 Vintage interior view of the Rex Theatre
In the late 1920's the Pavilion closed for a time and was used as a mini-golf course. In 1933 it was reinstated as a cinema and opened on March 31, 1933 as the Rex Theatre. The opening attraction was Paramount's "The Big Broadcast" with Bing Crosby. The Edwardian facade was not changed very much, except a new balcony verandah was added to allow patrons access to the balcony from the upstairs circle on balmy nights.
During the late 1930's the theatre was purchased from Union Theatres by a local Adelaide shopkeeper, who ran a few cafes around town. The original facade was replaced with an art deco style moderne front and new signage. Inside the theatre, the width of the original orchestra pit was covered by three steps which lead to the stage, and on either side were half-round steps fitted with glass tops through which indirect lighting lit the inside of the proscenium arch. In front of the french-action curtains were concealed footlights. For the first few years Paramount features were mainly shown. Set in the ceiling of the auditorium were three large indirectly lit centre domes. On really hot nights the roof could be opened to allow the cool breezes to blow through the theatre.
In 1940 the Rex could seat 1,100 patrons. The theatre then became famous as a second run house, most often taking the films over from the nearby Regent. In 1955 the theatre was bought by a neighboring department store who wanted to expand onto the Rex site. The theatre survived for another four years until in 1959, Hoyts Theatres sold their lease.
In 1961 the theatre was demolished and the department stored expanded across the theatre. Needless to say that that department store is no longer there, also having been demolished and replaced by an office building with an arcade at street level.
Contributed by KinoCQ/Australian Cinema And Theatre Society
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