Given the photos show two different interiors, either the regency style one is some other theatre, or the auditorium was done over at a later point - perhaps in 1961 when it changed hands and name ? If so a very late example of a style typical of the late 40s.
Not sure if this really was an earlier cinema from 1925, or that was another cinema – a heritage study of 2016 notes that it was built entirely new, opening on 27 October 1937, and the architect was Geoffrey S Richards from Ballarat. https://www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/Files/Planning/Heritage_Citation_Report_Star_Cinema__v3.pdf
This cinema was just a renaming of the basement cinema below the 1939 Hotel Australia, which was built with two small cinemas, this one called the Australia Theatre, and a 300 seat newsreel cinema called the Tattler Newsreel. So always a twin !
Extensively reconstructed in 1926-7, designed by Henry Eli White, facade dates from this work. Became nightclub in 1991, building for sale in 2019. see https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/5200745/lithgow-history-the-past-leading-lady-of-cinema-theatres/
This website in Spanish translated says it opened in 17 September 1952, and that it replaced earlier theatres of the same name. Turned into a live theatre in 1959 after the revolution, then renaned after a revolutionary from the 1920s, Julio Antonio Mella, and inaugurated (presumably with the new cursive neon) on 28 April 1961. The old photo might be opening day, as Quien Dijo Miedo was the Spanish title for Fearless Fagan, released August 1952. It was a flop ! El Gran Pecador, The Gret Sinner, was 3 years old by this time, and also a flop !
https://www.ecured.cu/Teatro_Mella
Given the photos show two different interiors, either the regency style one is some other theatre, or the auditorium was done over at a later point - perhaps in 1961 when it changed hands and name ? If so a very late example of a style typical of the late 40s.
Not sure if this really was an earlier cinema from 1925, or that was another cinema – a heritage study of 2016 notes that it was built entirely new, opening on 27 October 1937, and the architect was Geoffrey S Richards from Ballarat. https://www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/Files/Planning/Heritage_Citation_Report_Star_Cinema__v3.pdf
I see now the Tattler is listed as the Australia Two with correct dates.
This cinema was just a renaming of the basement cinema below the 1939 Hotel Australia, which was built with two small cinemas, this one called the Australia Theatre, and a 300 seat newsreel cinema called the Tattler Newsreel. So always a twin !
Damaged by fire in 1976, demolished 2014 following teh Canterbury earthquake.
Extensively reconstructed in 1926-7, designed by Henry Eli White, facade dates from this work. Became nightclub in 1991, building for sale in 2019. see https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/5200745/lithgow-history-the-past-leading-lady-of-cinema-theatres/
Ross Thorne’s book on theatre designer Henry Eli White states the 1927 rebuilt was one of his. Not much left after the next rebuild !
Ross Thorne’s book on Henry Eli White ‘The Self Styled Golden King’ states this was one of his designs.
This website in Spanish translated says it opened in 17 September 1952, and that it replaced earlier theatres of the same name. Turned into a live theatre in 1959 after the revolution, then renaned after a revolutionary from the 1920s, Julio Antonio Mella, and inaugurated (presumably with the new cursive neon) on 28 April 1961. The old photo might be opening day, as Quien Dijo Miedo was the Spanish title for Fearless Fagan, released August 1952. It was a flop ! El Gran Pecador, The Gret Sinner, was 3 years old by this time, and also a flop ! https://www.ecured.cu/Teatro_Mella