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The Hoyts 3D story

Image - Glass theatre advertising slide

In 1953, Hoyts converted the Esquire Theatre in Bourke Street to two projector polarised 3-D under the supervision of Mr. M. [Mick] Bramley, Hoyts Melbourne Chief Engineer and opened up on May 14 with United Artists Bawana Devil. After 3 weeks, the Arch Obler film had rewritten the theatre’s record book.

The Argus newspaper reported - Hoyts Theatres' three dimensional film “Bwana ‘ Devil,” which opened at the Esquire, Bourke street yesterday, drew packed houses at each session. Long queues extended from the ticket boxes into the street half an hour before each session began. Source - The Argus Melbourne, Vic Fri 15 May 1953

Keith Manzie the Argus Newspaper Movie Critic said: “Bwana Devil would be a trite and tiresome movie in normal two dimensions. But the stereoscopic equipment has converted it into an experience which should not be missed; not even at this elementary stage in perfecting the medium.“The wearing of the Polaroid glasses in no way inconveniences the viewer. If anything they are more restful on the eyes than viewing an everyday movie.” - Source - The Argus Melbourne, Vic. Fri 15 May 1953.

This was followed by “House of Wax” from Warner Bros which broke the record for Saturday takings. The Maze from Allied Artists was next up and ran one dismal week. Right or wrong, the boom was bust and Hoyts lost interest in 3D.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -