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| Saturday, August 05, 2006 |
| An Evening at the Talkies |
Okay, time to work on pushing those pics off the bottom of the screen.
Last week we went to the cinema. Not just any cinema. The Balmoral Regent.
What is the Balmoral Regent, and why is it special? Well, seeing as you asked, I shall tell you. http://www.caths.org.au/arccinerecd.htm has this to say about the Balmoral Regent:
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. Aquiring 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.
Yes, you understood correctly. This fine gentleman has recreated an old-style movie theatre in his backyard shed, using fittings from a couple of old cinemas. One walks in through the front door, up the marble steps, and past the projection booth to sit in the genuine ancient cinema seats. No couple seats or cupholders here, no sirree. The viewing kicked off in grand style with "God Save the Queen", then we watched a couple of travelogues, a newsreel (featuring a very young Queen Elizabeth looking uncomfortable sitting side-saddle on her charger - Winston, if I recall correctly), a cartoon, a Little Rascals short, then - wonder of wonders - a silent film, accompanied very ably by a gentleman on an organ. An electric organ, but I suppose one must make allowances for the circumstances. Intermission brought a candy lady around to sell chocolate. The feature was "Orchestra Wives", which was notable for being one of only two films to feature Glenn Miller and his orchestra prior to the fatal plane crash. I don't think Glenn featured in any films following the plane crash, which is probably a relief for everyone.
It was, on the whole, fascinating. I felt somewhat sorry for Queen Elizabeth, who certainly didn't appear to relish taking over from her father. One of the travelogues was about Disneyland, made shortly after the park was opened, and to be honest, I've never wanted to visit Disneyland before - but now I'm sorely tempted.
The cinema itself is quite impressive - it looks exactly like an old cinema scaled down. Even the regulation emergency exit sign has been blended in to the decor so that it doesn't spoil the setting. The theatre seats 24, and I think he opens it for occasional showings or for fundraisers, group events, and so forth.
Fantastic. Man, I would love to have a cinema in my backyard.
Although mine would have more comfortable seats. |
posted by Ata @ 11:17 pm  |
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| 4 Comments: |
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Myo remembers when going to the movies involved standing up while God Save the Queen was played.
*totters off*
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Myo remembers when going to the movies involved standing up while God Save the Queen was played.
You mean you don't do that any more?
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Hah, that's awesome. How good would it be to have your own movie theatre?
I once went to a play that was put on in someone's backyard theatre. And it was massive and spectacular. Her husband built it for her birthday. *grin*
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We didn't stand for God Save the Queen. While the cinema was well built, the seating didn't allow for easy standing - several rows were raised slightly so as to get a view of the screen, and had footrests to put one's feet on whilst viewing the film.
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Myo remembers when going to the movies involved standing up while God Save the Queen was played.
*totters off*