CAARP
Cinema and Audience Research Project

1915: Converted from an existing warehouse to a two tiered cinema

Originally opening as a Paramount theatre under the management of J.C. Williamsons Films and owned by Electric Theatres Limited. On opening it had seated 1500 but in 1921 alterations took place to permit a further 400 seats.

The theatre was renovated and renamed the Lyceum by Hoyts in 1932 .

In 1936 Snider and Dean Pty Ltd took over the theatre and running it for many years before returning it again to Hoyts control.

The Lyceum mainly screened move over programs from other theatres or revivals. In the 50's and 60's the Lyceum screened many MGM releases. On November 5, 1963 the Lyceum closed.

The venue was renamed the Cleopatra in 1964 opening February 28. It opened with the screening of the film Cleopatra.

The Paris opened with The Sound of Music on April 17, 1965.

With troubles over lease agreements, Hoyts were forced to vacate the venue. Its last months were spent screening revivals.

The Paris closed January 28, 1970.

Now the Tivoli arcade.

Film Weekly records the following changes in capacity:

1946/7 = 1386
1949/50 = 1356
1951/2 = 1358
1964/5 = 907

References
1916 'OPENING A PICTURE THEATRE.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 13 April, p. 12, viewed 11 October, 2011, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15646515

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

Film Weekly (6 December 1951, p. 16.) reports in the popularity of midnight shows. Lyceum showing Friday night horror films

Film Weekly, Film Weekly: motion picture directory, Film Weekly, Sydney. 1946/7-1968/9

Manzie, K 1953, 'Jackpot query on MGM theatre lease,' "Film Weekly," April 30, 1953.
Manzie, K 1957, 'Melb. Lyceum in big property sale', Film Weekly, November 21, 1957.

Thorne, R 1981, Cinemas of Australia via USA, pp.11-12, pp.252-253.

Walters, T 1999, 'The Lyceum theatre, Bourke Street Melbourne', CinemaRecord, no. 24, p. 13.