The Surrey Theatre

The Surrey Theatre at 142 Union Road became the third and final local film venue in Surrey Hills,...

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:54:00 -0400

The Surrey Theatre at 142 Union Road became the third and final local film venue in Surrey Hills, after the Surrey Gardens, and the Rex Theatre (established in the Surrey Hall). The owners of the theatre were Dimmick, Long, L. Rossiter and R Mitchell, from its opening in 1939 to 1950. (Caarp)

The Surrey Theatre and surrounding shops. 
Photos source: State Library of Victoria Picture Collection

The Opening of the Surrey

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:39:00 -0400

On 3^rd September 1939, the Surrey Theatre was opened by then Prime Minister (Sir) Robert Gordon Menzies. (Surrey Hills: In Celebration of the centennial 1883-1983) According to the The Surrey Theatre, “No story from the screen was ever going to match the drama of that first night.”

On 3^rd September, 1939, Britain’s Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain declared war against Germany. This was a retaliation to the German invasion of Poland. On the opening night of the Surrey Theatre, Prime Minister Robert Menzies was to be informed of this decision. There are various interpretations of the series of events that led to Menzies announcing the fateful decision. An article in the Cantebury Courier claimed that Robert Menzies informed the audience of the Surrey about Britain’s declaration of war before making his official broadcast in the city.

Robert Mitchell, manager and part-owner of the Surrey claimed that while the Prime Minister was making a speech, the telephone rang. An unidentified caller was asking to speak with Mr Menzies. Mitchell explained that the Prime Minister could not speak with him as he was in the middle of an important speech. The man, however, insisted, saying “You tell him it is Arthur Fadden on the phone. I think he will want to answer”. (The Surrey Theatre)

Robert Mitchell claimed that Deputy PM and Treasurer Arthur Fadden was forced to wait until the Prime Minister had finished his address. Mr Menzies, after speaking with Fadden, returned to the stage and announced Britain’s declaration of war to the audience. (The Surrey Theatre) “I have not given up hope for peace” [Mr Menzies] said. “Every hour gained with the world in its present state is a real hour gained.” (The Argus, 28 August 1939) Mr Menzies was able to demonstrate a rational and sensible state of mind in the unfavourable circumstances. Although he had second thoughts, he did not work himself into passion and prejudice. He was optimistic and not angered. (The Argus, 28 August 1939)

Menzies believed that through the Surrey Theatre, the audience would have the opportunity to escape from the real world into a “romantic world of moving pictures” – a notion that he was greatly in favour of. (The Argus, 28 August 1939) Upon returning home, Mr Menzies claimed he would maintain his vigil beside his telephone “wondering what programme awaited the world.” (The Argus, 28 August 1939)

The Robbery

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:38:00 -0400

According to the article, Pistol Point Hold-Up at Balwyn, (The Argus, 1 April 1946) Surrey Theatre manager Len Rossiter was held up at pistol point by two men outside his home in Houghton st, North Balwyn. Late on a Saturday night, Rossiter was robbed of £60 – the takings of the Surrey Theatre. Shortly after arriving home from the theatre, Mr Rossiter was about to put his car in the garage, when the men threatened him, one of them in possession of a gun. They had apparently been waiting for him. He switched off the ignition, though he was ordered to drive further up the street. Then the men forced him to give them his money, pressing the gun into his back. In delay pursuit, the men took the car keys and threw them away.

On 2nd December 1939, the Surrey first advertised in the...

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:37:00 -0400

On 2nd December 1939, the Surrey first advertised in the Independent Theatres column, with the film, The Citadel, with Robert Donat.

Minor Events

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:33:00 -0400

Shortly after the sale of the Surrey to Victoria Theatres Ltd of Toorak in 1950, a quiz show was introduced as part of the Saturday matinee. Henry Jamieson was called to host the show. He would remain on stage with a microphone, and an usherette would go into the isle with another microphone to receive answers from the children putting their hands in the air. (The Surrey Theatre)

The law required theatres to be continually upgrading their technology and making improvements to ensure safety in cinemas. As a result, in the fifties, theatre companies challenged the law that a fireman from the local fire brigade had to be on duty at every performance. Theatre chains believed they had made considerable changes to ensure safety in their theatres and that it made sense that they should not have to pay for the unnecessary services of a fireguard. Although Victoria Theatres and other companies face prosecution, the law was eventually changed. (The Surrey Theatre)