User:Mark/Ambassadors Theatre, Perth

The Ambassadors Theatre was an atmospheric theatre in Perth, Western Australia. Opened in 1928, the cinema is believed to have been largely designed by John Eberson and adapted for local conditions by the proprietor, Union Theatres. The auditorium originally featured extensive decoration in a Florentine garden style, in addition to a replica of the Bridge of Sighs. The cinema was subsequently purchased by Hoyts and many of the decorative elements removed. The building was demolished in 1972.

Stuff

 * Other similar atmospheric theatres in Australia were the Capitol Theatre in Sydney and the State Theatre in Melbourne.
 * The interior of the auditorium was decorated in emulation of a Florentine garden, and featured replicas of fine European statues and paintings scattered around fine mouldings.
 * The curtains were crimson and featured an embroidered lyrebird.
 * The theatre also featured a large Wurlitzer organ which was played by Burt Howell, accompanied by a band. It would rise from the floor and was used to entertain moviegoers before the screening commenced.
 * The theatre was acquired by Hoyts.
 * The 1939 remodelling changed the fabric of the theatre: the previously Mediterranean facade was given a modern treatment, and removable decorations within the auditorium (such as the statues, stuffed birds and plants) were removed. The ceiling was also repainted from dark blue to light blue to emulate a morning sky.
 * The cinema became the first in the state to be equipped with Cinemascope in 1954.
 * The last movie screened at the cinema was Diamonds are Forever.
 * The cinema was bulldozed soon afterwards in 1972.
 * The site is today occupied by St Martins Arcade and Borders.