First ‘Drive In’ Theatre in Australia

First ‘Drive In’ Theatre in Townsville and in Australia.

TDB Thurs 14 Nov 1940
A SENSATIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT
concerning every Car Owner and every resident
in North Ward
THE ROXY THEATRE MANAGEMENT INTRODUCE FOR
THE FIRST TIME IN AUSTRALIA A
‘DRIVE-IN’ THEATRE
AT THE SPORTS GROUND
Next Friday Night and Also
Saturday Night
Every car owner may now enjoy motion pictures in comfort from
his own car and there are hundreds of seats for patrons without cars
at Popular Prices
The Programme will be the same as at the Roxy Theatre
‘THE DARK COMMAND’
and
‘Inspector Hornleigh on Holidays’
THIS NEW “DRIVE-IN” THEATRE IS A SENSATION IN AMERICA
AND THE ROXY MAKES THEATRE HISTORY IN AUSTRALIA
NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT.

TDB Fri 15 Nov 1940

Picture-goers will be catered for in a manner eminently suited to northern
summer conditions when Roxy Theatres Ltd. open their new Drive-in
Theatre at the Sports Ground, North Ward, to-night. Elsewhere in this
issue is an illustration of the huge Drive-in Theatre at Los Angeles which
prompted the Roxy management to give the same service to its patrons
in Townsville and, incidentally, to make the first venture in Australia in
this new sphere of cinema accommodation. Originally Drive-in Theatres
were designed to cater for the vast vehicular road traffic in California,
where thousands nightly view the talkies from their cars, but the idea
was also quickly ceased upon by people who dislike indoor congregations
and by others who found it inconvenient to attend theatres with
children, aged relatives or invalid family members for whom mobility
amongst crowds is a hardship. The new theatre at the Sports Ground
will serve all these cases for the big grandstand is available to those not
owning cars, while in addition, it will create a happy divertisement for
those who spend their leisure hours in the comfort of automobiles
which they are loth to leave once the soothing effect of the outdoor air
has been encountered. The official opening will be performed by
Mr. G. Keyatta, MLA.

TDB Mon 18 Nov 1940
ROXY THEATBE.
“THE DARK COMMAND” AND
“INSPECTOR HORNSLEIGH ON
HOLIDAYS.”
‘The Dark Command,’ Republic Pictures Epic drama of adventure
and undying love will be screened again at the Roxy Theatre
to-night. The strong cast is headed by Walter Pidgeon, John
Wayne and Claire Trevor, in the exciting story of a villain who lived
and loved, when adventure was a business and the West was young,
the story of a beautiful woman loved by two men, to one of whom
she gave her heart and to the other her hand in marriage in a
strangely desperate struggle for the happiness that was denied her;
the story of a woman who was fascinated by a man she was shamed
to love. ‘The Dark Command’ is at once stirring drama and a moving
romance, with all the adventure and excitement of the colorful
American West of the period thrown into to make it a potpourri of
first class entertainment.
The associate attraction, ‘Inspector Hornslelgh on Holidays.’ gives
the popular Inspector and his bungling comic aide. Sergeant
Bingham, scope for even more baffling and exciting mystery than
any of the earlier pictures of the series. The story runs from mystery
to mystery and finally to a surprising conclusion.
An outstanding feature of the supporting featurettes will be the
screening of Walt Disney’s world famous cartoon ‘The
Three Little Pigs.’ A War News will complete the programme.
To-morrow night will see the presentation of ‘Let’s Go Gay,’ a stage
show in aid of the Patriotic Fund. Wednesday night’s gift night
programme will be screened at the Roxy Theatre and the Drive-In
Theatre at North Ward.

TDB Fri 22 Nov 1940
AMUSEMENTS
ROXY
SESSIONS at 1.45 and 7.45 p.m.
TODAY AND TO-NIGHT.
Also To-morrow at Prices from 1/-
United Artists Glorious Technicolor Masterpiece
‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’
A Motion Picture you may never see again in Townsville,
and certainly, one that your Whole Family will enjoy and
never forget.
Associate Mystery Drama that’s Exciting and Daringly
Different :
‘STREET OF MISSING MEN’
Plus: Latest Air Mail War News, Cartoon, etc.
The Roxy Theatre Management have Pride and Pleasure
in announcing to the Car Owners and Residents of North
Ward that the Above Complete Programme will be
presented with Perfect Sound and Vision
TO-MORROW, SATURDAY EVENING
At Popular Prices From 1/-.
To Reserve for North Ward’s Drive-In Theatre, Ring 89
Now.

TDB Sat 23 Nov 1940
ROXY’ AND “DRIVE-IN” THEATBE.
‘THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAW
YER’ AND ‘STREET OF MISSING
MEN.’
Mark Twain’s brilliant production ‘The Adventures of
Tom Sawyer’ starring Tommy Kelly, Jackie Moran, Gay Robson
and Victor Jory, will be screened again to-night at the Roxy
Theatre. Its characters cleverly portrayed, this film is one
of the year’s outstanding motion pictures.
The type of story that is particularly popular with the younger
members of the audiences ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ is
filmed in glorious technicolor.
The support is a thrilling, virile story concerning the
regeneration of a gangster through the hero worship of a
newsboy entitled ‘Street of Missing Men.’ It stars
Charles Bickford, Harry Carey, Tommy Ryan, Mabel Todd
and Quinn Williams,
Also screening are an air mail war news, cartoon and serial.
‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ and ‘Somewhere In
Sonora’ starring John Wayne, will be screened to-night at
the ‘Drive-In’ theatre, the only one in Australia, In the
Sports Reserve, North Ward. An innovation designed to meet
the convenience of car owners, this theatre enables movie
goers to witness the entertainment from the comfort of their
own vehicles.

TDB Wed 4 Dec 1940
ROXY THEATBE.
‘REMEMBER’ AND ‘ELEPHANTS NEVER
FORGET.’
To-night at ‘the popular Roxy Theatre will be the weekly gift
night when there will be the usual array of valuable gifts
for lucky patrons. A programme will also be presented at the
North Ward Drive-In Theatre, family prices of 1/- and 1/6
prevailing at both theatres. The chief attractions will feature
Robert Taylor, Greer Garson and Lew Ayres in ‘Remember.’
The second film will present the ever welcome comedy team
Harry Langdon and Oliver Hardy in ‘Elephants Never Forget’.
The story of this smart comedy unfolds in Carterville in the
year 1870. Oliver Hardy plays the role of Dr. Tibbett, a genial
easy-going medico who has two great loves in life— his
daughter and the Declaration of independence. His life how
ever becomes deeply involved with intrigue and publicity
when the town’s society arbiters learn that the doctor has
treated an elephant. Further complications follow when the
elephant breaks away and hunts out the medico at his home
to show her gratitude. ‘Remember’ unfolds a plot dealing with
the trials of modem married life. The story has added
excellence by bright dialogue, hilarious comedy and a warmly
romantic theme.
Good supports are also screened.
Australia’s First ‘Drive-In ‘ Theatre, situated in the Sports
Ground. North Ward, a Roxy Theatre enterprise, is a unique
motion picture theatre in Australia. In that it is the first of
its kind outside America, presenting motion pictures from
the world’s leading studios to patrons who may remain in
the comfort of their own cars and enjoy the whole
entertainment without interruption. To-night is Gift Night
at the ‘Drive-In’ Theatre, and the main prize to be distributed
amongst many others is a large hamper of groceries for
Christmas. An ideal programme presented at 1/- and 1/6 and
children 6d., is Sonja Henie. the wizard of dancing feet and
handsome Richard Green, in ‘My Lucky Star.’ The companion
comedy feature to-night is ‘Said O’Reilly To McNab’. starring
Will Fyfe and Will Mahoney. There will be an excellent array
of short subjects.

TDB Fri 13 Dec 1940
AMUSEMENTS.
-ROXY THEATRE
‘W0MEN IN WAR’ AND ‘HERE’S
FLASH CASEY.’
To-night at the Roxy Theatre a new programme will be presented
in which the chief attraction will be ‘Women in War’ In which the
main roles are filled by Patric Knowles, Wendy Barrie and Elsie
Janis with a splendid supporting cast. The plot presents a striking
drama based on the lives of British nurses behind the lines.
Pamela Starr, portrayed by Wendy Barrie, is on trial for her life
charged with the murder of a Captain of His Majesty’s Forces.
Pamela had no Intention of killing Captain Tedford but pushed
him out qf the doorway of her fiat only to escape his unwelcome
advances. The Captain, drink ing heavily, and unable to maintain
his equilibrium, crashed down the stairs to his death. Because of
his rank feeling runs high against Pamela. It is here that her
mother enters the scene, and proposes to Starr’s lawyer that
Pamela joins the nursing corps of an overseas battalion, to
combat the wave of resentment against her. The mother
promises not to reveal her identity, and does not, until a gripping
climax. The associate feature is ‘Here’s Flash Casey’ with Eric
Linden, Boots Mallory and Cully Richards in the chief roles. The
plot deals with a cameraman whose scoops innocently involve
him with a gang of blackmailers, and nearly causes his undoing.
Flash with his camera gets pictures that lead to a thrilling climax.
Interesting shorts make up the programme.
A special feature of particular interest to residents of Townsville,
screening at the Roxy this afternoon and evening, and again
to-morrow Saturday at the Roxy and the New Drive-In Theatre
at North Ward. It is the locally produced film taken in Townsville
by the Roxy Theatre Management last week. it includes as follows:
‘The 26th. Battalion on Parade.’ The scenes are taken at the Show
Grounds with the 26th. Battalion and their band in full marching
order, also scenes of the officers of the 26th. Battalion and their
men in actual military training. The 26th. Battalion comprises
men from such centres as Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, and
Winton, in fact from every important centre of Western
Queensland. It is proposed by the Roxy Management to offer
this film to exhibitors in Western Districts so that the soldiers
relatives and friends may see them in active training during their
stay in Townsville. Other items of this Special Roxy News Reel of
Townsville are the pupils on parade at the following schools:
The Central State School, North Ward State ‘School, West End
State School, Hermit Park State School, Belgian Gardens State
School, and Hermit Park State School. Parents are reminded
that this film will not be shown at any other theatre in
Townsville except the Roxy and the Drive-in Theatre in
North ward. Once again, the Roxy Theatre management will
screen a British War News, which has come by air mail from
Britain, to show .Australian audiences the horrors of the war
and the magnificent courage of the people of Britain in their
determination not to give way in their resistance. To-night’s
news reel includes the filming of an event which evoked the
world’s respect for a feat of outstanding and enduring courage,
the removal by Lieutenant Davies and his heroic men of the
bomb demolition squad, which worked for hours on end to
remove and destroy a gigantic time bomb which had been
dropped -near St. Paul’s Cathedral. The supporting
featurettes of the programme will also include an
Australian news, including the Australian tennis championships.

TDB Wed 8 Jan 1941
DRIVE-IN THEATBE.
‘SOUTH OF THE BORDER’ AND
‘FIRE OVER ENGLAND.’
The haunting sentimental love story of the ardent swain who
left his sweetheart ‘South of the Border, Down Mexico Way,’
has been transferred to the screen, with Gene Autry, the
world-popular singing star of the saddle, in the leading role.
The film will be screened to-night at the Drive -In Theatre,
North Ward. This is certainly good news for entertainment.
and music lovers for audiences will now be able to enjoy the
story behind the popular song, a story of thrills and romance
to the land of adventure, music and fair senoritas. Others in
the big cast of ‘South of the Border’ include Smiley Burnette,
June Storey, lovely Lupita Tovar, Mary Lee and William
Farnum. This is a picture for both young and old— a picture
you should not miss.
‘Fire Over England.’ starring Flora Robson, Laurence Olivier,
Leslie Banks, Vivien Leigh and Raymond Massey, is the
companion feature. Sea-faring adventure, hair-breadth
escapes from the Spanish Inquisition, Court plotting,
youthful daring and romance: you will find them all in Erich
Pommer’s thrilling adventure film, ‘Fire Over England.’

TDB Sat 18 Jan 1941
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
“ALEXANDER’S RAGTIME BAND”
AND “RAWHIDE”
Entertainment of a high order is promised patrons
attending the Drive-ln theatre, North Ward, this evening. The
star attraction is the delightful musical romance ‘Alexander’s
Ragtime Band.’ which has a magnificent cast, headed by such
distinguished players as Alice Faye, Don Ameche, and Tyrone
Power. A feature of this picture is the many popular song hits
introduced through the story. Ranging from melodies which
gladdened the hearts of dance hall enthusiasts many years
ago to comparatively modern tunes, the musical score is one
of the best ever to be devoted to one picture. The three
principals handle their parts superbly, particularly Alice
Faye, whose role is perhaps the best of her brilliant career.
The companion attraction is the thrilling outdoor romance
‘Rawhide,’ starring the popular Smith Ballew.
The latest war news and a cartoon will also be screened.

TDB Sat 25 Jan 1941
Showing tonight at the Drive-In Theatre. North Ward, is the
thrilling aviation picture ‘The Dawn Patrol.’ starring Errol
Flynn, Basil Rathbone, David Niven, Donald Crisp, Melville
Cooper and Barry Fitzgerald. It is a tale of the heroism and
tragedy that were the daily portion of the brave young
knights of the air who engaged in aerial combat over the
Western Front during the early days of the World War.
Specifically, it is the story at one squadron of the British
Royal Flying Corps during several fateful months of 1915
– the story of an endless stream of gallant but untrained
youngsters who reported blithely to squadron headquarters
and then sallied forth unflinchingly to almost certain doom.
The support is ‘Moonlight on the Prairie.’ starring Dick
Foran. while a war news will also be screened.

TDB Sat 1 Feb 1941
NOTICE TO INTENDING PATR0NS TO THE
DRIVE-IN THEATRE, NORTH WARD :
Owing to the heavy rain there will be no screening at the
Drive – In Theatre tonight— Saturday. Watch this space
for the next screening.

TDB Wed 5 Feb 1941
NOTICE TO PATRONS OF THE DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Motorists and Residents of North Ward will be pleased
to know the Drive-In Theatre will RE-OPEN TOMORROW,
THURSDAY NIGHT with a Grand Family Programme at
1/- and 1/6
GOD’S COUNTRY AND THE WOMAN
In Technicolor
THE MAIN PRIZE WILL BE A HAMPER OF GROCERIES
There will be No Screening at the Drlve.In Theatre, North Ward,
This Evening.

TDB Thu 6 Feb 1941
NOTICE TO MOTORISTS AND RESIDENTS OF NORTH WARD
It is regretted owing to the continued unsettled weather there will
be no screening To-night at the ‘Drive-in Theatre’. Watch this
space for announcements concerning the Next Screening.

TDB Wed 12 Feb 1941
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
CONCERNING MOTORISTS AND RESIDENTS OF NORTH
WARD, TOMORROW (Thursday) is GIFT NIGHT
‘Drive-in’ Theatre, North Ward
The Programme to be presented is: ROBERT DONAT in
‘The Count of Monte Cristo’
One of the Outstanding, Motion Pictures of All Times
The Associate Hilarious Comedy ls
‘Laugh It Off’
starring: CONSTANCE MOORE AND JOHNNY DOWNS
THE PRINCIPAL PRIZE AT THE ‘DRIVE.IN’ THEATRE
TO-MORROW EVENING IS A HUGE HAMPER OF GROCERIES.

TDB Sat 15 Feb 1941
Showing To-night in the SP0RTS GROUND
at the DRIVE-IN THEATRE North Ward
Weather permitting.
Joel McCrea, Miriam Hopkins, and David Niven in
“SPLENDOUR”
Associate Thrilling; Adventure Romance: Douglas Fairbanks, Jnr.
and Elissa Landi in “THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN”
PLUS WAR NEWS, CARTOON ETC.
MOTORIST: Se« this Excellent Programme from the comfort of
your own car.

TDB Thu 20 Feb 1941
The Housekeeper’s Daughter
The Mighty Barnum
(advert Pic avail.)

TDB Thu 27 Feb 1941
DRIVE-IN THEATRE.
“THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN
HOOD” AND “KID GALAHAD”.
‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’, a Warner Bros,
technicolor version of the famous story, and starring
Errol Flynn, will have a local screening to-night «t the
Drive-In Theatre, North Ward. One of the most
important pictures of the year, it has been acclaimed
by critics and preview audiences as a masterpiece of
screen entertainment Olivia De Havilland occupies
the role of Flynn’s leading lady, and other Important
roles are filled by Claude Rains, Basil Rathbone, Ian
Hunter, Patric Knowlea and Allan Hale. It is a story
filled with breathless adventure, mighty men and
mightier deeds, and lovely ladles who are supposed
to have spent most of their days in ivory towers
embroidering and weaving, Robin Hood lived
according to the legends, at the end of a century of
adventure that has no equal in history or fiction.
‘Kid Galahad’, starring Edward G. Robinson, Bette
Davis, Humphrey Bogart and Wayne Morris, will be
shown in support It is a breathless tale of prize fighters,
with romantic interludes to add to its appeal.
Showing at this theatre on Saturday will
be the sensational comedy by Bernard
Shaw, ‘Pygmalion’.

TDB Sat 25 Jul 1942
“Great Guns” & Pirates On Horseback”