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Uploaded on: March 19, 2024

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A single projector set up in the foyer complete with Anamorphic lens for the patrons to enjoy.

Beck & Steven Wrote a review, courtesy of Tripadvisor -

Go to https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g261659-d9727598-Reviews-Lorne_Theatre-Lorne_Victoria.html

Highly Recommended! Living History, This Art Deco Cinema makes for a Wonderful Experience. My husband & I were enjoying a leisurely stroll down the main street of Lorne for the first time when we were thrilled to discover this beautiful Heritage listed theatre.

We first recognised the old fashioned signage & then to our delight the black & white paper posters advertising the movies currently on show. These are presented on the outside of the building in old wooden frames & are delightfully quaint.

As we are huge fans of the art deco era & in particular movie cinemas from that time period - [ perfect example being The Sun in Yarraville ] - we ventured in immediately in the hope of catching a flick. At the time of our arrival they were showing a movie that was half way through so were unfortunately not able to enter mid session.

Never one to miss an opportunity we asked permission to explore the venue promising not to disturb the cinema patrons. Staff were generous with their permission & my husband & I thoroughly enjoyed checking out all of the areas we could access. One of our favourite items was the stunning old movie projector located at the base of one of the staircases. The sign advising that ‘Gents at Rear of Theatre" referring to the Toilets also brought a smile to our face.

We learnt that this cinema is considered of architectural & historical significance & is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Purpose built in 1937 the single screen format was apparently common in rural areas & it seems that with the opening of the Great Ocean Road in 1932 encouraging tourists to this seaside town, the decision to build this cinema was a wise one as it has apparently been in continuous operation since.

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This gorgeous art deco venue bought back many childhood memories for me. You have the signs directing movie goers to ‘the Stalls’ or ‘the Dress Circle’. We could only ever afford the stalls when I was little.

The lady with a parasol shows the way to the toilets & the black board with the push in letters tells you the fees. The foyer is large & bright with geometric patterns in the ceiling, streamlined hand rails & sweeping stair cases. The Candy Bar sells the usual snacks & drinks & the whole area is beautifully lit by a variety of stylish light-shades.

The Lorne Theatre shows a wide variety of features including the latest city releases, foreign & art house films. The digital projection and sound system is modern & from what we heard, extremely crisp & loud!

My husband & I might not have been able to watch a film in this instance due to bad timing however we saw & heard enough to advise that a trip to the Lorne Theatre is definitely something to add to you “do to list”. We already are planning a trip back to Lorne for the specific purpose of going to see a movie, & that is a two [2] hour drive each way.

Far removed from the sterile & bland franchised theatres of today these rare cinemas are a part of our history & make for a wonderful overall experience to share with young & old alike.

For young ones they get a fascinating glimpse into a part of their parents childhood. For adults, they offer us a marvellous opportunity to enjoy “another Saturday night at the movies” in style, just how it used to be. Wonder if they will take a reservation for the back row?

Contributed by Greg Lynch -