Westgarth Theatre
Melbourne, Australia
Built in 1921 by local builder John Seccull the Westgarth Picture Theatre was officially opened on October 20, 1921, the main feature being "Anne of Green Gables". Refurbished in 1929, there is a myth that Walter Burley Griffin was associated with this refurbishment, the first " talkie " was screened in September that year. An additional storey was added during the 1930s. The cinema was bought in the 1960s by Peter Yiannoudes and gave the Greek population of Northcote an opportunity to see films in their own language. In 1987 The Valhalla Cinema moved from Richmond into the Westgarth screening art-house, nostalgic, foreign and cult movies. In 2006, it was bought by Palace Cinemas who reopened it after adding 2 more cinemas within the building while retaining its integrity.