By KATH GANNAWAY
BLOCKBUSTER, art house or classic, stepping inside a ‘movie house’ to see a film in the company of others is one of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy a winter’s afternoon.
For visitors, The Cameo in Belgrave, The Mecca in Warburton and The Memo in Healesville offer an opportunity to join the locals for a movie experience in a theatre that has charming links to the past, along with modern sound and screen technology.
The Cameo, which has National Trust Classification, was originally opened on 22 November 1935 with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s David Copperfield, together with a short program of Fox Australian Movietone News, Walt Disney cartoons, and a “musical novelty” starring Bing Crosby and Mary Pickford.
The Art Deco features of the original theatre have been preserved throughout a number of owners and renovations.
It now has five theatres, but has lost none of the charm of its early years.
The Mecca is part of the Upper Yarra Art Centre which also houses the Mechanics Institute hall and a gallery.
Framed within the original stage there is a definite sense of stepping back in time to the ‘Saterdy arvo’ matinees and six-o’clock screenings of the latest movies that catered for the hordes of holiday-makers as well as the locals.
Recent renovations responded to calls for more comfortable seating, without sacrificing the cosy atmosphere and sense of excitement that almost invariably pervades the theatre as the lights dim and the screen comes to life.
Healesville’s theatre is a different story… but one which also harks back to a strong connection with the showing of movies in the town.
Pictures were first shown in Healesville in the old Palais Theatre, still standing, but with a more industrial purposes these days.
Generations of Healesvillians and holidaymakers have long-since made their way to the Memorial Hall for their Saturday movie treat.
The Memo – as it was rebranded – underwent a major renovation in 2012 bring the very latest in film technology to the town.
Retractable raked seating, reaching from the floor-level stage to the iconic balcony, provides comfortable seating with an interrupted view of the screen.
The Memo, with its sister theatre The Mecca, also has an exhibition space and a comprehensive live-theatre and music program.
Catering for locals and visitors, each of the theatres has an eclectic take on their programming.
Art house films have become among the most popular in the hills and the valley with the Yarra Valley Film Society presenting ‘member’s choice’ films on the second Tuesday of each month at Warburton and the third Tuesday at Healesville.
The Cameo also has a huge following for its art-house films which are part of their regular programming.
A more recent innovation is the screening of the English National Opera productions.
The ENO is one of the world’s most innovative and accessible opera companies with an international reputation for distinctive, contemporary and highly theatrical productions.
Local audiences are enjoying the opportunity now to enjoy ENO productions, captured live and shot on multi-cam in stunning cinematic HD, on the big screen at these venues.
For ardent film buffs, film festivals are a wonderful way to experience the film culture of each of these venues, so if you are planning to visit the region, ring around to see what’s on offer.
Better still, schedule a weekend getaway to coincide with a festival, or a favourite classic or art-house film.
For more information, phone 1300 368 333 for The Memo and The Mecca and 9754 7844 for The Cameo.
