Riviera Theatre - (Kinema)

Located in the south inner-city district of Albert Park and originally opened in 1922 by Hoyts Theatres as the Kinema. It was operated by Hoyts Theatres until 1938 when it was taken over by an independent chain. It was remodeled in 1939 in an Art Deco style to the plans of architect Richard A. Le-Poer Terry and was re-named New Riverina Theatre. On November 2, 1940 management announced the introduction of community singing sessions to aid the South Melbourne Patriotic Fund. 600 people were present at the first session. By 1946 it had reverted back to the Kinema name and was operated by the independent Kinema Theatres Property Ltd.

The Kinema was taken over by Cosmopolitan Motion Pictures in December 1965 for the purpose of screening Greek films. The directors of Cosmopolitan Motion Pictures were Messrs Raftopoulos / Papadopoulos & Yiannoudes, who would purchase the cinema from Frederick D. Winston of Kinema Theatres P/L. The start of Greek film screenings began on Friday February 4, 1966 and successfully catered for a Greek audience for 16 years concluding during February 1982, in the main because of the introduction and competition of domestic video tape.

During 1982 David Wayside closed the Mayfair Theatre in Collins Street and would rent the Kinema from Cosmopolitan Motion Pictures. Almost immediately he was approached by Ken & Eric Hill who purchased the business from him.

The cinema was then renamed Riviera Theatre. The new owners of the business found it expensive to run because of heating & lighting. In an effort to reduce costs all the ceiling lighting was replaced with a cheaper and more efective alternative. The introduction of domestic Video tape was also a contributing factor.

Despite the cost cutting it was decided to close the Riviera Theatre, mainly because of obtaining suitable product, and its close proximity to the major circuits who dominated the city area. The Riviera Theatre closed forever and was sold by Cosmopolitan toward the end of 1983. It is understood that a figure of $350,000 was obtained, a disappointing amount for the time. It was demolished in 1983.

A modern building containing retail and office space now stands on the site.

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.