Historical information

These glass slides were made to be used at interval time at the Capitol Theatre in Kepler Street, Warrnambool. The Capitol Theatre (originally the Warrnambool Theatre) was erected in 1930 on the site occupied by the Hotel Mansions which included a Palais de Danse and a Mansions Theatre. All were destroyed by fire in 1929. The Capitol Theatre was built in the Spanish Mission style and is one of the few surviving Spanish Mission style theatres in Victoria. However the interior was largely altered in 1994 when the Capitol was converted into a three-screen complex. But some decorative features of the old interior were kept and these included the original proscenium. Stan Stevens and his family were associated with the Capitol Theatre management for many years from 1972. The Capitol Theatre still operates today.

Significance

These slides are of considerable importance as they are a wonderful example of picture theatre-going in the 1940s and 50s when slides were shown during the interval times and many of these were locally made. The reason for showing the words of songs is not known but it is presumed they had sing-a-longs during the intervals, possibly to boost morale during the days of World War Two. The advertising slides are of particular interest and feature such local businesses as the Woollen Mill, Sungold Dairies, E.A. Wright Motors and Alex Donaldson Timber and Hardware Supplies.

Physical description

These are small square glass slides (numbered1 to 92) which were shown in the 1940s at the Capitol Theatre in Warrnambool at interval time (advertisements, words of songs etc). Some of the slides have been professionally produced and some, especially the words of songs, have been hand-made and handwritten or typed. Some are in colour and some are blank. In others the contents have been obscured or obliterated. Most of the slides have been taped around the edges and some have more sturdy frames made of tape.