'Keeping the Movie Going Experience ALIVE'..Theatrically !

History

The Plaza Theatre at Laurieton was built in 1959, before this date films were exhibited across the road in the School of Arts hall.

The theatre was operated by George Hastorius and Bruce Longsworth. In the early 70's Bruce Longsworth bought the other partner out. After Bruce's death in 1972 the theatre was leased out to a variety of people.

Baz Luhrmann's father was the projectionist in the early 70's, and this is the point in Baz's life where he was bitten by the motion picture industry bug. Of course the rest is history.

In 1999 David McGowan purchased the freehold and set about bringing the past movie exhibition standards back to life. David grew up in the film business, operating cinemas in Queensland regional and suburban during the 60's and 70's. Mindfull of his training with Hoyts and Greater Union cinemas in the 60's, he set about re birthing the Laurieton Plaza Theatre to what it is today.

A VISIT TO THE PLAZA THEATRE IS A REAL STEP BACK IN TIME. Pictured is the Original projection equipment.

 

Click newspaper image to view an enlargement of the news article

Laurietons Links with Hollywood by Ian Hanson

Laurieton is a small fishing village situated on the north coast of NSW, about a four hour trip from Sydney. Hardly a place where Hollywood celebrities would drop in unexpectedly! ........ Read more

 

Plaza stars in TV documentary

IN April this year Laurieton's famous art deco cinema, The Plaza, was visited by TV producer Graham McNeice. Mr McNeice is producing a two hour documentary titled Saturday Night at the Movies and The Plaza is set to play a...... Read more

 

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'Keeping the Movie Going Experience ALIVE'..Theatrically !