My introduction to the cinema, or to the “pictures” as we called it in the 1950s and 60s, was not an entirely pleasant experience. My parents allowed me to attend with older cousins and during the film some troublesome boy in the audience thought it would be fun to set off a firecracker. The blast resulted in an immediate halt to the film and lights on. Nobody would admit to the prank and one entire section, including us innocents, were made to leave.
My overall memories though of the pictures are pleasurable. I particularly remember standing up for God Save the Queen at the start of the show. Then came the news and then the weekly serial such as Superman, Zorro, Hopalong Cassidy or the like. The serial lasted 15 minutes and would cut off dramatically as the hero faced a life-threatening predicament and we’d be in suspense for a whole week before we found out if our idol lived or died. Then there were the shorts (short films). Maybe Charlie Chaplin or the madcap antics of The Three Stooges.
The lights then came on announcing intermission and there’d be a mad dash to the toilet or the café. For those who chose to stay seated a person carrying a huge tray came round selling ice-creams, drinks or lollies. After the break the main film began.
I recall if anybody was wanted urgently at home a notice would come up on the bottom of the screen for that person to go immediately to the foyer. I was always worried my name would appear.
The Lyric Theatre was more for the younger crowd and the Astor in High St a little more upmarket. Both theatres seemed huge compared to today’s modern complexes.
Most kids I knew had two bob (two shillings), which was enough to get in and a lolly of choice at half-time and chips and potato cakes from the fish and chip shop on the way home. If we were thirsty (which we always were at half-time) to save money we’d drink water from the hand wash basin in the toilet.
On our walk home sometimes we’d act out the serial, which was always fresh on our mind. We all wanted to be the hero and if it was cowboys and Indians nobody wanted to be the Indian as they were the losers and usually died.
The more expensive upstairs stalls at the Lyric were a no-go zone for us kids; firstly and lastly because of our limited finances — the area being mostly patronised by loving couples. I had a yearning to be an usherette in those enigmatic upstairs stalls and when I finally realised that ambition as a teenager it was in no way as exciting as I’d imagined.
Most things we can say have improved over time, but not the movies. Nowadays you only get to see one feature for your money and I never see red Jaffas rolling down the aisles as we did in the good old days!
(Note: The Lyric was upgraded and renamed the Capri Cinema in 1966 and redeveloped again in 1988. In 1997 it went on to become the Village Cinemas.)
Comments from our Facebook fans about their memories of going to the pictures.
Chris Lothian
My dad was one of the projectionists at the Astor during the 60s and as a young child I remember watching the 1967 release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs there.
Elaine Baker Wilkinson
Saturday arvo at the Lyric Theatre. Remember the serials every week, then the first movie, then interval, then the main feature film.
Chloe Warburton
I have such fond memories of this food bar, though I was very young! I loved the tiled floors and exposed brick walls the Capri had, and the indoor plants. I think the last movie I saw at the Capri was Titanic, which was 1997. So I was 10 years old then.
Margie van der Paal
I have memories of the cinema when the entrance was in Maude St (pre-mall). I vaguely remember it had steps going up into the foyer? My first memory was a date in 1973 to see Jesus Christ Superstar, and then again in 1974 to see The Exorcist. The reason I remember the date was because I was only 17 and petrified of having to show ID to see an R-rated movie. I spent most of that movie with my eyes closed anyway, LOL.
Annie Raditsas
Great memories. I worked there in the early 90s with Kaye and Toula. They did a great job running the food bar. It was such a busy place back then.
Wayne Lancaster
Yep, first time I watched a show there was Born Free I think. It was around 1966.
Robyn Margaret Harris
There was an organ on the stage to the left. My music teacher from South Tech, Mrs Cronk, it was her daughter that played it. Her name was Mrs Campbell. It was so special to go to the cinema then!
Jean Mitchell
Remember seeing an Australian movie called Smiley. I think the young boy that played the part actually made an appearance on stage before the movie. Was 2/6 pence for me 1/3 pence for ticket and 1/3 for a packet of Jaffas.
• Geoff Allemand is manager of the Shepparton Heritage Centre and admin of the Lost Shepparton Facebook page. Please share your pics of the past at pastpics@mmg.com.au
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