Windback Wednesday - Ozone Theatre

The Princess Theatre (today known as the Regal Theatre) opened in 1925. Three years later Ozone Amusements purchased the theatre following the liquidation of the previous owners, National Theatres. The theatre was renamed the Marryatville Ozone and adapted for "talkies", though it remained silent film capable.

In 1941 the Ozone Theatre underwent a major redevelopment. The firm F. Kenneth Milne Architects undertook the upgrade, transforming the theatre "beyond all recognition" into the classic Art Deco style which has been maintained to this day. The renovations were undertaken in stages, ensuring the Ozone remained open for film screenings throughout.

Hoyts Group purchased the theatre in 1951, but kept the name Ozone. In 1955 the original screen was removed, and a new wider proscenium was placed in front. CinemaScope (an anamorphic lens for widescreen movies) was also installed.

By the early 1960s, many local cinemas were experiencing financial struggles. Rumours began to surface that the Marryatville Ozone would be purchased by Amoco Petrol Company and replaced with a petrol station. In 1964, following a public campaign, Burnside Council purchased the theatre to save it from demolition and leased it back to the Hoyts cinema chain. Hoyts maintained the lease until 1971.

Photographs: Ozone Art Deco interior c.1941, Ozone exterior c.1970 and Hoyts Ozone snack bar c.1970. Burnside Local History Collection.