Cinema history
A Short History of Cinema in Dungog
The first cinema screening in Dungog occurred in July 1897 in the original School of Arts building. Ironically that building was destroyed by fire the following night! This was as a result of a fire that originated in the neighbouring baker’s shop. It is amazing to think that Dungog was seeing films just a few years after public screenings in the USA and Europe. This is testament to the foresight of the founding members of the School of Arts. The existing School of Arts building – the Dungog Historical Museum was built in 1898. This building is a solid reflection of the history and identity of the district. (Source: Dungog School of Arts Centenary 1898-1998, Cynthia Hunter 1997).
The Dungog Cinema (aka James Theatre/Dungog Picture Show/Dungog Theatre) is the oldest purpose-built cinema still operating in Australia! It is located at 6 Brown Street Dungog, not far from the train station.
The James Theatre is the oldest purpose-built cinema still operating in Australia. Initially the Dungog Electric Lighting Company in December 1912 set up an open air theatre seating 1000 on the present site! Very soon, in 1917, James Stuart who owned the land took over the Cinema (hence the name James Theatre) and by Jan 1918 had constructed a new roofed building.
Then in July 1930 it underwent extensive reconstruction (the screen went from the north end to the south) as the talkies arrived in Dungog. 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 facade 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. 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.
The challenge for the future is to enable the James Theatre for the latest digital projection equipment so that the Cinema can continue to provide film entertainment for Dungog. As of early 2012 that aim has been met so the James Theatre will be up and running ready for some centenary celebrations later this year when we turn 100!!
The Friends of the James Theatre will be producing the definative History of the James Theatre and this will be available for purchase by June 2012. Details later of how to get your copy….
More information and pictures can be found on the cinema’s website.