| Reference Type |
book
|
| Title |
Frame by Frame: a history of Brunswick's picture theatres |
| Author(s) | Cunningham, L |
| Town |
Melbourne |
| State |
VIC |
| Country |
Australia |
| Publication Date |
00-00-1995 |
| Citation Date |
|
| Comments |
Chapter 9 in this book specifically focuses on the history of the Lygon Hoyts, formally known as the Lygon Theatre at the time of its opening in 1924. The name changed to Lygon Hoyts on the 1st of January 1926 due to ownership changes.
The Lygon Theatre was known to be affordable, and children friendly. There was much Hype surrounding the opening of the theatre especially by the publication 'Brunswick and Coburg Leader'
This chapter explains in detail the issues and events that surrounded the formation of the Lygon Theatre such as location positioning, funding and investments, as well as the life of the Lygon theatre in comparisons with other cinemas in the Lygon St area. Frank Thring is named to be the man of the moment, with being involved with many cinematic ventures and one of the recognisable names in the Australian cinema industry.
Interestingly enough despite the popularity of the venue for a social gathering and night of entertainment, the Lygon Hoyts soon became home to a dreaded street gang known as the Lygons. (Rohan Mirchandaney)
âFrame by Frameâ written by the Brunswick Community Group, gives detailed historical explanations of all of the theatres in Brunswick throughout the years. âFrame by Frameâ also explains that due to television, not many of these theatres remain.
In particular, at the start of the book, it gives an itemised map of all the theatres around the Brunswick region, as well as advertisements for different theatres around the area showcasing popular films.
âFrame by Frameâ also gives detailed accounts about the phenomenon of migration to Australia in the 1950âs by Italianâs and Greek âs in Melbourne; particularly around this area.
Interestingly, page 17 and 18 of this book recalls the era that television was introduced in Melbourne, where soon after left devastating effects on the entertainment and theatre industry â the theatre was soon only seen as a luxury to families on special occasions and outings.
âFrame by Frameâ states that after 1956 there was a need for theatres to specialise in particular genres in order to gain their patronâs business once again. This is when Italian and Greek movies became popular, when television didnât air these types of cinema. Perhaps this may explain why the Cosmopolitan Theatre was founded? This is only a question that more research will answer; however it seems like more than just a coincidence. (Corene Innes)
Chapter 4 in this book specifically focuses on giving a brief introduction of the Alhambra Theater.
Cunningham generously offered many interesting information, such as believed the Alhambra theatre may be the first all-concrete theatre not only in Melbourne but also in Australia, Percy Allen was formally known as the owner and the manager untill 1946. The leasehold did change three times, from Crisp and Smith to the Associated theatres and finally to Hoyts theatres.
He also had interviewed several old employee of this theatre and got some first hand information, that made this article quite outstanding.
However, the defect of this article is obvious too.
First, the date this article offered us is wrong.Cunningham detailed the period of each leasehold- Crisp and Smith (1917-1922), the Associated theatres (1923-1940) and the Hoyts (1941-1959), but however it was doubtful. Because apparently according to CAARP, the Associated theatres merged with Hoyts Theatres Limited in 1926. A advertising which posted in 13 Sep 1929 in the Age could be a strong evidence.
Therefore, the date should be correct as the Aossicated theatre (1923-1926), the Hoyts (1926-1959).
Secondly, this article was not completely objective. Cunningham used many sparkling words to decorate the image of Percy Allen. But it never mentioned Porcy Allen used to allow extra audiences into the cinema, the space of rows was too narrow, the fire isolation of the stairway was incomplete, and Allen earned numerous fines for that.
People should read this article carefully, but after all it is still a worth reading article if anyone interested in the Alhambra Theater.
(Mingrui He)
Frame by Frame is a user-friendly resource for those seeking to gain an in-depth look into Brunswickâs many theatres and the way in which this metropolitan area played, a significant role in cinema and movie in Australia. It is a densely written book, which provides the specificity lacking in the majority of the minute amount Brunswick theatre literature that exists currently.
Chapter Three, entitled The Empire is solely dedicated to the rise, life cycle and fall of the mighty theatre which, once stood on Brunswickâs infamous Sydney Road. Frame by Frame gives highly detailed accounts of the existence of The Empire.
It begins in the early 20th century when a place such as The Empire was a stimulating and electrifying place to be seen. It notes the ways in which the community saw the opportunity to go to the theatre, as a highly social outing where they could be guaranteed a pleasurable evening.
This is evidenced through the textâs consistent use of imagery and primary sources foregrounding, the theatres heavy emphasis on advertising to attract an ever growing customer basis.
As Frame by Frame continues, it travels through the many years and many owners The Empire theatre saw. It frequently refers back to individuals who were involved with The Empire in some way and it accounts for every year that the theatre was in business. At times, because of its consistent naming of managers and owners it can be overwhelming and rather confusing for the reader to stay informed.
Toward the end of the chapter it recalls the way in which The Empire theatre was able to readapt to the ever-increasing needs, of the migrant community who in the 50s and 60s called Brunswick home. Again quoting specific films shown there and further evidencing this with the use of imagery.
The chapter references reliable and distinct sources such as Brunswick Guardian and company records of The Empire Picture Theatre Company, which satisfies any readers concerns of the authors credibility.
Overall a source such as Frame by Frame is a rare treasure for enthusiasts of not only film in Brunswick but in hindsight Australian cinema in general.
(C.Pereira) |
tags: alhambra AlhambraTtheatre Australian cinema Brunswick Brunswick Guardian Cosmopolitan Theatre Empire Lygon Hoyts Lygon Theatre Picture Theatre Sydney Road
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