CINERAMA – A BACKYARD RENAISSANCE (THE NAKED CITY)

In today’s world where digital technology abounds and is moving at a sometimes frightening pace, we often turn up our noses at the so called technological innovations of the past. Compared to the current computerised rampage they often look cumbersome and primitive. Yet back in the 1950s for example many were greeted with amazement and fascination by the public at large. Such was the case when a brand new cinema experience called ‘Cinerama’ was introduced to Sydney in 1958.

The original system which involved three interlocked 35 mm cameras equipped with 27 mm lenses, was pioneered in the US in 1952 with the screening of ‘This Is Cinerama’ on Broadway. It was the same movie that captured the imagination of Sydneysiders when it premiered at the Plaza Cinema on George Street some six years later.

The Hoyts Plaza itself was one of Sydney’s grandest picture palaces and first opened in 1930 with a screening of Cecil B. DeMille’s ‘Dynamite’. Like many of the classic Sydney cinemas of its time it eventually succumbed to the sad fate of ‘progress’ – as Maxie’s Roller Disco in the late 70s, followed by the cringe worthy Planet Hollywood and its current manifestation as a McDonalds.

Yet in the early 60s it was one of the hottest tickets in town, for cinema goers of all ages. As a youngster at the time I can still remember the three projector images which occasionally would slip out of sync and bring on a kind of cinematic sea sickness. Nevertheless it was a marvel at the time as the big 76ft curved screen immersed you directly into the action of movies like ‘How The West Was Won’.

As a three projector phenomenon the original Cinerama was relatively short-lived and only a small number of features were filmed in this medium. Nevertheless the descriptor ‘Cinerama’ was retained when the wide screen presentation was surpassed by a 70mm single projector and a string of movies were advertised in that format. The technology might have been an advance but the original wrap around projection was gone. At the Plaza in Sydney there was no need for the ‘old school’ three projector plant and as the story goes, they called in Sims Metal to remove it as scrap.

Enter Sydney projectionist and tech wizard John Mitchell who was able to intervene, purchasing the entire Cinerama plant for reportedly what would have been its scrap value. In a monumental piece of relocation John was able to move the massive three projector set up to the garage of his home on the North Shore and convert it to his own backyard Cinerama – a remarkable technical achievement in its own right.

John was also able to salvage a number of the now extremely rare three strip Cinerama prints including ‘The Wonderful World Of The Brothers Grimm’. His efforts in preserving the Cinerama legacy attracted worldwide attention amongst collectors and film historians – but best of all, for Sydneysiders that is, he staged a series of magical backyard screenings. Local videographer ‘Uncle’ Pete Robinson is one punter who fondly remembers attending a number of these nights which were free to all. “We’d bring a plate a food, there was always complimentary tea and coffee and you would spread out on some plastic sheeting to enjoy an incredible experience”.

Over the past half century so much of Sydney’s cultural history has been lost to reckless development, shady deals and stupid if not corrupt politicians. Many classic old picture palaces have been torn down and replaced by soulless commercial buildings and apartments. We should be eternally grateful to those tireless enthusiasts like John Mitchell who saved and preserved a unique part of that history and allowed others to enjoy it many years later. Sadly John passed away a few years ago but hopefully his backyard Cinerama will survive under the safe guarding of another equally passionate enthusiast or Australian museum.

For further info on the rise and fall of projected film check out the excellent 2022 documentary ‘Splice Here – A Projected Odyssey’ – https://splicehere.website/

Footnote: Event Cinemas have recently introduced ScreenX, claiming an Australia first and a revolutionary way to experience blockbusters on the big screen. It features three screens across three walls of the cinema, with selected scenes filling your peripheral vision and immersing you in the action. Sounds familiar?