Stathi Raftopoulos as a young man developed an interest in performing magic tricks. He performed, under the name of Rafto the Magician, with the Glad Eye Review Company and the National Follies. The companies performed in venues around Melbourne including the Tivoli and Kings Theatres. He also regularly entertained children at the annual Ithacan Christmas tree party.A coloured photograph featuring a magician on the stage at the Melbourne Town Hall performing tricks for an audience. He is holding a top hat in his hand and is standing in front of a small table which is covered with a patterned cloth.melbourne town hall, entertainment

Stathi Raftopoulos had an interest in magic and developed an act which he performed as 'Rafto the Magician'. He worked with the Glad Eye Review Company and National Follies which performed in various Melbourne venues including the Tivoli and Kings Theatres. He also regularly entertained children at the annual Ithacan children's Christmas Tree party.A coloured photograph of a man dressed as a magician in a black suit with tails and wearing a top hat. He is on the stage at the Melbourne Town Hall performing magic tricks. He is holding a wine bottle in one hand and a glass in the other.melbourne town hall, entertainment

Stathi Raftopoulos is pictured performing as a magician under the name of 'Rafto the Magician'. Stathi Raftopoulos pursued a range of creative interests throughout his lifetime in the Greek and the broader Australian communities. Interests included performing as a magician, acting in Greek theatre productions, poetry writing and reciting, Ithacan family history, film and cinema, and painting. He was also an avid collector of memorabilia. At Ithacan funerals Stathi would be called upon to recite a poem in memory of the deceased which was always so nostalgic and evocative of the Ithacan migrant experience that there would be hardly a dry eye in the church.A black and white photograph of a man dressed in a dinner suit and wearing a top hat. He is holding playing cards in one hand and a walking cane in the other. The photograph has a cream border.

306 p. : red coverfictiongeorge griffith, fiction

Softcoverwalsh st library

Yields information about construction of Ballarat Tramways from a newspaper / magazine soon after the system opened, along with photographs of two of the tramcars and the power station.763 - Copy negative of page 454 of "The Australasian" paper, dated August 19, 1905, featuring an article on the opening of the Ballarat Electric Trams and magician, "The Great Thurston" Includes four photos of the trams and equipment and one of the magician. See Reg. Items No. 754, 759, and 2142. Tram photos of toastrack trams, power station, tram construction and of the single truckers in Wendouree Parade. 763.1 - print made by State Library for Alan Bradley, from Alan Bradley 5/2007. Has sticker on rear "Reproduction Rights Reserved, Copied by State Library"trams, tramways, esco, opening, ballarat, toastrack tram

Greensborough magician Zeke Butterworth has sprinkled his magic to win the Australian Junior Championship of close up magic.News article 1 page, black text and colour image .zeke butterworth, australian junior championship of close up magic, magicians, greenhills primary school

GATHERING OF MEN AND WOMEN BEING PHOTOGRAPHED IN CLUNES TOWN HALL.BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH MOUNTED ON GREEN MAT BOARD OF GROUP OF PEOPLE IN FRONT OF STAGE AT CLUNES TOWN HALL, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN DRESSED IN THEIR BEST CLOTHES. AUSTRALIAN COAT OF ARMS DISPLAYED. STAGE SWATHED IN OLD LACE AND MATERIAL CURTAINS. MAGICIAN? IN BACK ROW WITH CARDS, WOMAN WITH VIOLINOn Front: Hornby Clunesphotography, photographs, events and celebrations, town hall, advance australia

This file contains five items. Black and white photograph of the Magic Circle dinner in 1945, location unknown, taken by Morton Photography. Black and white photograph of attendees at the Magic Circle’s welcome dinner for New Zealand magician Ces Morris in 1946, location and photographer unknown. Two copies of a black and white photograph of the Magic Circle dinner of either 1947 or 1949, location unknown, taken by Morton Photography. Black and White photograph of magician THE AMAZING W. BROOKLYN at the Melbourne Tivoli Theatre in 1945, photographer unknown, autographed to Dick Ballantine. Five black and white photographs of Will Alma, photographer unknown, copies from the ALMA CONJURING COLLECTION in the State Library of Victoria, three dated 1961, and two dated 1943. Two photocopies in black and white of photographs of an elderly man. One is labelled 'Will Alma Conjuring Memorabilia Collection Melbourne Australia'. The other is not labelled but appears to be same man. Date taken and photographer unknown.alma will, magic circle, alma conjuring collection

"Villa Alba is of significance for the outstanding late Victorian painted decoration throughout its interior. The consistently high standard of design in the decoration, and high, and at times, superb quality of its execution, the variety of illustrative techniques, the variety of illusionist effects and the hierarchy of treatments between the rooms of the house all contribute to the significance. The decorative scheme is also of significance as a fine example of the work of the leading Melbourne decorators, the Paterson Brothers. It is one of their first interiors to depart totally from the use of pre-prepared wallpapers of repetitive designs and it is a rare and comprehensive extant example of their domestic work. The decorative schemes in the ground floor hall, the dining room, the drawing, the vestibule, the stair hall, the upper hall, bedroom 1 and the boudoir are also individually of significance as outstanding examples of Victorian decoration.." (Victorian Heritage Database, 2023)This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers (1905-1973), donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian from the 1960s to the 1970s. Original print monochrome photograph of a section of the drawing room ceiling in 'Villa Alba', Walmer Street (Kew)Annotation on reverse: "Villa Alba ceilings. [Stamp - The Royal Women's Hospital, 212 Cardigan Street, Carlton. With Compliments of Public Relations Office]"dorothy rogers, villa alba museum, paterson bros, interior decoration -- 1880s

"Villa Alba is of significance for the outstanding late Victorian painted decoration throughout its interior. The consistently high standard of design in the decoration, and high, and at times, superb quality of its execution, the variety of illustrative techniques, the variety of illusionist effects and the hierarchy of treatments between the rooms of the house all contribute to the significance. The decorative scheme is also of significance as a fine example of the work of the leading Melbourne decorators, the Paterson Brothers. It is one of their first interiors to depart totally from the use of pre-prepared wallpapers of repetitive designs and it is a rare and comprehensive extant example of their domestic work. The decorative schemes in the ground floor hall, the dining room, the drawing, the vestibule, the stair hall, the upper hall, bedroom 1 and the boudoir are also individually of significance as outstanding examples of Victorian decoration.." (Victorian Heritage Database, 2023)This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers (1905-1973), donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian from the 1960s to the 1970s. Original print monochrome photograph of a section of the entrance hall ceiling in 'Villa Alba', Walmer Street (Kew)Annotation verso: "Villa Alba, Walmer Street (Kew)"dorothy rogers, villa alba museum, paterson bros, interior decoration -- 1880s

"Villa Alba is of significance for the outstanding late Victorian painted decoration throughout its interior. The consistently high standard of design in the decoration, and high, and at times, superb quality of its execution, the variety of illustrative techniques, the variety of illusionist effects and the hierarchy of treatments between the rooms of the house all contribute to the significance. The decorative scheme is also of significance as a fine example of the work of the leading Melbourne decorators, the Paterson Brothers. It is one of their first interiors to depart totally from the use of pre-prepared wallpapers of repetitive designs and it is a rare and comprehensive extant example of their domestic work. The decorative schemes in the ground floor hall, the dining room, the drawing, the vestibule, the stair hall, the upper hall, bedroom 1 and the boudoir are also individually of significance as outstanding examples of Victorian decoration.." (Victorian Heritage Database, 2023)This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers (1905-1973), donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian from the 1960s to the 1970s. Original print monochrome photograph of a section of a ceiling in 'Villa Alba', Walmer Street (Kew)Annotation verso: "Villa Alba, Walmer Street (Kew)"dorothy rogers, villa alba museum, paterson bros, interior decoration -- 1880s

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, probably during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. The 'White' in 'WHITE LIES' refers to David Ronald White, who was a state M.P. and the Victorian Minister for Health from 1985-1989. David White regularly featured in Branch newsletters around the time of the strike, and was regularly portrayed as a magician, skilled in 'white magic' that made 'nurses wages disappear'. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s.Circular blue and white plastic button. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Button printed with 'WHITE LIES = WAGE CASUALTIES' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victoria]'.nursing, nurses, industrial action, strike action, unionism, david white, health minister, badges, victoria, buttons, pins, campaigning, protest, trade unions, labour history

Magazine published by the State Electricity Commission of Victorian reporting the success of the Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong entrants in the Most Popular Conductress Competition with photographs of each of the Conductresses and their fundraising totals. Sylvia Mitchell Ballarat, Miss J McCurdy Geelong, and Mrs. D Rosewarne Bendigo. See item 8825 for part of this magazine collected by Sylvia Mitchell. See also item 247 for another image. Included in this issue are items on casualties on service, briquette factory notes, how street lights affect trees, unique transformer at Newport, Sergeant Staples and Mrs Mitchell, Australia's First Electric tram (Doncaster - Box Hill), Kiewa notes, G A Laurens on Bendigo, American Hospitality, In and around Yallourn, Rabual, How to become Magician C J White, Mozart by Wim Platt, the meaning of Maru, On Active Service, and letters from Servicemen.Demonstrates the SECV news reporting to employees and the general public during the Second World War.Magazine - 48 quarto pages + light card covers, coloured cover centre stapled.tramways, ballarat, bendigo, most popular conductress competition, sylvia mitchell, secv, doncaster, second world war, geelong

MEDIUM: Acrylic on canvas. DESCRIPTION: Blue and black, no external frame. A figurative nude, the close up takes most of the canvas. It sits on a dark background in undefined surroundings. The blue woman sits flat as many of Matisse’s works do, favouring this style over the illusionistic depth to achieve his aim, here we see this replicated. Matisse is also noted for his use of colour as a means of expression rather than description. Here we have a woman painted all in blue, with this knowledge we could say the artist has painted his subject as someone who has been captured in a very relaxed, very calm version of herself, an ocean onto herself, mysterious and captivating in this moment. Her arm slung confidently above and around her head, her view directly facing the viewer provocatively. The only other colour on her other than the thick black lines which outline and shadow her contours, is the circular red of her earring -mirroring the generous sweeping curves of the work. The presence of visible brushstrokes produces a sense of movement and energy as well as providing a decorative quality to the painting.Signed and dated on bottom proper left of center of image (on reverse of canvas).acrylic, darvall, matisse

Thomas Arnott (Also known as Thomas Amott and Monsieur Du Pree) was the Wizard of the South who performed in Ballarat in 1855. A convict who served in Tasmania, he was a magician performing one of the earliest known magic shows in Australia. Thomas Amott was found guilty of grand larceny, and sentenced to transportation for seven years. He sailed to Australia on vessel 'Asia'. The register and conduct record noted that Amott was a Protestant, married, 5’11” tall with a mole on his neck , well behaved in both the Hulks and on the ship. The only disciplinary action noted in his conduct record was a fairly lenient two hours in public stocks for insolence to his assigned master in Hobart. The 'Asia' sailed from Portsmouth on 17 August 1827 and arrived at Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) on 07 December, offloading 198 convicts. Amott was assigned to work as a compositor in Hobart for James Ross, a Scottish free immigrant to Van Diemen’s Land in 1822. In April 1833 Amott was granted a ticket of leave, giving him increased freedom of movement in the colony prior to his being granted final Certificate of Freedom at the end of May 1834. He re-married at the Holy Trinity Church Hobart on 02 December 1833. Permission had been sought back in 1830 to marry Catherine (or Caroline) Fitzallen, a convict whose ticket-of-leave was granted in 1831. (This record draws on the research of Mary Christine Patterson)Copy of an entertainment poster and Licence to hold Theatrical Entertainments. wizard of the south, thomas arnott, thomas amott, monsieur du pree, entertainment

The Bow Tie is a type of men's necktie that consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar in a symmetrical manner such that the two opposite ends form loops. Ready-tied Bow ties are available, in which the distinctive Bow is sewn and a band goes around the neck and clips to secure. Bow ties may be made of any fabric material, but most are made from silk, polyester, cotton, or a mixture of fabrics. The Bow tie originated among Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th century when the Croat mercenaries used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. This was soon adopted under the name cravat, derived from the French for "Croat", by the upper classes in France, then a leader in fashion, and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most traditional Bow ties are usually of a fixed length and are made for a specific size neck. Sizes can vary between approximately 14 and 20 inches just like a comparable shirt collar. Fixed-length Bow ties are preferred when worn with the most formal wing-collar shirts, so as not to expose the buckle or clasp of an adjustable Bow tie. Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, paediatricians, lawyers, professors musicians and by people hoping to look like the above and clowns also wear oversized ones. In the 1980’s fashionable and professional women wore a type of Bow tie. Most men only wear Bow ties with formal dress. A man's pre-tied black bow tie with a metal spring clip to attach to the shirt collar. The 2 spring clips have 'alligator teeth' to grip the collaron spring clip MADE IN AUSTRALIA SPRINGmenswear, clothing, bow ties, cheltenham, moorabbin, bentleigh, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, male neckwear

The Bow Tie is a type of men's necktie that consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar in a symmetrical manner such that the two opposite ends form loops. Ready-tied Bow ties are available, in which the distinctive Bow is sewn and a band goes around the neck and clips to secure. Bow ties may be made of any fabric material, but most are made from silk, polyester, cotton, or a mixture of fabrics. The Bow tie originated among Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th century when the Croat mercenaries used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. This was soon adopted under the name cravat, derived from the French for "Croat", by the upper classes in France, then a leader in fashion, and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most traditional Bow ties are usually of a fixed length and are made for a specific size neck. Sizes can vary between approximately 14 and 20 inches just like a comparable shirt collar. Fixed-length Bow ties are preferred when worn with the most formal wing-collar shirts, so as not to expose the buckle or clasp of an adjustable Bow tie. Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, paediatricians, lawyers, professors musicians and by people hoping to look like the above and clowns also wear oversized ones. In the 1980’s fashionable and professional women wore a type of Bow tie. Most men only wear Bow ties with formal dress. A pre tied white Bow tie sewn on a neckband with an elastic clip fastenermenswear, clothing, bow ties, cheltenham, moorabbin, bentleigh, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, male neckwear

The Bow Tie is a type of men's necktie that consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar in a symmetrical manner such that the two opposite ends form loops. Ready-tied bow ties are available, in which the distinctive bow is sewn and a band goes around the neck and clips to secure. Bow ties may be made of any fabric material, but most are made from silk, polyester, cotton, or a mixture of fabrics. The Bow tie originated among Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th century when the Croat mercenaries used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. This was soon adopted under the name cravat, derived from the French for "Croat", by the upper classes in France, then a leader in fashion, and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most traditional Bow ties are usually of a fixed length and are made for a specific size neck. Sizes can vary between approximately 14 and 20 inches just like a comparable shirt collar. Fixed-length Bow ties are preferred when worn with the most formal wing-collar shirts, so as not to expose the buckle or clasp of an adjustable bow tie. Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, lawyers, paediatricians, professors musicians and by people hoping to look like the above and clowns also wear oversized ones. In the 1980’s fashionable and professional women wore a type of Bow tie. Most men only wear Bow ties with formal dress. This white bow tie is a 'fixed length' type that needs to be tied by the person wearing it. MAKO SIZE 15 1/2 menswear, clothing, shirts, collars, early settlers, fashion, cheltenham, moorabbin, dairy farmers, market gardeners, bow ties, mako pty ltd

The Bow Tie is a type of men's necktie that consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar in a symmetrical manner such that the two opposite ends form loops. Ready-tied bow ties are available, in which the distinctive bow is sewn and a band goes around the neck and clips to secure. Bow ties may be made of any fabric material, but most are made from silk, polyester, cotton, or a mixture of fabrics. The Bow tie originated among Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th century when the Croat mercenaries used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. This was soon adopted under the name cravat, derived from the French for "Croat", by the upper classes in France, then a leader in fashion, and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most traditional Bow ties are usually of a fixed length and are made for a specific size neck. Sizes can vary between approximately 14 and 20 inches just like a comparable shirt collar. Fixed-length Bow ties are preferred when worn with the most formal wing-collar shirts, so as not to expose the buckle or clasp of an adjustable bow tie. Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, lawyers, paediatricians, professors musicians and by people hoping to look like the above and clowns also wear oversized ones. In the 1980’s fashionable and professional women wore a type of Bow tie. Most men only wear Bow ties with formal dress. A man's pre tied black bow tie with an elastic fastening clipmenswear, neckties, bow ties, cheltenham. moorabbin, bentleigh

The pupils of Falconer Street Central School No.3918 in North Fitzroy rehearse with conductress Miss Ida Park for their performance at the Temperance Hall, Russell Street Melbourne with proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Fund. The house on the right of the photograph is Jubilee House, 126 Michael Street North Fitzroy and is extant. Photographer notations on slide: Choir At Fitzroy State School 1933 B5 While this photograph appears not to have been published, a photograph taken from a different angle of the same event was published in The Age 21 July 1933. SCHOOL CHILDREN SING IN THE OPEN AIR. “A choir of children at North Fitzroy practise their songs for a Pantomime, to be given in the Temperance Hall for the Lord Mayor's Fund on Wednesday next. On the extreme left is the conductress of the Choir (Miss Ida Park).” Reference: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204368572 Research by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer: Children of The Falconer Street Central School Choral Society, trained by conductress Miss Ida Park, along with dance and gymnastics pupils of Misses Dorothy Gibb and Inez Ellis, performed in the “Cinderella” pantomime at the Temperance Hall in Russell Street, Melbourne on 26 July, 1933. The proceeds went to the Lord Mayor’s Fund. Conductress Miss Ida Park (1904- 1952) lived in the North Fitzroy and Clifton Hill area all her life. She was immersed in the music world of Melbourne and was a member of the Musical Society of Victoria. Ida graduated from Melbourne University Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1929 before departing for London where she studied piano and organ at the Royal Academy of Music. Ida returned to Melbourne in 1931, and billed as “The Gifted Young Australian Pianist”, held pianoforte recitals of classical music at Assembly Hall, Collins Street. She also played the organ for services at St Paul’s Independent Church in Delbridge Street, North Fitzroy and later St Luke’s, North Fitzroy. Ida conducted the children of the Falconer Street Central School Choral Society as they competed in the State School Choral Championships and the 85 children of the Fitzroy City Centenary Choir who sang at Melbourne’s Centenary celebrations of 1934/35. In 1945, Ida married Charles Hazeldine, a tenor and returned digger who had served in two world wars. The pair performed together in many concerts over the years. Tragically, both Ida and Charles were badly injured when struck by a car while crossing Queens Parade Clifton Hill in June 1952, with Ida dying from head injuries at St Vincent’s Hospital soon after. She was 48 years old. Charles wrote on Ida’s death notice - “Called home.” The choir were pupils of Falconer Street Central School No. 3918 in North Fitzroy which was built in 1915 to provide upper primary education for grades 5 to 8 for the area. In 1957 it became Fitzroy High School. In 1992, the Kennett Government swept to power, embarking on a program of fiscal austerity and privatisation of government services. 390 government schools were closed, with the land proposed to be sold to developers. 7000 teachers were sacked: 10% of Victoria’s public school teachers. Auxiliary school staff also lost their jobs. Amongst the first to close was Fitzroy High School. Fearful that the land would be sold, hundreds of students, parents, teachers and local residents occupied the building around-the-clock in four hour shifts and overnight for 14 months, sleeping on gym mats in the principal’s office and administrators’ wing. The blockade was lifted when a arrangement was reached to allow Kangan Batman TAFE to use the school from 1993 until 1998. With the election of the Bracks Government in 1999, and construction of new buildings, Fitzroy High School was reopened in 2004 after a 12 year battle. Temperance Hall, at 172 Russell Street, where the children performed “Cinderella”, was built in 1872 by the Melbourne Total Abstinence Society as a venue for lectures, meetings and alcohol-free community concerts and events. From 1934, Temperance Hall was fitted out as a cinema and renamed the Imperial Theatre, showing popular Hollywood films, before closing in 1939 for renovations and reopening as the Savoy Theatre, Melbourne’s first “Continental” talkies cinema. At this time, Australian cinema programming was dominated by American and British films. The lessees, Continental Film Art Theatre began negotiating for theatre properties in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland to screen foreign language films, hoping to present the finest productions from France, Germany, Holland and Italy. At the cost of £6000, the theatre was fitted with the latest Mirrophonic sound and projection system and enlarged to seat 800 patrons with luxurious, ultra modern fittings and furnishings in a colour palette of rust and beige. Instead of usherettes, General Manager Peter Dawson, hoping to bring a sophisticated European atmosphere to the theatre, employed attractive, multilingual “Continental hostesses” to assist guests (not patrons) and answer queries relating to the films. Collectively the hostesses spoke English, French, Dutch, German, Russian and Italian. The Age 20 May 1939- “Atmosphere is a very important part of the theatre's scheme. Ushers in the ordinary sense will not be employed; hostesses will look upon patrons as guests. They will be dressed in full evening dress, and the only indication that they are not guests is the little medallion pinned to their evening dress, on which their names are inscribed.” The hostesses were dressed in evening gowns of olive-green velvet, the full skirts embroidered with gold loops, wine velvet bolero jackets and long white kid gloves with silvery tiaras in their hair. For guests worried that they may not understand the plot, the management assured patrons that- “By means of superimposed English translations on the bottom of the screen, the dialogue is perfectly understandable and the whole witty story can be followed with ease.” The Gala opening of the Savoy Theatre, on 31 May 1939 was attended by a “who’s who” of Melbourne Society, the women wearing beautiful gowns, headdresses and furs. Amongst the guests were former premier Sir Stanley Argyle and Lady Argyle, former Lord Mayor Sir Harold Gengoult-Smith and his wife Cynthia, Field Marshall Thomas Blamey and Lady Blamey and Miss Jessie Brookes. The Vice Consul for France, Monsieur Frank Puaux and his wife attended, Madame Puaux dressed in a black satin gown and a musquash fur cape. She was presented with a beautiful bouquet of scarlet carnations and lily of the valley tied with the tricolour of France. In his speech Monsieur Puaux stated that “from the cultural, linguistic and artistic points of view it was excellent that the Australian public should have an opportunity to see foreign film in the original language.” “Letty” writing in Table Talk magazine described the atmosphere of “Continental” gaiety that had permeated Melbourne - “The Letters of Letty”, Table Talk 8 June 1939 “The “foreign influence” is definitely obtruding itself into the even tenor of Melbourne life these days…. but in the pleasantest manner possible! Included in the great number of Continental people who have recently made their homes here, we have stars of the Russian ballet settling in our midst…. and now… we have been presented with our own Continental picture theatre in the attractive shape of The Savoy, which opened its doors on Wednesday night for the exclusive release of foreign films. One could hardly recognise the old Temperance Hall in its adaptation to the smart, comfortable and thoroughly-intriguing Savoy Theatre. Where once this rather draughty old building stood in Russell Street there now greets us an unmistakable “Continental” edifice, living up to its exterior by sustaining within its walls its overseas’ atmosphere. Indeed, one feels as though one has crossed the threshold into a European city, stepping out of the unmistakably Australian street that is Russell into The Savoy lounge to be greeted by polite “messieurs” from the attractive, Continental-looking usherettes and to gaze upon a film as delightfully French in story and presentation as “La Kermesse Heroique.” But successful though “La Kermesse Heroique” proved on its initial presentation inside the theatre, the debut was no more triumphal than that made by the winning and pretty little French lass who had charge of the booking office outside in the foyer. With her attractive accent and Continental flair for making one “feel at home” she was undoubtedly one of the hits of the night-especially with the susceptible males, who spent very much longer in the lounge than is customary, racking their brains for excuses for making conversation with the attractive Parisienne! Those French girls certainly have a way with them!” The opening film, the 1935 French comedy “La Kermesse Heroique”, (The Heroic Sex) starring Francoise Rosay and Jean Murat (film now called “Carnival in Flanders”) was the winner of the Grand Prix du Cinema Francais as the finest picture of 1936 and described in the advertisement as “The Gay French Comedy of Laughter and Romance” The film is set during the 17th century Spanish occupation of Flanders in the Flemish town of Boom at the time of their annual festival. Hearing news of a pending visit to Boom by the commander, the Duke of Olivares and his army, and fearing rape and pillage, the boorish burgomaster feigns his own death, hoping the Spaniards will bypass the grieving town out of respect. The army arrives and the cowardly men of the town flee. The womenfolk decide on a different approach. Lead by the burgomaster’s beautiful wife Cornelia, they set out to to preserve the peace with grace and hospitality only to find the Spaniards attractive and virile, unlike their own husbands. The Sun newspaper described the film as “Mellow as a Stilton cheese, and as ripely suited to adult taste.” Preceding “La Kermesse Heroique” was a Gaumont British newsreel of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth departing for a tour of Canada and the Soviet documentary “Nine Months on a Drifting Ice Floe” During the war “Continental” films became difficult to source, so the Savoy screened Hollywood movies and held fund raisers for the war effort. After World War Two, the Savoy continued to screen “Continental” films, catering to post-war immigrants from Europe and bohemian Melburnians. In 1953, the Savoy had a wildly popular season with queues winding around the block to see Swedish summer romance “One Summer of Happiness” (Hon dansade en sommar) with its nude swimming scenes. The Chief Commonwealth Censor declined to cut the film on the grounds that although it displayed nudity, it was genuinely artistic. According to Wikipedia, film director Fred Schepisi was first exposed to European films such as “Bicycle Thieves”, “Rocco and His Brothers” and “The Wages of Fear” at the Savoy as a teenager, leading to his long career in filmmaking. In 1955, in response to the massive rise in car ownership, the Melbourne City Council recommended that parking stations be built on every block. The Savoy Theatre and adjacent buildings, which included the Golden Fleece Hotel were demolished in 1963 and replaced with Total House, a Brutalist commercial building consisting of a seven storey car park crowned by a four storey office block, shops at street level, and a basement theatre which housed the Lido Theatre Restaurant-Cabaret from 1965. The building was designed by architectural firm Bogle & Banfield Associates and named for the original tenant of the offices, French oil company, Total Oil Products P/L. The Lido Theatre Restaurant was managed by former Tivoli dancer and promoter David Hamilton McIlwraith, presenting dinner and a glamorous cabaret floor show of showgirls, (some topless) to accompany variety acts by local and international actors, singers, comedians and magicians. The interior of the Lido was opulently decorated in deep, lush green with old world gold trim and chandeliers. Handily, patrons could enter and leave via an elevator, straight from the building’s own car park! A four course gourmet dinner with show and dancing cost $8.00 in 1968. The Lido advertised in 1966 that “Every visitor to Melbourne soon discovers the brightest entertainment spot in the Southern Hemisphere with its million dollar decor, dining delights and spectacular stage productions.” Australian Jewish News - 21 April 1967 - “Superb decor and atmosphere, cuisine and service have been readily recognised as the contributing factors to the excellence of stage presentations, staging, costumes, decor and, of course, the actual choice of artists.” The bedazzling ensemble of 40 high-kicking, feathered and sequinned showgirls were advertised as the “Fabulous Lido girls and the controversial Baretop Lido Goddesses” who were described as “Statuesque Beauty as Nature intended” and “…a host of glamorous gals whose favourite shade is flesh pink.” Some of the acts who performed at the Lido were- -Broken Hill’s own - opera singer June Bronhill -1967. -Versatile singer Lovelace Watkins known as “Black Sinatra - 1967. -“Queen of the five-fingered boogie", honky-tonk and rollicking rag-time pianist, Winifred Atwell - 1967. -New Zealand pop duo, Bill and Boyd -1968. -American actress and soprano Kathryn Grayson -1968. -Denise Drysdale in “Say It With Music” -1968. -“Catwoman” Eartha Kitt -1969. -Internationally recognised female impersonator, Sydneysider Tracey Lee, (Maxwell Richie) billed as "controversial impressionist and singing personality from the famous Carousel Nightspot in Paris". -Frances Faye, American comedienne and show-tune singer and pianist-1969. -“Cry Guy” histrionic singer Johnnie Ray -1970. -Risqué revue “Oh Calcutta!” with some segments and the “four letter” words removed-1970. In 1970, under new management, the Lido was renovated with claret and gold wallpaper, midnight blue ceiling and a computerised fountain with fairy lights and relaunched by “The Tigress from Tiger Bay”, Shirley Bassey. The relaunch was short lived however, as later that year the venue became El Toro Espana, a Spanish restaurant and nightclub offering a four course meal for $4.50 while you watched the floorshow. The venue then briefly became the Red Garter Music Hall Theatre from 1972, then in 1974 the site became the 600 seat Total Theatre comprising of a cinema with a stage for live acts. There were also three bars to choose from - the Crush Bar, the Bleachers and the Snake Pit. Total Theatre had the unusual concept of a live music act, or plays, musicals and magicians followed by a film. In 1975 soprano Suzanne Steele featured, followed by the film “The Voyage” starring Sophia Loren and Richard Burton. In 1975, the Total held a rock film festival showing a Jimi Hendrix documentary, “Monterey Pop Festival”, “Pink Floyd in Pompeii” and more. In 1976, 17 year old Chrissy Amphlett, later of rock band Divinyls, played the role of Linda Lips for nine months in the Australian stage production of R-rated “sexual musical”, “Let My People Come” at the Total Theatre. The Total Theatre closed in 1979 and from 1980 to 2014 the venue became Billboard Nightclub, hosting local and international acts, including INXS, Tina Turner and John Farnham, and in 2009, 18 year old Taylor Swift. The venue is now called 170 Russell and presents hundreds of live local and international acts every year. In 2014, after being under threat of demolition, Total House was listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as “a landmark of post-World War II modernist design and…one of the earliest and best expressions of Brutalist architecture in Victoria”. References: RICHARD CROOKS ARRIVES SCHOOL AGAIN VENUE OF ROYAL VISIT (1939, May 31). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205629696 AMUSEMENTS. (1933, July 27). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved September 19, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204378853 https://larzra.wordpress.com/origins/ CONTINENTAL HOSTESSES, (1939, May 31). The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954; 1956), p. 27. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article278189387 The Letters of Letty (1939, June 8). Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), p. 12. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article149320966 SAVOY THEATRE (1939, June 1). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved September 19, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205639035 NEW THEATRE OPENED (1939, June 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 8. Retrieved September 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134234 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_House Page [?] TOUCH OF SPAIN (1970, December 18). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 35. Retrieved September 23, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262493757 No title (1935, June 11). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244840169 Dine, wine, and watch a stage show (1966, November 16). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 6. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article44025050 http://jonathanbollen.net/2011/02/26/tracey-lee/ LIDO ‘ART’ (1967, April 21). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 8. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article263003136 THE FABULOUS LIDO (1965, October 22). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 17. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262983995 No title (1939, May 31). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 6. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134144 #NEW THEATRE OPENED (1939, June 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 8. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134234 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracey_Lee_(female_impersonator) https://citycollection.melbourne.vic.gov.au/35b-40h-image-of-a-model-for-the-total-house-offices-and-car-park-on-russell-street/ https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/from-the-archives-1990-s-hundreds-of-school-closures-hit-victoria-20190801-p52cwj.html http://jonathanbollen.net/2011/05/29/the-lido-melbourne/Photographer notations on slide: primary schools, schools, music, education, choirs, fitzroy, cars, theatre restaurants, venues, films