| Reference Type |
Cinemarecord
journal
|
| Title |
Cinemarecord |
| Chapter/Web article title |
Camden Theatre |
| Author(s) | Gerry Kennedy,Ian Hanson,Brian Miller |
| Section |
57 |
| Issue |
16 |
| Town |
Melbourne |
| State |
VIC |
| Country |
Australia |
| Publication Date |
01-05-1997 |
| Citation Date |
16-12-2011 |
| Comments |
This article on the Camden Theatre highlights some of the more interesting and unique points to the cinema while giving a detailed description of the exterior and interior design. It also includes a first had account of working at the cinema by projectionist; Brian Miller and some interesting events which took place at the Camden during the years it was operating.
Some of the more fascinating points which show the Camdenâs place in local history and culture are the fact that it was the fourth largest independent theatre built in metropolitan Melbourne, and it recorded several nights where a films played to âturn away crowdsâ. (Bob Hope and Jane Russel in âThe Palefaceâ). Busy nights at the Camden attracted such business that there would be extra trams put on for the finishing times to safely escort patrons home.
The company was registered as Camden Theatres Pty.td and the principal shareholder, Eric C. Yeomans, also operated the Westgarth Theatre (which still operates at time of this articles publication). However the arrangement before the MGM were able to provide separate copies of films was to switch all shows with the Embassy (later Metro), Malvern. A concept that many outside the film industry do not know about the running of early cinemas.
One of the Camdenâs most known features according to this article was its grand and unique exterior facade. Built in double brick with three large metal framed windows shaped like arrows pointing to the sky was the feature of the front facing wall (Removed after the building became a bowling alley). The auditorium was of two levels with the ceiling of the theatre featuring a large inverted circular plaster light source which was unique to this cinema; but closely resembling the one installed in Titania Cinema in Berlin.
The Camden seemed to be known for itâs grand and smart exterior and interior designs and had 27 successful years before a rapid decline in sales after television was introduced in 1956. It is interesting to note that some elements of the former theatre are still able to be seen. Particularly in the stairwell an at the back of the spectators âstandâ in what was formerly the circle. (CathS) |
| Synopsis |
The Cinemarecord journals have detailed historical and present day cinemaâs since 1994. They provide an amount of detail difficult to gain through other publications including first hand experiences and pictures from before closure. Also in this issue are the history of the Horsham Theatre, Members Theatrettes, and the Grosvenor Theatre; as well as news on Victorian cinemas and coming events from the time of publication such as film festivals and productions. (CathS) |
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