton Drive-in. When his radio days at Pyrox came to an end Ross joined REMIT. That led to more contacts, like minds and saw the young Mr King at the Mechanics Institute at Gisborne, opening with the James Bond thriller - Goldfinger. Many more snippets, supported by photographs taken at the time, make for an entertaining story.

    • A Waltz Around Melbourne. Ian Smith takes us for a memory jogging tour around the question - "Which film holds the record for the number of re-issues, each time into a different city theatre?" What do you think? With a big graphic of the daybill for Viennese Nights to set it off, this article neatly closes a bumper Issue 45, celebrating fifteen years of CATHS.

    ISSUE 46 - Edition 1 - 2005

    • CATHS Tours The High Country. Brian Millar and Ian Smith take a look at the theatres of eastern Victoria and south eastern New South Wales. From Bairnsdale to Bega and beyond, the rise and fall of country theatres is chronicled. A number of photographs support the article.

    • Palace of Wonders. In this article, Frank Van Straten traces the life of the Palace Hotel, with its two theatres, The Academy of Music renamed the Bijou, and the Gaiety in Bourke Street. The article is accompanied by period photographs and line drawings. Demolished in 1934, the remaining 'gaping hole' elicited letters to the papers for a period of time.

    • After All There Is Only One Capitol is the title of this Ian Smith article on the slogan used by this Swanston Street theatre. Used first in the final days of 'The Tempest', c 1929, it had a variable exposure until the Paramount lease saw a 'Theatre Magnificent' temporarily replace it.

    • CATHS Saturday Arvo Matinee. 'A 500 plus audience filled the stalls and overflowed upstairs' to hear Channel Nine identity and CATHS Patron, Peter Smith OAM, introduce the Saturday Arvo Matinee, and to enjoy the fare on offer. Go West (Marx Bros) and Congo Bill were part of the nostalgic selection presented on the day. Assistance with promotion from media, Astor Staff and strong support from the CATHS membership made for a very successful event.

    • From Hoyts De Luxe and Hoyts Esquire. Ian Smith and Eric White draw together the various materials for this informative article. The use of 'chaser' lights as seen in 1938 forms the framing of the building facade in one of the included photographs.

    • My Esquire Years. Gil Whelan shares some of his experiences in the industry, starting out as a fifteen year-old pageboy at the Regent and the Plaza. His long association with the Esquire, from the day it became the Esquire through to its closure in 1976 are worthy of special note.

    • Through the Porthole. The third episode in this interesting series of Peter Ricketts' experiences growing up in and around the Fairfield theatre. Titled 'Into the Projection Room', Peter describes the evolving interest, with many personal hooks, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. A truly different perspective.

    • Just Switch It On. Peter Wolfenden. 'Just plug it in and switch it on! That's about all most of us know about the electricity we use every day'. From Wick lamps and candles to direct current and then alternating current electric lighting, Peter takes us through the evolution of illuminating Melbourne's streetscapes. Imagine having single phase 400v/200v AC, three phase 400v AC and 460v/230v DC all in one municipality. It'd make you hair stand on end.

    • Press Pass At The Cross. Noel Kerr takes a light-hearted look at what a couple of likely lads could achieve with a overseas 'Press Pass', impressive looking camera and some self confidence, in a Kings Cross Nightclub.

    ISSUE 47 - Edition 2 - 2005

    • Newsreel Expansion plans by IMAX, Hoyts 50: 50 ownership, Opinion:Too many screens in Melbourne, Heritage Listing for Rivoli, Camberwell (Victoria) Albert Hall (Tasmania) Under Threat

    • Theatre Names - Cameron Hall - Some historical connections.

    • Regal Colombo - John Fitzsimons - A cinema jewel in Sri Lanka

    • The Lost World of 70mm - Ian Hansen - A history of 70mm projection in Australia

    • Give My Regards to the Old Broadway - Shane Moore - How Our Theatre, Camberwell (Vic.) became the Broadway

    • Say It With Music - Gordon Evans - A family link to musical accompaniment in cinemas.

    • Through the Porthole - Peter Ricketts - A continuation of a projectionist's account of formative influences in his childhood.

    • A Star In Transit Transition of the Star, Eaglehawk to community ownership.

    ISSUE 48- Edition 3 - 2005

    • Newsreel New foyers for Cinema Como (Melbourne), Boronia cinema re-opens as metro City newspapers write up Rex, Charlton (Victoria)

    • Essendon at the Pictures - CATHS hires the former Plaza, Essendon to show the history of going to the pictures in that municipality.

    • The Electric Cinema - Bill Chew - A history of the 1905 Electric on Portobello Road and its amazing incarnation as a trendy destination.

    • Twilight Drive-In - Michael Purden - Last night at the Twilight, Shepparton (Victoria) brings back memories

    • Under the Stars - Roger Secombe - Some outdoor cinemas, from Wilson's Promontory (Victoria) to Thursday Island.

    • Waterfall Curtains - Tony Froude - Why 'Waterfall' style was so popular in New Zealand

    • How the Talkies Changed Bourke Street - Bernie Halperin - Melbourne's traditional theatre district loses its cache to other streets.

    • Blow-Ups - Eric White - When is a 70mm film not quite the real thing? An explanation.

    • The Korrumburra Theatre Gerry Kennedy, Ern Bruhn and Brian Blake. Three perspectives on a town institution.

    ISSUE 49- Edition 4 - 2005

    • Obituaries - Denzil Howson and Geoff Bielefeld

    • Reels On Rails - Stories about cinemas on trains and films projected from trains.

    • The Regent Brisbane by Ian Hanson - Brisbane's finest theatre, comparable to the best in Australia.

    • The Role of the Film Exchanges by William Gray - A look behind the scenes at the intricacies of bringing a new program to a city or suburban cinema.

    • Ruby Palmer at Paramount - A snippet from 1918 about one woman's work at the Paramount exchange when it was in Bourke Street, Melbourne.

    • Fair Exchange By Terry Wise - A member's memories of his time at the United Artists exchange, Melbourne.

    • A Cockatoo at the Park By Gregory Gilpin - Recollections of some off-screen activities at Hoyts Park, Melbourne.

    • Save Time Service By Noel Kerr - Melbourne's first do-it-all ticket agency.

    • Waterfall Curtains In Australia A follow-up to a story in Issue 48 on Waterfall curtains in New Zealand.

    • Projecting Under difficulties - Three projectionists tell stories from behind the bio-box wall.

    • In the Frame - A page highlighting activities by CATHS members

    • Grandeur Australia - A comment on Fox Films' 1929 experiment with wide-screen, and how Hoyts used it in Australia.

    ISSUE 50- Edition 1 - 2006

    • CATHS VISITS NEW ZEALAND Report on CATHS 2005 tour of the South Island of New Zealand.

    • RANKING REGENTS Authors Brian Pearson and John Thiele discuss the best and lesser features of each of the Hoyts-Williamson family of Regent Theatres in the capital cities of Australia.

    • THE REGENT GEELONG Beating the opening of any Melbourne Regent by a few years, the Regent Geelong introduced the concept of linking superior design to the name Regent. Mike Trickett discusses the building and its history.

    • THE CLASSICAL LEGACY: THEATRE IN ANCIENT GREECE Cameron hall explains the west's debt to ancient playrights and their architects

    • THE MAN FROM PARAMOUNT In 1948 Paramount International Theaters sent Clement Crystal to report on their Australian operations. His report to a Conference of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers is reprinted with some analysis of its content

    ISSUE 51- Edition 2 - 2006

    • Letters & Newsreel - CATHS Visits Village Twin Cinemas, Doncaster Shopping Town on Sunday 28 May 2006

    • Selected Short Subjects David Kilderry discusses the rise and fall of the supporting program as it played out in Melbourne's city cinemas.

    • Memoirs of a Film Distributor Peter Broome rose to the top at Twentieth Century Fox (Sydney). 'From Publicity to Film Booker' is the first installment of his life story.

    • Movies Onthe Move A railway carriage could be a useful cinema car for wayside stops, but did long distance expresses actually screen films in transit? This article answers the question.

    • Theatre Rivals of Camberwell Henry Holland opened the first picture theatre at the Camberwell Junction (Melbourne), but Robert McLeish, eclipsed those first efforts with the Rivoli theatres.

    • Rivoli to Broadway. Bernie Turner, who began as an assistant projectionist at the first Rivoli in 1923 tells of those early days.

    • Book Review J. P. McGowan, an Australian who led an adventurous life, went to Hollywood and became a pioneer director of action films.

    • Reels Across The City In Part One Brian Miller discusses the weekly release pattern in Hoyts Suburban Theatres in the 1950s.

    • Hot Oil and Carbon Ash Ross King identifies the projectors in the Regent Adelaide c. 1940, with some digressions along the way

    ISSUE 52 - Edition 3 - 2006

    • Letters & Newsreel

    • J.West: Australia's Biggest Film Exhibitor? - Peter Wolfenden. Showman T. J.West's decision to open the "world's biggest picture theatre" in Melbourne in 1909, reinforced the notion of the south side of Princes Bridge as an entertainment precinct.

    • An Opening and a Closing The refurbished Westgarth Triple is a Triumph; Doncaster Twin goes

    • The Cinema and theatre Association (UK) In Australia The CTA report of their visit to Australia: Part One - Victoria

    • The Cinema and theatre Association (UK) In Australia The CTA report of their visit to Australia: Part One - Victoria

    • Memoirs of a Film Distributor - Peter Broome Part Two: A Knight Of the Road. In which a young Peter Broome is given the back blocks of NSW as his sales territory

    • Check That Tablecloth ? William Gray> One tablecloth design was almost obligatory in films of the 1930s and 1940s.

    ISSUE 53 - Edition 4 - 2006

    • His Majestys / St. James Wellington - Tony Froude looks at Henry White's first theatre triumph

    • Memoirs of a Film Distributor - Peter Broome. Chapter three - From 16mm to Junior Executive

    • Cinemas and Theatres of Oz. Continuing the CTA tour - Sydney.

    • A Year in Pictures - Members scrapbook.

    • Reels Across the City - Brian Miller. Part two: The Independent Theatres.

    • A Switch in Time - Roger Seccombe looks at the cinemas of the Melbourne suburb of Richmond

    ISSUE 54 - Edition 1 - 2007

    • Newsreel

    • Birth of the drive-in - David Kilderry - Cheap land, rising incomes and a high car ownership were the ingredients for success, and Australia had all three.

    • The drive-in on the Screen - The concept as a screen 'prop' has a mixed history.

    • Skyline Burwood - David Kilderry - The history of Australia's first drive-in

    • The Night I Saved John Wayne - Ken Lindsay - A night of excitement at the drive-in is put to words and music.

    • Memoirs of a Film Distributor - Peter Broome - In Part four Peter Broome moves into selling Fox TV shows.

    • Lunar Drive-in, Dandenong - David Kilderry - From the Panoramic drive-in of 1956 to today's three-screen Lunar.


    ISSUE 55 - Edition 2 - 2007

    • Theatres of the Roman Age - Cameron Hall - Rome appropriates Greek culture

    • The State, North Hobart - Niall Maurici - The story of a feisty cinema survivor

    • Silver Screens of Murray Bridge - Peter Wolfenden - A proud river town attracted many show people

    • The Regent Dunedin - David Lascelles - Fresh ideas enliven Regent- style

    • Memoirs of a Film Distributor - Peter Broome - Television rules and Peter Broome is in the thick of it

    • At the Paramount Maryborough - Roderick Smith and Kate Branton - Recollections of good times over thirty years

    ISSUE 56 - Edition 3 - 2007

    • CATHS Visits ACMI - Behind the scenes at the home for screen media studies

    • At The State Film Centre Ross King - When a screen image was mainly a cinema image

    • The Rialto Kew Gerry Kennedy - One of Hoyts' smaller theatres is well remembered.

    • Arise Rialto Phillip Adams - Memories of the matinee

    • Ben Hur at the Regent Albury John Stevens - The start of a lifelong interest

    • Memoirs of a Film Distributor Peter Broome - Conclusion: The view from the top

    • The Banks Family Tony Froude - Three generations with cinema in the blood.

    • Saving Theatres the American Way Ian Williams - An internet survey: dreams and reality

    ISSUE 57 - Edition 4 - 2007

    • CATHS Tours the South-West - Four days of theatre inspections

    • Front of House At The Capitol - Loraine Wood - An usherette tells

    • From Regent Fitzroy to Teletheatre Harold Aspinall - Television breathes life into a faded venue.

    • Bringing Sound to the Theatre Audience Peter Wolfenden - The search for clarity of sound, not noise

    • Naming Rights Brian Miller - Fashions in theatre names

    ISSUE 58 - Edition 1 - 2008

    • Theatre of the Middle Ages Cameron Hall - The religious and profane battle for centre stage.

    • CATHS Tour Part Two Ross King - Projectors in the South West

    • Palais Pictures, St Kilda Ian Hanson - The early years 1912-1926

    • Sputnik Helps Hoyts Rod Cook - A world event turns into timely advertising

    • Swanpool Cinema Alice Stratton - An 'indie' and its community observed

    • Yackandandah Cinema Grahame Hutchings - Bringing movies back to another small town

    • Woodstock Hall Projectors Wayne Hammond - A discovery starts a project.

    • Bass Hill Drive-in Phil Mathews - An affectionate tribute

    • Book Review: Life in the Operating Box - A projectionist's view of the Empire Toowoomba

    ISSUE 59 - Edition 2 - 2008

    • Vale Erwin Rado Theatre - Ross King - Goodbye to an important Fitzroy venue.

    • Lives of a Brisbane Film Runner - Harry Leech - A river crossing becomes a logistical nightmare

    • In the Wrong Groove - Bert Harris - A mishap between sound and image

    • The Majestic Christchurch - David Lascelles - A grand lady gets a new life

    • The Producer's Representative - Peter Broome - A little known aspect of film distribution

    • The Magic Box - Tim Armstrong - A short history of Australasian inventiveness

    • Hollywood Underground - Harold Aspinall - Homage at the Hollywood and Vine Platform

    • Keen Eyes Save Film History - A rescue from the tip

    ISSUE 60 - Edition 3 - 2008

    • Recognise This? - A background image of interest

    • Cinema At Sea ? Ross King - For a city afloat, the liner was slow to provide theatre settings.

    • My Life As A Projectionist ? Brian Quigley - Jim White interviews an old friend. Part One

    • Around and About - Two unusual cinemas.

    • Time, Balwyn ? John Holloway - A charmer worthy of a longer life.

    • Going Mental At The Movies ? Harold Aspinall - Making the most of an unusual projection job.

    • A Poster Speaks A Thousand Words ? Roger Seccombe - The power of a promise on paper

    ISSUE 61 - Edition 4 - 2008

      Letters and Newsreel

    • Hollywood in Melbourne ? – Ross King - Two German projectors with a history

    • Fisher and Tui Sound Heads – David Lascelles - Distinctly New Zealand products

    • Metro's Man Brian Quigley's story: Part Two

    • A Tribute to Hoyts Albury - John Stevens. One Patron's memories

    • Nell Grant in Albury A woman on the H. V. Taylor Team

    • In the Spirit of Art Deco – Julie Lord- Hoyts Albury evaluated

    • Dark Nights for Perth 's Astor – Peter Jackson - Another cinema with an uncertain future

    ISSUE 62 - Edition 1 - 2009

    • Letters and Newsreel

    • Bendigo 's Lyric: Two stories about a favourite Saturday haunt

    • History in Stone. An unusual monument to a long-gone cinema

    • The Lyric Remembered - Phil Beer

    • A Tribute to H. V. Taylor – Ross Thorne Personal anecdotes from work together

    • Hoyts Circle Preston – Rod Cook and Ian Smith Quality in a small package

    • Preston Boys Go DIY – Fred Page An ambitious mini - commercial cinema venture

    • From a Regent To the Regent – Brian Quigley The conclusion to a distinguished working life.

    • Why Cut an Aperture? – Ross King A once-common projectionist's task explained

    • Penthouse, Wellington New Zealand – Tony Froude Where patrons' needs are foremost.

    ISSUE 63 - Edition 2 - 2009

    • CATHS Visits Myrtleford - Mike Trickett Films and fellowship in north-east Victoria

    • In Pursuit of Excellence Part One: Elisabeth Murdoch Hall

    • Regent Auckland - David Lascelles Marble and magic in New Zealand's second main Regent

    • Projector Pioneers of South Australia - Peter Wolfenden Part One: David Garvie shows his mettle

    • Theatre of the Italian Renaissance - Cameron Hall Extravagant stage effects become possible

    • Wide-Eyed in the West End - Ian Smith London stage as vibrant as ever

    ISSUE 64 - Edition 3 - 2009

    • A Cygnet Swansong - Peter Jackson. A memorial film night for a loyal projectionist

    • CATHS 20th Anniversary - Gerry Kennedy. A review of a major milestone

    • In Pursuit of Perfection. Part Two: John Sumner Theatre. Melbourne Theatre Company's new home

    • Projector Pioneers of South Australia - Peter Wolfenden. Part Two: William Benbow: The pupil matches the master

    •   Regent Theatre Albury
      - Albury's Mighty Regent - Les Tod
      - Change Comes to Regent Albury - John Stevens

    • Commedia dell'arte - Cameron Hall. The origins of zany comedy

    • Merino- A Town With A Difference - John Fitzsimons. Innovation at the pub

    • Prince Edward, Woburn (NZ) - Tony Froude. An 'almost atmospheric' suburban cinema

    • Resurrect Your Local Cinema - Barrie Wraith. Digital tricks improve happy memories

    • The Way We Were. Plenty of noise for The Big Noise

    • CATHS Brisbane Celebrates - Steve Maggs and Mike Gillies. A birthday visit to the Regent Brisbane

    SPECIAL EDITION - Hoyts 1909 - 2009 

    • Documenting the 100 year history of the Hoyts Cinema Chain

    ISSUE 65 - Edition 1 - 2010

    • Corio Theatre Geelong - Mike Trickett. The story of a lost deco treasure.

    • Glenelg Beach Memories - Postscenium. Reminiscences of places, people and picture-shows.

    • Brighton Bay Cinemas - Brian Miller. Evolution of a suburban pioneer.

    • 90th Birthday for a Picture Show Man - The cinema career of Cyril White

    • Lorne Goes to the Pictures - Graeme McCoubrie. Four venues catered for a holiday mecca.

    • Camera 65 and the Metro Bourke St. - Eric White. The special process used to film Ben-Hur.

    • Roy Touhy - Ross King. A lifetime in Picture Shows and Pubs.

    • Hoyts in New Zealand - David Lascelles. A glimpse of some of Hoyts venues.

    ISSUE 65 - Edition 1 - 2010

    • Saturday Afternoon at the Drive In - a report with pictures of CATHS visit to the Lunar Drive In Theatre in Dandenong

    • Fiery End for the Melba Theatre Cobram (Vic). Local member Peter O'Reilly provides an on the spot report with pictures.

    • Against the Odds  the story of the Plaza Theatre Northcote (Vic).

    • Railways, Trains and Picture Theatres - Roderick Smith combines his hobbies and reports on his look Queensland cinemas.

    • Tasmanian Holiday - Brian Hunt provides a comprehensive report of the cinemas he visited in Tasmania.

    • Majestic Theatre - Wellington's Largest Picture Theatre. A comprehensive history of this former New Zealand icon by David Lascelles.

    ISSUE 67  - Edition 3 - 2010

    • Obituaries - Wally Perkins and Peter Dwyer

    • Academy Twin Cinema - Kevin Adams looks at the history of the Paddington icon.

    • Village Rowville Drive In - formerly the Village Dandenong North - by Bryan Power

    • Plenty of Fun at the Drive In - former staff member Gwen Hayes recalls the colleagues and the hectic times

    • A Passion for Projection - Jeffery Weare remembers the master projectionis - Paul Brenton Laurence

    • The Theatres of Naracoorte - Peter Wolfenden looks at the history of cinema in this S.A. Town.

    • CATHS Tour if New Zealand 2010 - Gerry Kennedy looks at the highlights of the CATHS tour

    • Remembering a Cinema Pioneer - Ross King recalls the life of his good friend and CATHS member Alan Windley.

    • Projecting at the Athenaeum - Harold Aspinall remembers his time and the personalities at the famous Melbourne venue

    • Cuba - continuing the occasional  "Members on Tour" section - Roderick Smith looks at the cinemas of this gem of the Caribbean

    • The Sin in Cinema - Ross King looks at the cinema advertisement that caused a furore in Adelaide back in 1942.

    • CATHS Visits the Village 9 Doncaster - a report with photos of the visit to this recently refurbished venue

      •

    ISSUE 68  - Edition 4 - 2010

    • Melbourne's North - Preston & Thornbury. A report on a CATHS tour of area cinemas.

    • Trak Cinema - Craig Cahill takes a look at this iconic cinema in the Melbourne suburb of Toorak.

    • The Playhouse - Peter Jackson looks at the history of one of Perth's most popular theatres

    • The Empire Theatre - Dunedin. Gerry Kennedy tells of the long and interesting history of this NZ theatre.

    • Reading Cinemas - new all-digital complex in Newcastle. Crosley Carpenter inspects the new deluxe cinemas.

    • The Tivoli Drive In - Ipswich. A look at the glory days and the way it was - Kevin Adams.

    • Dual Anniversaries - Adelaide's Piccadilly and Chelsea both celebrate mile-stones in their history.

    • A Passion for Pictures - Barry Hall looks back on his 44 years in film distribution.

    • Macquarie Theatre - Wellington (NSW) New owner Phoebe Maroulis looks at her theatres history.

    • Victoria Point Cinemas - Manager, Steve Maggs looks at the history and recent upgrades to the Brisbane suburban complex

    • History Week in Melbourne - a report on CATHS walking tours of the cinemas of Bourke Street (Melbourne) by Ross King.

    ISSUE 69  - Edition 1 - 2011

    • Obituary - Henry Jamieson

    • Reading Cinemas Waurn Ponds (Geelong, Vic). A report on a CATHS tour of the cinemas and the day in the area.

    • Mildura's Astor- Gerry Kennedy provides a full history of this and the other cinemas in the Murray River town of Mildura.

    • Macquarie Theatre - Wellington (NSW)- Janet Kaye looks at ~ the theatre beautiful ~ in this central NSW country town.

    • The Theatre That Never Was. Ian Smith provides a look at the cinema that never was and the competitors in the area that forced a rethink.

    • Launceston's Princess  - celebrates 100 years.

    • Steel City Movie Days. A look at the cinemas of the famous NSW 'Steel City' of Newcastle. Eight page article by Crosby Carpenter.

    • OK For Sound - Ross King looks at more Australian Made cinema equipment

    • A Sydney Weekend - Gerry Kennedy provides a brief look at the CATHS April 2011 visit to Sydney

    ISSUE 70  - Edition 2 - 2011

    • Obituary - Graham Smythe

    • West's Picture Theatre - Nowra NSW - A facinating look at the early cinema scene this NSW coastal area by Robert Parkinson

    • Stardust Memories - Frank Jerkic tells of his family's involvement in the Queensland Drive In theatre scene.

    • Exploring Melbourne's West - A report by Ross King on the June 2011 visit to the western suburbs area.

    • Alan Woodard - Cinema Pioneer - Brian Pearson provides a look at this 100 year old cinema pioneer's life in the industry.

    • St Kilda's Memorial Hall / Cinema -   Brian Miller & Warren Spence look at the cinema scene in this Melbourne bay-side suburb

    • The Roxy Theatre - Wellington NZ - Seven page article by David Lascelles on the long history of this 1913 Wellington icon.

    • Memories from the Barkly Bio Box - Jim White tells of his time as operator at this former Footscray (Vic.) Hoyts house

    • Hoyts Sunnybank (Qld.) - Report by Steve Maggs (CATHS Qld Convenier) on the chapter's visit to this 8-screen complex.

    • Mawson Magic Lantern Show - Adelaide - Report on an historic screening by Michael Cant of original glass slides taken by Frank Hurley during the Mawson Antarctic Expeditions between 1911 and 1914.

     

    ISSUE 72  - Edition 4 - 2011

    • CATHS awarded Federal Community Heritage Grant

    • Boondall Drive In Theatre -  Reminisces of former operator Ian Day at this Queensland Drive In.

    • A Centenary in the Suburbs - Ross King looks at the Moonee Ponds Theatre.

    • Newtown's Forgotten Gem - The Trocadero  by Robert Parkingson

    • A Lifetime of Entertainment Across a Nation - Peter Keogh looks at cinemas from Perth to Melbourne

    • As I Remember It - new feature - members tell their stories - this time Balgowlah Matinees by Kel Woodside.

    • Mr. Majestic - a look at the Majestic Pomona and its long-time operator Ron West..

    • The National Theatre - Quest for a home Pt 2. Robert Taylor continues the story of the National theatre Movement's quest for a home.

    • Across America - another "members on tour" article - this time Mike & Barb Trickett's coast to coast and return and the cinemas along the way.

    • Queensland Weekend - CATHS on tour - A report on the Queensland Chapter's weekend end event - color photos and article

     

    ISSUE 73  - Edition 1 - 2012

    • Fiery Farwell - Renown Theatre Condobolin - Pictures and history of this historic cinema's demise by Kevin Adams.

    • Up on the Roof - A Drive In with a Difference -  Peter Jackson looks at Perth's Rooftop Movies

    • The Civic Auburn - Pride of the Picture Palaces - William Gray's recollections of this Picture Palace of the past

    • Hoyts Late Supper Shows at the Regent South Yarra - Eric White looks at the 10 year run of this unique operation

    • Cinema Deakin - Mildura - Gerry Kennedy's feature article on this Victorian Country Centre's cinema history.

    • As I Remember It - members tell their stories - Balwyn's Matinees - matinees at the Time and Rialto in the 1950s by Roger Greenwood.

    • The Palais Theatre Franklin - The history of the Huon Valley's Palais by the cinema's operator Sam Turner

    • V for Victory - H for Hoyts - Jim White details the history of the flashing neon signs of the St. Kilda cinemas.

    • The Capitol Theate Miramar - David Lascelles gives the history of this suburban Wellington icon and its recent return to screening movies.

    • the U.K. Scene - another "members on tour" article - Gerry Kennedy's report on his recent UK cinema tour

      Looking for an earlier article? Check out CinemaRecord 1 - 42 indexes going back to 1994

    Home-page