The Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954)(about) |
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Saturday 25 November 1916
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NEW PICTURE THEATRE.
Grand Opens on Friday. k Star Film Service.
Adelaide's new Grand Theatre, which will be the home of continuous moving pictures, is nearing completion, and will be opened to the public on 'Friday next. The building, which has been erected at the comer- of Bundle fertxeet and James place, is highly ornate in appearance, and is a decided acquisition to tho many hand some business houses which line Ade laide's main shopping thoroughfare. ~No trouble or expense has been spared in the construction of the theatre, and Mr. Alfred Drake, who is the sole pro prietor, is to be commended for his en terprise in providing such a valuable ad dition, to the local theatres. Situated as it is in the very heart of the shopping district, the success of the Grand Theatre is' already assured, and one of the best film services in the world has been ob tained. .'Tie new theatre has been built on file litest approved methods, the cantilever system having been adopted, which means that there are no posts to obstruct the r|ew of the audience. One of the prin
MR. ALFRED DRAKE. j Sole proprietor of the new 'Grand Picture j Theatre. I
MR. ALFRED DRAKE. j Sole proprietor of the new 'Grand Picture j Theatre. I
cipal features of . the Grand is the oer fect fcystem of ventilation, which counts for eo much during the summer months. A continuous current of fresh cooled air wili always be circulating throughout the theatre. In addition there are two Elid ing roofs.' ;f There is seating accommodation for £100 persons, and the eeate, which have been supplied by Mr. A. J. C. Asshetoa, will be found most comfortable. In the dress circle tiie upholstery is in plush, and in the main portion of the theatre * Rexme' leather has been used. The tarings were supplied by Mr. F. E, Ste renson, of Grenfdl street. The colour scheme inside the theatre is most attrac tive* aad a pleasing effect has ' been ob tained. The ceilings and ornamental Trork are in fibrous plaster, supplied by Messrs. Wellment & Co.. and have been picked out with delicate colours. -?-It is the vestibule, however, which calls for special mention.. It has been lined with expensive granite marble, and the floor consists of tiles. In the centre, leading up to the dress circle, a Tnngnifi :ent nickel staircase has been erected, on which will be laid an expensive heavy pile carpet. The ticket boxes nave been con structed on the most up-to-date methods, tnd will be equipped with ticket issuing machines supplied by the National Cash Register Co. These machines will be~the jrfv ones in use in South Australia.] The newest and most attractive designs iave been employed in the lighting ar rangements. Special alabaster hanging ifnu, of a bowl type have . been imported.
MR. HARKY DRAKE. Manager of the Grand Picture Theatre.
MR. HARKY DRAKE. Manager of the Grand Picture Theatre.
and two motor .generators have also been secured. Shortly after the opening of the theatre a Wurlitzer orcheetrelle organ will be installed at a cost of £1,800. This instrument -s said to produce parti cularly fine' musical effects, and will be supervised and played by Mr. F. W. Tvrell. In the meantime a first-class orchestra will provide the harmopy for the evening performances. One of the most important details is the bioscope room, and this has been equipped regardless of expense. The pro jecting machines are the latest model 'imperia,' aud have been manufactured locally. Two of these machines have been supplied by the local agents, Messrs Harrington's, Limited. Mr. Drake speaks highly of tbe excel lent work done by the contractor, Mr. A. J. C. Assheton, who has worked night and day, assisted by over 80 men. in order to have the theatre ready for use on Friday next. The architect, Mr. R. G. Gr. Assheton, aiso deserves great credit for the preparation of the plans, and the building relieets on his undoubted ability. Reference has already been made to the excellence of the film service. This will include the popular William Fox supreme photo-plays and the Mutual Film Ser vice, which will tie imported direct from America, and will be shown exclusively at the Grand. The Grand will be under the control of Mr. Harry Drake, a eon of the proprie tor, who is probably one of the youngest managers in the Commonwealth. Men tion must also be made of Mr. Sammy Lunn. whose services as 'spruiker' have been retained. There is a treat in store for picture-Jovere next Friday.