Photos favorited by JohnMessick

  • <p>1984 photo</p>
  • <p>Early 50s</p>
  • <p>This picture was taken in the very early evening before the sea of white lights below the marquee was switched on. As stated in the general introduction, the Metro was wholly designed in the United States, in the offices of MGMs Lowes Theatres. The noted Adelaide theatre architect Kenneth Milne interpreted the plans and erected the building. The marquee was the only example of its distinctively American kind in Australia. The theatre was fully air-conditioned for Adelaide’s hot Mediterranean type summers and cool winters, but didn’t really need the anti-snow devices, as snow has never fallen in the city since its foundation in 1836.</p>
  • <p>The PRINCESS was situated at the junction of the Burnside and Erindale tram (later trolley bus) lines with a stop under its marquee. After being taken over and re-named the OZONE by the Waterman Brothers chain it was totally refurbished in the Art Deco style by the noted local architect Kenneth Milne. Much of the credit for its most noteworthy features, however, must go to Alan Woodard, brought by Watermans from their Victor Harbour Theatre to supervise the rebuilding. He is 101 years of age and the last remaining member of the Ozone Theatres board. The Ozone was owned by Hoyts Theatres when this picture was taken, and when patronage fell due to the introduction of TV, was saved from demolition and purchased by the Burnside City Council. Conducted until recently by Wallis Theatres, it became a much loved local institution and supporter of community activities under manager Bob Parr OAM. Now operated by Republic Theatres, like Watermans and Wallis an Adelaide based enterprise, it is now the REGAL. (March 2012).</p>
  • <p>The foyer space of the OZONE was considerably larger than that of the Princess. The relatively narrow staircases were installed against opposition as a result of Alan Woodard’s observation that people avoid the centre of wide stairs and hug the wall. This resulted in noticeably quicker ingress and egress of the theatre.</p>
  • <p>Lobby</p>
  • <p>This is said to be the rear of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in the `50’s. Photo courtesy of Peter Van Goethem.</p>
  • <p>Taken April 2010.</p>