St. James Theatre

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Uploaded on: October 31, 2026

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Immediately upon taking on the St James lease in mid-1934 MGM set about a major renovation of the eight year old theater. All 1,800 seats were replaced, foyers were upgraded and carpets renewed at a total cost of around £20,000. Operations were directed from the new MGM Australasian headquarters in Chalmers Street, completed six months earlier. Pictures top show: N. B. Freeman turning the first sod June 1933, construction proceeding (with Central Railway in background), and California Spanish influence design building nearing completion early December 1933. Pictured below is the film ribbon cutting opening ceremony 19 December performed by visiting MGM senior executive Arthur M. Loew (son of Marcus). Leading industry figures in attendance included John Fuller, Jr.