Majestic Picture Theatre, Heritage cinema in Malanda, Australia
The Majestic Picture Theatre is a timber-framed cinema at 1 Eacham Place in Malanda, clad in weatherboards with a gabled roof and a timber-clad parapet, built entirely of rainforest hardwoods. Its auditorium was designed to enhance air circulation, a "tropical" approach by architect Bob Hassall; builder Albie Halfpapp completed it in December 1929.
The cinema was built in 1929 and has remained a central part of town life since its opening. It was officially recognized and placed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 2010.
The name "Majestic" was borrowed from grander overseas theatres, a common practice for Queensland picture venues. Silent films were accompanied by an in-house pianist, and the Beale piano's casework was made from figured maple cut on Patrick English's own property. During World War II the hall hosted dances for U.S. servicemen based on the Atherton Tablelands.
The venue is easy to reach and has parking available near the main entrance for visitors. It is best to check ahead for current film schedules and any special events being held.
The Beale piano used to accompany silent films had its figured maple casework cut from Patrick English's own property and specially selected and sawn by him. From the early 1930s, a pair of Simplex 35 mm projectors with Western Electric sound units served the theatre until 1984.
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