Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

Murder Mystery | The Peculiar Demise of William Bailey
2021-05-08 18:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | BMI – Humffray Room, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia
The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Chinatown

May 23

@

8:30 pm

-

10:45 pm

$23.05

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Returning for one night only

The Vegas 70 was once the most popular cinema in Ballarat. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and Showbiz Cinemas have collaborated to bring back the Vegas for the Ballarat Heritage Festival. The first moving pictures (called cinematograph) in Ballarat were shown at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in 1896! In 1909 the first bioscope pictures were shown in the main hall (now the Minerva Space) at the BMI. Later, in 1917, the hall was leased to the Austral Photoplay Co. for showing silent pictures. Then in 1919, a syndicate, including Messrs J. Clemens, C. Gemmola and F.S. Jelbart opened the Britannia Picture Theatre in the same space. The Britannia was later followed by the Odeon Cinema, and then Vegas 70 theatre in 1966. The Vegas was a staple in the Ballarat film scene for 15 years. The Vegas was closed in 1981, after which the Sturt Cinema opened in 1994. We invite you to revisit the old Vegas Cinema for a night of 70s blockbusters! Popcorn, snacks, and choctops will be available from the refreshment stand. The bar will be open for Friday Night screening only – beer and wine will be available.

Chinatown

Friday 23 May at 8.30pm

When Los Angeles private eye J.J. Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is hired by Evelyn Mulwray to investigate her husband’s activities, he believes it’s a routine infidelity case. Jake’s investigation soon becomes anything but routine when he meets the real Mrs. Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) and realizes he was hired by an imposter. Mr. Mulwray’s sudden death sets Gittes on a tangled trail of corruption, deceit and sinister family secrets as Evelyn’s father (John Huston) becomes a suspect in the case.

Director: Roman Polanski Writers: Robert Towne, Roman Polanski Stars: Jack Nicolson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston. USA, 1974, M, Running Time: 2hr 10min.

Blazing Saddles & Chinatown Cost $23.05 one session GACost $34.82 for double feature: Blazing Saddles & Chinatown GA Mary Poppins Cost $23.05 GACost $17.41 child (U16)Cost $58.36 Family of 4Cost $69.15 Family of 5 Includes booking fee & gst.

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More Vegas 70 Screenings

Mary Poppins | Saturday 24 May at 10amUSA, 1964, G, Run Time: 2hr 19min.

Mary Poppins

Proudly supported by:

This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival

This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.

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