Murray Street 67-71

**Fast Facts**
Place type:	Building
Address:	67-71 Murray Street
Town or Locality:	Gawler

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On this site previously occupied by James Martin, the Regal Cinema was opened on 23rd January 1935 and later became the Ozone Theatre until it closed on 27th May 1967. In 1969 shops were created on the Murray Street frontage and the auditorium became a feedstock factory.

Please click here to view photos of 67-71 Murray Street.

John Thorpe addressed us on Cinemas in Gawler and this Cinema was mentioned and the video of his address is below.

REGAL THEATRE Address 67-73A Murray Street, Gawler Client Regal Amusements Ltd Designed 0 Supervised 0 New 0 Alterations/Additions 0 Date of Opening 23 January 1935 Capacity 700 (stalls) 400 (dress circle) Cost £12,000 Contractors Mr J Taylor, Fullarton Extant Y (Commercial Mixed Use) Heritage Status Local

The Regal is Chris Smith's first known work in what is now called Art Deco style." At the time of its design there was debate among the South Australian architectural fraternity between those who were proponents of Modern Architecture and those defending Traditionalism.36 Smith had certainly moved towards this 'Modern Architecture' and the Regal reflected some of the changes within the fields of design and cinema. Contemporary accounts described the facade as `Spanish design in white cement finish'. The ceiling of the auditorium had a 'trellis effect with fibro-plaster embellishment ... intensified by the specially arranged modernistic lighting'. And, of course, it had the latest and best talkie equipment and machine'.

A stage plus dressing rooms allowed for vaudeville and dancing, and there were four shops facing Murray Street. Another feature was proposed carparks to the side and behind the picture theatre, reflecting the needs of potential rural clientele and the increase in middle class car ownership."

This significant project for Gawler towards the end of the Great Depression was welcome for both architect and local community. It appears Smith had had very little architectural work from 1931 to 1934 and the construction provided work for tradesmen and local labour 'after years of waiting'. The use of materials such as sand, gravel and bricks, and stone from pits at nearby Willaston was also beneficial to the town's economy.

After some delays, the Regal opened to full community 'appreciation and approval'. The Mayor noted the town was thankful for the progress in its architecture' and for 'the policy involved of giving ... work to local people'.

The Ozone Chain took over the Regal in 1948. It subsequently became the Hoyts Ozone before closing in 1967." The upper 'Spanish' facade is still visible above contemporary shops and a number of original features exist internally.

Supplier by Dr Julie Collins, Architecture Museum, School of Art, Architecture and Design, University of South Australia

Please click here to view historical information from the 1998 Danvers Heritage Survey regarding this location. <¹>