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Source - Adelaide Regent - House lights going down

The Regent Theatre on Rundle Street, Adelaide city, was one of the most glamourous Australian picture palaces. It opened on June 29, 1928, with MGM’s Flesh and the Devil and Fox’s The Gay Retreat and a 16-piece orchestra.

Its Wurlitzer 3-Manual 15-Ranks theatre pipe organ was installed three months after the gala opening at a cost of £25,000 and premiered with American organist Ray de Clemens, who took up a three-month residency.

The third Regent in the Hoyts chain, it was also one of the first airconditioned public buildings in Adelaide. The huge auditorium in Spanish-Moroccan style seated 2,300. A highly arched proscenium was bathed subdued colors. Stage shows were also part of the Regent presentations. A large crystal chandelier hung above the lounge circle, with smaller versions around the theatre.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -