CAARP
Cinema and Audience Research Project

The Grand was opened in 1911, it originally had room for 2000 but its stalls were later converted to shops reducing seating to 500 by 1986. The cinema was remodeled twice and closed for several years during the 1930s. It re-opened in 1936 by the Mayor of Footscray. Operated by Mr Ernest "Son" Yeomans. The Yeomans group affiliations included the Westgarth Theatre, the renovated Glen (Glenferrie) and they built and operated the Camden (Caulfield), the Vogue (Hawthorn) and The Sun (Yarraville). The Chelsea Plaza was also acquired around 1954.

It is mentioned in the Advertiser throughout April 1916 that the Grand Theatre was up for auction, however it failed to attract an eligible offer.

The Grand was re-opened in July 1935 under E. C. Yoemans after being closed for some years during the Depression.

Film Weekly records the following changes in capacity:
1946/47-1948/49 = 1170
1949/50 = 1290 (mistake?)
1951/52- 1969/70 = 1190
-71 = 500

Venue: Other Information
Converted to 1 level and Bingo hall -CATHS
Closing date according to Catrice (p. 206)

References

An unpublished book in the Bertrand, I Cinema file: Footscray (unpublished research) file looks at cinema going in Footscray leading up to the opening of the Grand Theatre, including articles on the theatre, people involved and screenings.

Biron, M 1986, 'Bingo a threat to Scray's Grand Cinema', Western Times, 22 October.

Catrice, D. 1991. Cinemas in Melbourne 1896-1942. Thesis (M.A.) Monash University, 1991.

Cinema & Theatre Historical Society 1997, Cinema index : Melbourne cinemas, suburban cinemas, Victorian drive-ins. CATHS, Victoria.

Film Weekly, Film Weekly: motion picture directory, Film Weekly, Sydney. 1946/7-1971

The Sun 1966, 'Remember the days of...Sweethearts', July 7, p. 22.
1910, Advertiser, October 29.
1916, Advertiser, April 15.