State Theatre, later Forum & Rapallo Cinemas, 150-162 Flinders Street & 1-17 Russell Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
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Title:
State Theatre, later Forum & Rapallo Cinemas, 150-162 Flinders Street & 1-17 Russell Street, Melbourne
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Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 104020 1
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Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
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Graphic materialsTextual material
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Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
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RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2021:.DATE: 1929;ASSOCIATIONS: Union Theatres Ltd.;DESIGNER: Bohringer Taylor and Johnson Pty. Ltd., Sydney;BUILDER: James Porter and Sons, of Sydney.VICTORIA HERITAGE REGISTER H0438Statement of SignificanceWhat is significant?The Forum and Rapallo Cinemas, formerly the State Theatre, were designed by the American cinema architect John Eberson in association with the prominent Melbourne architects Bohringer, Taylor and Johnson in 1928. It was built at the climax of the boom years in cinema construction, and was operated by Union Theatres. It had the largest capacity of any cinema in the country with 3371 seats. Unlike most picture palaces, this form of cinema design attempted to create the illusion of an exotic walled garden in the auditorium, complete with appropriate statuary, a blue ceiling, twinkling stars and projected clouds. The interior incorporates elements of Italian medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Spanish Mission styles combined with bold classical Roman and Renaissance architectural forms to create a lush, impossibly exotic atmosphere. Externally the building is a Moorish fantasy with a jewelled clock tower with a copper clad Saracenic dome, minarets and barley sugar columns and rich pressed cement decoration. Construction is steel frame and brick.How is it significant?The Forum and Rapallo Cinemas, formerly the State Theatre, is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria.Why is it significant?The Forum and Rapallo Cinemas, formerly the State Theatre is architecturally significant to the State of Victoria for its influence in the development of the atmospheric style. It is the only remaining atmospheric cinema surviving in Victoria. Though the interior is modified, the visual and atmospheric impact of the design are still clearly discernible. The miniature plaster versions of well known Greco-Roman sculptures and bas relief wall panels combined with mock palace facades, villa facades and the liberal use of architectural structural elements set out under a blue sky as if in a fantasy garden, mark out the interior as one of the most unusual in the State.The former State Theatre is of historically significant to the State of Victoria for demonstrating the extravagance and confidence of the 1920s boom. The entertainment provided at the cinema was a highly popular social and cultural activity in which thousands regularly participated. The enclosure of the balcony section in 1962 to create two separate cinemas, the Forum and the Rapallo, is important as the first example of such twinning in Australia, and demonstrates the start of the decline of the large film theatres.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites GRAEME BUTLER 1982-3, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (VIC) 20TH CENTURY ARCHITECTURE SURVEY and 20th CENTURY BUILDINGS REGISTER - CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS 10772 21/7/1928 signs 26/1/1929.MURPHY ARCHITECTS, JOHN AND PHYLLIS 1976. HISTORIC BUILDINGS STUDY OF PART OF THE C.B.D. MELBOURNE : { AREA 1} WITH MURPHY, JOCK, FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS PRESERVATION COUNCILBuilding of interest, streetscape 77.64 150-162 Flinders Street - ForumConstruction Date : 1929Architects : Bohringer, Taylor & JohnsonAmerican design by John EbersonBuilder : James Porter & SonsFurther information from H.B.P.C..VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORY3rd land sale 1838, Block 6, Allotment 8, William Rutledge. 1839 - building. 1850, 1866 - building.1877 - 6 buildings; Degraves Bond, 5 houses, yards, sheds.1888 - 3 buildings; W Degraves, Bond; F Johns & Co., Iron Works.1905 - 2 x 3 storey buildings; Herald Newspapers; Beath, Schiess & Co., store & stables..NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA (VIC)As at 1986 in letter to Mr W E Wilson, Victorian State Manager, The Greater Union-Organization Pty Ltd`the building, which as you know was Classified by the Trust in 1978, has been amended as follows:Built as the State Theatre in 1928-20 to the adapted interior design by American architect, John Eberson and an extension by Bohringer, Taylor & Johnson, the building has an Alhambresque exterior (described as Turkish at the time) and an auditorium which is a combination of the Doge's Palace and a Florentine garden under a starlit sky, formerly with cloud lighting effects. The cinema remains a unique and extravagant building inside and out and, prior to its sympathetic bisection and modification in 1963, had the largest seating capacity in the Southern Hemisphere.'Classification report extractHistory:In June 1927, the Morning Post Building at the corner of Flinders and Russell Streets was purchased by Empire Theatres Limited.' The company operated the Empire Theatre in Sydney and proposed opening a vaudeville theatre in Melbourne.2 In July 1927, the firm Bohringer, Taylor & Johnson were engaged to supervise the theatre's construction3 and in the following November the adjoining Migration Bureau in Russell Street was purchased from the State Government.4 The enlarged site occupied a frontage to Flinders Street of 125 feet (38 metres) and to Russell Street of 185 feet (56.4 metres). Construction on the proposed vaudeville theatre, however, was never commenced. In May 1928 the site was sold to Union Theatres Limited for £150 OQO.s Union Theatres had been formed in January 1913 when the Greater J.D. Williams Amusement Company merged with the General Film Company of Australasia, forming the then largest exhibition circuit in Australia [refer to Section 1 pp. 22-23]. In 1928 Union Theatres operated the Melba, Majestic and Britannia Theatres in the city and the Empress (Prahran), Western (West Brunswick), Moonee Ponds and Burnley Theatres in the suburbs. Construction on the State Theatre commenced in June 1928.6 The theatre was designed by the firm Bohringer, Taylor & Johnson, the builders were James Porter & Sons, and the decorative plasterwork was undertaken by Picton Hopkins Pty. Lld.7 Erected at a cost of £500 00014 and with a seating capacity of 3371 15 the State Theatre was the largest, and one of the most elaborate theatres in Australia. The theatre, commended for its "laughing spirit of fastidious extravagance",'6 featured a Moorish exterior dominated by a clock tower crowned by a "jewelled copper dome and a minaret said to be a replica of one on a Turkish mosque in Cairo. 17 [See Appendix A] The pressed cement facade comprised a network of interlacing bands studded with electric lights: Floodlights placed at intervals of 18 inches [on the theatre awning] shine on these points of colour and with other lights from alcoves at the top cause them to glow and twinkle in a dazzling array of colour. 18 Entrance to the theatre was through a vestibule decorated in the style of an old world Florentine garden. The ceiling was arched in a cerulean blue dome, and reproductions of Italian statuary peered from niches in the walls. In the floor of the vestibule was set an illuminated clock, with a staff room and toilets constructed directly below, [See Appendix B] The vestibule was flanked by marble staircases leading to the dress circle and adjoining foyer. The decorative treatment of the circle foyer was similar to that of the vestibule with period furniture, carpets designed to resemble flagstones, and a balustraded gallery overlooking the theatre entrance. [See Appendix C] The theatre offices were located directly above the circle foyer, The auditorium, "a triumph of reinstated, the carpets were replaced, and additional tube lighting installed.27 In November 1945 a timber-framed window 6 feet (1.8 metres) long and 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 metres) wide was installed on the Flinders Street frontage at mezzanine level. 28 In 1952 the orchestra pit was enclosed 29 and the unoccupied dressing rooms in the north-western corner of the building were converted into offices. 30 In the following year the ticket office beneath the staircase on the western wall of the entrance vestibule was partly demolished and the area converted into a kiosk with serving counter31 [See Appendix I) The facade of the theatre was repaired and repainted in October 1956 in preparation for the Olympic Games.32 On February 20 1962 the firm Cowper Murphy and Associates submitted plans and specifications to the Department of Public Health for the conversion of the State Theatre into two smaller cinemas. 33 The theatre was divided horizontally by dropping a fire wall at the front of the dress circle to create an upper cinema (the Rapallo) and a lower cinema in the former stSources1 `The Argus': June 3 1926.2 `The Argus': June 15 1927.3 Building July 12 1927.4 `The Argus': November 15 1927.5 `The Argus': May 16 1928.6 `Evervones’ June 20 1928, February 17 1937.7 `Australian Home Beautiful’ February 1 1929.alsoVictoria Health Department. Public Building File No. 7109/2; 7109/4.Tod, L. & Cork, K. The Dream Palaces' The Atmospherics (Australian Theatre Historical Society, Seven Hills, 1988) p. 18.O'Brien, T. 75 Years of Cinema in Australia' The Greater Union Story 1910-1985 (The Greater Union Organisation. Sydney, 1985).The Age. June 25 1986. July 2 1986..1994The former State Theatre (opened in February 1929) was the largest and most exotic cinema in Australia. Built to designs by the American cinema architect, John Eberson in association with the prominent Melbourne architects Bohringer, Taylor and Johnson, the former State is of National Significance as one of only three extant examples in the country of an "atmospheric" cinema interior. It's subdivision in 1962 into the Forum and Rapallo cinemas retained most of the unique decoration and is important as the first example of "twinning" in Australia's cinema history. The exterior is also a notably exotic design.Built at the climax of the boom years in Cinema construction, the former State Theatre was opened and operated by Union Theatres (the forerunner of the Greater Union Organisation) in direct competition to the Regent Theatre, the flagship of the "Regent" cinema chain. It has the largest capacity of any cinema in the country with 3371 seats (the Regent had 3265) and was one of the four major picture palaces built in Melbourne in the 20s (the other two being the Capitol and Palais). John Eberson pioneered the "atmospheric" cinema in the United States and in Australia the only other surviving cinemas in this style are the Capitol in Sydney (which is in fact an almost exact reproduction, though mirrored, of the former State theatre) and a cinema in Paddingon, Brisbane. Unlike the generally "Versailles/Palace" auditorium of most picture palaces, this form of cinema design attempted to create the illusion of an exotic walled garden in the auditorium, complete with appropriate statuary, a blue ceiling, twinkling stars and projected clouds.The interior incorporates elements of Italian medieval, Renaissance Baroque and Spanish Mission styles combined with bold classical Roman and Renaissance architectural forms to create a lush, impossibly exotic "atmosphere". The exterior of the Forum Cinema is also notable as the most exotic and ornate of all such picture palaces in Australia (perhaps, of any city building), an eclectic combination of Moorish, Moghul and Alhambresque elements.The enclosure of the Balcony section to create two separate cinemas, the Forum and the Rapallo in 1962, is important as the first example of such 'twinning' in Australia (and possibly the world) as well as signifying the economic decline of the cinematic industry in post-war Australia. The modification of the cinema by Cowper, Murphy & Appleford, was sympathetically handled with the retention and reinstatement of most of the original 'atmospheric' decoration.Classified: 01/08/1994..HERITAGE BRANCH, MINISTRY FOR PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT 1987 CITY OF MELBOURNE CENTRAL CITY NOTABLE BUILDINGS CITATIONSThe 4000 seat auditorium of the State Theatre was designed complete with artificial sky, stars, drifting clouds and a walled Florentine garden with accompanying statuary. Its exotic exterior decoration, epitomises the opulent era of picture palace architecture. It was designed by American theatre specialist John Eberson assisted by Melbourne architects, Bohringer, Taylor & Johnson for the Union Theatre chain to directly compete with the Regent Theatre. Now split in two, transforming the original interior, and altered at ground floor level it enters a new era under the ownership of the Melbourne Revival Centre.VICTORIA HERITAGE REGISTERReferences include:Australian Home Beautiful, 1929, pp.60-63, February 1 1929CAD Typological Study 1900-1939, Meredith Gould, 1992, p.129, HBCCinemas of Australia, Ross Thorne, 1981, pp.328-339, University of SydneyMelbourne Architecture, Philip Goad, 1999, p.125, Watermark PressPicture Palace Architecture in Australia, Ross Thorne, 1976, Sun Books-37.81799,144.96808.NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)Many articlesThe Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954)Wednesday 22 August 1928 - Page 11https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244073861 illust`State’ Theatre, in Flinders Street, Will Seat 4000Rapid progress is being made with the work of construction of the `State’ Theatre, at the corner of Flinders and Russell streets, Melbourne; a new enterprise, for Union Theatres Ltd. The building, which has been designed on a huge scale, has a frontage to Flinders street of 121 feet, and a depth of 185 feet. It will have seating accommodation for approximately 4000 persons. Already, the work of excavation is practically completed, the maxi- mum depth being about 40 feel be- low Russell street, and the brick walls, are now in course of erection. Three shifts a day have been worked from the beginning in order to complete the building by the dale fixed for the opening.As the accompanying drawing shows, the Flinders and Russell streets elevations are being treated in a free Saracenic style, and an immense tower, crowned with a copper dome, studded with jewelled lights, rises above the parapet on the corner to a height of 160 feet. The facade is richly ornamented with grilles, canopies and balconettes, and at night the effect under the floodlights should be most impressive. On entering the main vestibule from Flinders street, the unique treatment and vivid coloring will call to mind a mediaeval Florentine courtyard, from which two imposing marble staircases lead to a balcony which forms the foyer. Here many objects of interest, such as art statues gathered from all parts of the world, will attract the eye, while comfortable lounges and smoke rooms, cloak rooms, lavatories, and a large buffet, will open off the foyer. There will be a rotunda at each side of the, foyer, and, after passing under these, the stairs leading to the dress-circle will be reached. The auditorium, like the foyer and the entrance vestibule, will be treated in the new atmospheric style, giving the impression that one is seated in the open air, with stars gleaming and light clouds drifting across the sky. Each wall of the auditorium will be differently treated, and the de- sign will be carried out in such a way as to complete the out-of-door illusion. The proscenium will be in the form of a triumphal arch, with a tiled parapet, and finished in rich colorings. High up, the central feature will take the form of a huge alcove, in which will be set the reproduction of the statue of Venus de Medici, flanked on either side by the busts of Apollo and Diana. On one side of the proscenium a palace will house portion of the huge Wurlitzer organ, the largest, it is stated, ever imported into Australia. On the other side will be a temple, in the centre of which a group of statuary, representing the Fawn and the Infant Bacchus will be a feature. Other groups of statuary will be set in the niches spaced at intervals along the walls, and the whole will be enhanced by hanging gardens on the walls, and trees silhouetted against the moon- light sky. Immediately in front of the stage will be a deep pit, with a huge rising platform. On to it the orchestra will assemble beneath the auditorium, and at the beginning of the show, musicians, instruments and organ console will rise level with the stage floor, for the overture. The stage will be equipped with all the latest appliances and electrical effects, with the necessary dressing room and wardrobe accommodation. In the basement, below the stalls door, a system of mechanical ventilation will be installed which will supply 160,000 c. feet of air a minute to all parts of the theatre, and elaborate machinery will be installed for the warming of this air in winter and refrigeration in the summer, so that a comfortable temperature will be maintained at all seasons. The operating box and dimmer control room will be of fireproof construction throughout. The furnishing will be carried out on a lavish scale. In keeping with the period portrayed by the interior treatment of the theatre, while special seating, including 1500 lounges, will be installed in the auditorium.The architects for the work are Messrs. Bohringer, Taylor and Johnson, of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth; and the builders are Messrs. James Porter and Sons, of Sydney..The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954)Friday 18 January 1929 - Page 1https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244012917A NEW PINNACLE IN FLINDERS STREETThe clock tower which is being erected on the new State Theatre, Flinders street, will add yet another peak to Melbourne's sky line, A picture taken today showing how the new tower will dominate Flinders street, being higher than St. Paul's two spires and the Gas Company's towers. The clock tower which is being erected on the new State Theatre, Flinders street, will add yet another peak to Melbourne's sky line, A picture taken today showing how the new tower will dominate Flinders street, being higher than St. Paul's two spires and the Gas Company's towers.Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954)Saturday 16 March 1929 - Page 44https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223819169Many images of State etcThe State Theatre, Flinders Street— The Mecca of Country Visitors to the CityThe magnificent Proscenium, a thing of rare beauty at the State.Bebe Daniels, in "What a Night." a sensational comedy „ drama, supports "Our Dancing Daughters," at the State during Easter.Frank Lanterman and his mighty State Wurlitzer organ, the biggest organ in Austra lia, with its twin consoles, is a feature of the State entertainment.Leon Rosebrook, Director of Music at the State, conducts the unit orchestra of 30 and appears in the stage show with his band and the State Ballet.One of the magnificent sections of the interior of this atmospheric Theatre, the State.Joan Crawford, in "Our Dancing Daughters." is the big Easter at traction arranged for the State..Electric lightsAdvocate (Melbourne, Vic. : 1868 - 1954)Thursday 7 February 1929 - Page 18https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/171655556The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954)Friday 24 May 1929 - Page 24see image: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244452942also https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244020756 and https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3967330.
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150-162 Flinders Street, Melbourne (Butler13815\\)150-162 Flinders Street, Melbourne (Butler13816\\)150-162 Flinders Street, Melbourne (Butler13818\\)150-162 Flinders Street, Melbourne (Butler13817\\)150-162 Flinders Street, Melbourne (Butler13820\\)State Theatre, later Forum & Rapallo Cinemas, 150-162 Flinders Street & 1-17 Russell Street, Melbourne (BIF-CITY 104020\\)
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Record number:
1210389
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 104020 1 | 1 JPEG : 237 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |