Regent Theatre

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Uploaded on: May 18, 2021

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Gala War Bond Preview Thursday 19th November 1942: View of the Regent entrance foyer looking towards the street from the ‘three graces’ landing. ‘Ticket prices’ for this showing of “Week-End in Havana” ranged from ten to one thousand pounds. This Fox Technicolor musical (and the theater) was provided at no charge, to aid the national effort. The night was a sell-out in advance, raising 1,515,170 pounds. (Probably an Australian record ‘gross’ for a single performance at one house.) Everyone won: the Government obtained funds for their war effort, Bond purchasers had return of their capital (plus interest) guaranteed, and attendees had a nice night out. Although the theater lost potential revenue from the film which would have normally screened that night, the sneak previewing of a popular coming attraction was a useful promotional tool for both the exhibitor and distributor. Above the entrance doors is a banner promoting a forthcoming Regent attraction: Tyrone Power in “Blood and Sand”. This colorized version of a Sam Hood photo is from the State Library of NSW collection.