West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Thursday 14 July 1938, page 9


MODERN PICTURE THEATRE. Hoyts Fremantle Opening Shortly. Incorporating in its modern architec ture and within its high conspicuous white walls practically every new device known to present-day theatre building and representing one of the most up-to

Mr. C. E. Munro.

date additions to the larger type of picture theatres in the metropolitan area, Hoyts Fre mantle, which is being erected at the intersection of High and Queen streets to replace the Majestic Theatre, Fremantle, is nearing com-pletion. July 28 has been tenta-tively fixed for the official opening

ceremony, at which the managing director of Hoyts Theatres, Ltd. (Mr. C. E. Munro) and the assistant to the managing director (Mr. J. Glass), who will make a special visit from the Eastern States, will be assisted by the West Australian resident manager (Mr. S. W. Perry). The acutely-angled intersection on which the theatre stands has allowed wide scope for unusual design on modern lines, the most striking feature being the conversion of the important parts into circular form. The entrance foyer, the lounge foyer, the stairways and the en tire auditorium are most unusual in their spherical or circular design, rid tend to emphasise a first impression of com fort and spaciousness. Delicately shaded wall painting from a light brown to a light green and prominent ribs converg ing colourfully along either wall and the roof of the auditorium to the stage will accentuate the effect of plain modernity when an elaborate system of artificial lighting is in operation. The High-street frontage of the build ing measures nearly 160ft., and the Queen-street frontage i88ft. Most of the irregular height of the theatre is above 40ft. Spaciously arranged, the long rows of "pillow rubber" seats will accommodate 1,371 people, this number being made up of 958 in the stalls, 192 In the circle, 210 in the lounge and 11 in the "crying room." "Crying Room" and "Powder Bar." The "crying room" a retreat for mothers and infants-is situated at the back of the stalls and separated from the auditorium by plates of double-glazed glass, allowing free vision of the screen. Amplifiers connected with the main sound apparatus complete the equipment of the room. Another innovation is the "powder bar"--a place within the women's lounge where cosmetics will be literally "on tap." The ventilation system of the new theatre is unusual. Air conditioning wil not be attempted; Instead a thorough system of straight-forward ventilation will be incorporated whereby about 22,000 cubic feet of cool air will be drawn into the theatre and between 30,000 and 40,000 cubic feet of stale air exhausted every minute. Complete movement of air has been ensured by judicious selection of intake and exhaust points. There is also a cavity of about 9in. in the walls to allow for the free circuit of cooling air, and an asbestos roof is further guard against summer discomfort. Other striking points of the com pleted theatre will be a ticket box very much in the shape of a cocktail-shaker, a seemingly floating screen, a total of 800 square yards of carpets in the two foyers and many more hundreds of square yards of specially coloured car pets and floor fittings throughout the theatre, seats 22in. across in the lounge, expensive furniture and fittings of mod ern design and harmonious colouring, and special glass in the optical and pro jection system to counteract the ever present tendency to eye-strain. Bright photographs, full of life, move ment and humour are sought by "The Western Mail." If you have any send them along with titles and other descrip tive matter written on the back in pencil or on an accompanying sheet,