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Hoyts Arcadia Theatre Victoria Avenue, Sydney, NSW

The Arcadia Theatre in Chatswood officially transitioned to standard talking pictures on 15 June 1929.

While Western Electric’s system was initially introduced during the global expansion of sound film in the late 1920s, the specific Westrex branded sound architecture (Western Electric’s dedicated export and modernized sound system division) became standard or underwent significant upgrades during the theatre’s major modernisations. This notably included its complete Art Deco structural rebuilding in June 1936, and later four-track stereophonic sound upgrades in the post-WWII era prior to the venue’s closure in 1961.

Built by Edmund Arthur Crispe, a local baker, the Arcadia theatre opened in 1915. It was the grandest cinema in Willoughby. The staff dressed in formal wear. In 1921 it was remodelled in a Classical Roman style and in 1936 in the Art Deco style. Initially, entertainment before and between films was provided by a piano, then an orchestra, and in 1925 a Wurlitzer Organ. The organ was donated to Willoughby Council in 1961 when the theatre closed. The building was then used as a rehearsal and recording hall for the ABC orchestra. It was sold for commercial development in 1988.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -