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After a difficult few years with his health, Sergeant Les Williams has sadly passed away on Feb 12, 2024

Les Williams in his own words - The first cinema I worked at was the Prince Edward Theatre Sydney, it was called the theatre beautiful, show place of Australia, the walls were covered with Thai silk & a live show was presented before each movie, while Noreen Hennessey played the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ at intermission. The usherettes without fail dressed to the nines for every performance. For me these are wonderful memories of a lost era I was proud to be part of.

Moving on I joined the RAAF, progressing to Sergeant and finally settling in the area of programming the base cinema’s of Laverton & Point Cook. Despite the competition of television, RAAF cinemas were doing thriving business, due mainly to the supply of high quality films. On an average night, 1,500 people attend RAAF cinemas in Australia. In one six-month period $27,628 was spent on the hire of films, many of which were in 35 mm & CinemaScope. I was also proud to be part of a major up-date where projection equipment equipment worth $57,000 was installed in the Metro cinema, Richmond Base and the Point cinema. At Point Cook we installed Bauer U4C 35mm projectors. The Point Cook bio box is among the most sophisticated in the world. For me this was a life highlight and a major achievement.

During the period 1966 and well into the 70’s I established a close relationship with the major film distribution companies which reflected in the excellent box office results at the RAAF bases. Many long term relationships were established along the way with industry people that have lasted well into my retirement.

In years to follow I was to work in various positions with Ken Hill and the associated company Infaset Services. There were a multitude of jobs and projects highlighted by the position of manager at the Goulburn drive in. This required the family to move interstate and take up residence.

Footnote: Les Williams spent a life-time working in the Cinema industry and was a true cinema pioneer who will be greatly missed. -

Contributed by Greg Lynch -