Capri Theatre

Infobox Modern building
name = Capri Theatre
location_town = 141 Goodwood Road, Goodwood (Adelaide), South Australia
location_country = Australia
builder = R J Nurse
architect = Chris Smith
completion_date = 1941
style = Art Deco

The Capri Theatre is a cinema in Goodwood, a suburb of Adelaide, South Australia, built in the "Art Deco" style.

It is owned by the Theatre Organ Society of Australia (South Australian Division) Inc, which bills the cinema as a "Unique Entertainment Showplace in the World".

A feature of the cinema is the Wurlitzer theatre organ, which is used regularly for recitals, as well as an entertainment feature supporting the screening of films.

Several times a year, the cinema presents "Nostalgia Movie Nights", when popular classic films are shown, in a programme with supporting short films, a newsreel and nostalgic advertising.

History

Opening of the cinema

The cinema opened in October 1941 as the "Star Theatre", and it was part of the Clifford Theatre Circuit.

At the time of opening, the seating capacity was 1,472 persons.

Greater Union acquired the cinema in 1947, as part of their acquisition of the Clifford Circuit.

The cinema was renamed as the "New Curzon" in 1964, then again as the "Cinema Capri" in 1967.

Acquisition by the Theatre Organ Society

The Theatre Organ Society of Australia (South Australian Division) Inc. purchased the cinema in 1978, and they relaunched the cinema as the "Capri Theatre".

Installation of the Mighty Wurlitzer

The Theatre Organ Society installed a Wurlitzer theatre organ, with the pipe work in glass fronted chambers along each side of the screen.The inaugural concert took place in April 1983.

The organ is the second largest theatre organ in Australia.

It is regarded as one of the finest theatre organs in the world.

Heritage listing

In 1990, the cinema was placed on the South Australian State Heritage Register.

Features of the Cinema

The cinema offers a unique combination of modern cinema presentation capacity in an authentic Art Deco heritage building, as well as a venue for concerts and recitals featuring the Wurlitzer theatre organ console as centrepiece of the stage.

Configuration and capacity

The cinema is a single screen cinema, with 782 seats on two levels.

There is a stage at the front of the cinema, with an approximate area of 88 square metres.

Modern cinematic presentation features

The cinema has many modern features:

* Platter projection system
* Dolby digital stereo sound system
* 3-D projection capability
* Deluxe lounge seats, including double "love seats".

Authentic Art Deco restoration

While the cinema has modern presentation features, its appearance has been carefully restored to its 1941 Art Deco design, including:

* Exterior and interior decoration restored to original 1941 colours and styles
* Original 1941 design carpeting
* Replica 1941 Art Deco fireplace, mirror & wooden Venetians in the upstairs foyer
* Club Lounges and replica 1941 round column seating in both foyers

Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

The organ comprises 29 pipes, which are installed on each side of the stage. The pipes are visible during performances featuring the organ.

It is the second largest theatre organ in Australia.

The organ console is located below centre stage, and is elevated from beneath the stage for performances.

Operation and programming

The cinema operates mainstream cinema programming (with programming consultancy from Wallis Cinemas).

In addition, the cinema is used for concerts featuring the "Mighty Wurlitzer" organ.

ee also

* Wallis Cinemas South Australian cinema circuit
* Movie theatre
* Theatre organ

Reference sources and external links

* [http://www.capri.org.au/ Capri Theatre website]
* [http://theatreorgansociety.capri.org.au/ Theatre Organ Society website]
* [http://www.heritage.gov.au/cgi-bin/ahpi/record.pl?SA10670 Australian Heritage Places Inventory entry]