BONZA - Australia & New Zealand Database

Reference Type

newspaper

Title

Croydon Drive In Theatre Best Ive Seen. Says Cr. W. Barry, M.L.A

Section

Entertainment

Town

Healesville

State

VIC

Country

Australia

Publication Date

21-01-1955

Citation Date

Page Number

Comments

This reference is an important insight into the success and popularity of the Croydon Drive-In. It also exemplifies where Roc Kirby received the courage to invest in the Drive-In format. Looking to the US he saw their success and their change in direction, bringing cinema to the outdoors. It was this package, the idea of being comfortable with blankets and fold down chairs, whilst staying in ones vehicle that made it so successful. Not to mention it was new, fresh and exciting. The whole experience allowed for a social spectrum that had never been seen before.

Also the invention of televisions had come about and the social visits to local cinemas were becoming a dried up experience. People were beginning to stay in on a Friday night. Roc, told his father George that that the Drive-In business would be successful that the community would take to the idea.

Roc was right people flocked to the social outing, especially teens as they were able to spend many hours with friends away from the home. It became a summer trend, when the weather was at its ripe. Ultimately this article, found in the Healesville Guardian, is a form of advertising for the Cinema. It shows itâs success and enforces that people should visit and experience a new way of viewing cinema. All this is done through the voice of a respectable front man, a politician of the time Cr. W. Barry.

The Croydon Cinema becomes a highly successful business venture as it rewarded the Kirbys hugely in dividends. It was the money made from the Croydon Drive-In that allowed the Kirbys to open up an office In Burke Street. This also began the partnership with Village Cinemas. It this mile stone that sent the business into another level. With a visit to the US, the Kirbys were able to look further into film distribution. (It is this area that Roc felt would send the business into another league. Roc being very much the ideas men.)

Synopsis

"Croydon Dive-In Theatre Best Iâve Seen.â Says Cr. W. Barry, M.L.A is an article that credits the Croydon Drive-In as the best Drive-In Cr. W Barry has seen. Being a politician (The Member for health), his status creates trust and acts as a credible source. Urging the community to visit the venue and participate in the entertainment the Drive-In has to offer.

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Notes ( click to view )

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