Cinema

A Short History of the Dungog Cinema

aka James Theatre/Dungog Picture Show/Dungog Theatre

The Dungog Cinema is the oldest purpose-built cinema still operating in Australia!

Initially the site was used for an open air theatre which opened in 1913. Under the control of James Stuart (hence the name James Theatre) by 1914 it had been roofed and then in 1930 it underwent extensive reconstruction (the screen went from the north end to the south). The Dungog Chronicle July 8 1930 reported that the official opening was a “great baptism” when “Mayoress C.T. Abbott, in true Digger fashion cut the ribbon with a sword”. “So comfortable and easy was the hall and its appointments that it was not found necessary to use the cars for sitting on”. As reported in the Dungog Chronicle, September 9 1930, the previous Saturday’s screening will long be remembered by residents “for they experienced one of the wonders of this wonderful age, the talking picture, better known as the ‘Talkies’”. Tribute was given to proprietor, Mr James Stuart who “had kept abreast of the times all along”.

Seating was for 650, although the front section was flat floored and the seating was not fixed, allowing for dances, etc. A large stage, dressing rooms and supper room were also provided. It is believed the Spanish-style façade was added to the building in the 1930′s rebuild. Architecturally it is historic for being one of only four Spanish Mission cinema facades in the state. The auditorium, although painted in recent times, retains the simplicity of a cinema built in a small country town during the Great Depression. (Source Theatre Buildings in Australia, Ross Thorne, 1971)

In the 1980′s the local council acquired the building as a community centre and the cinema operation continued under Ken Reeve until his retirement in November 2007. Kim and Brett Hopson and family now run the cinema. Brett has updated quite a few things to streamline the cinema operation. Dungog Cinema has the latest Dolby sound system, a 35mm projector with platter operation as well as a high definition digital projection system. With the retractable screen now halfway the cinema seats 250 comfortably. Full credit should be given to the current and past proprietors of the cinema for their faith, passion and vision in “keeping up with the times” and maintaining such a superb entertainment facility in Dungog.

More information and pictures can be found on the cinema’s website.