1921 Australia Hoyts Melbourne Sydney Enamel Cinema Badge – gVF & Rare

🎬 From Cornet to Cinemas: The HOYTS Story

The Curious Case of a Dentist and a Circus

In 1908, Arthur Russell—a Melbourne-based dentist and cornet enthusiast—did something wildly unexpected. He bought into a touring American sideshow called HOYTS Circus. Not content to merely invest, Russell took centre stage as the magician. Sadly, the circus act didn’t conjure much profit.

Undeterred, Russell shifted gears. Later that year, he began screening silent films at St George’s Hall on Bourke Street, where movie magic met musical family jam sessions. His wife played the piano, his son took on drums, and Russell himself belted out tunes on the cornet. Talk about a cinematic family band!

Lights, Camera, Business!

Just a year later, on 18 September 1909, Russell launched HOYTS Picture Palace and formed HOYTS Pictures Pty Ltd. Not content with just a name, he transformed the original hall into HOYTS De Luxe.

As the First World War ended, HOYTS expanded from inner Melbourne into its suburbs—and then onto Sydney. The entertainment menu wasn’t limited to films; vaudeville acts lit up the stage, making every visit a variety spectacle.

Mergers, Movies and Momentum

Fast-forward to 1926. HOYTS joined forces with Electric Theatres Pty Ltd and Associated Theatres Pty Ltd, forming HOYTS Theatres Limited. Just four years later, in a Hollywood twist, the 20th Century Fox Film Corporation (now known as 20th Century Studios) stepped in and acquired a majority stake.

From De Luxe to Down Under Domination

Over the decades, HOYTS evolved, changed hands several times, and eventually caught the eye of global investors. In 2015, the Wanda Group, a Chinese conglomerate, became the majority owner.

Today, HOYTS stands tall among Australia’s biggest cinema chains. With 60 cinemas across Australia and New Zealand, 500 screens, and over 60,000 seats—including its newest venue in Ipswich—HOYTS doesn’t just show films; it puts on a show.

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