Former Metro Cinema, Adelaide

The Metro Cinema in Hindley St, Adelaide was designed by architect Thomas W Lamb and opened in October 1939.

When I took this picture in 2005 I wasn't sure that the building was still in use. It looked like a nightclub but naturally there was no sign of life during the day when I was poking around. It certainly wasn't a cinema anymore.

As you can see it had an interesting paint-job, highlighting the decoration on the facade. It wasn't too badly done but I find this totally unnecessary because it almost certainly designed as a monochrome building with the light and shadow bringing out the beauty of the decoration.

This building doesn't look too bad but there are some shockers around where some of the Art Deco details have be picked out in a bright colour and frankly they just look cheap and tacky.

I was back in Adelaide last weekend and the former Metro Cinema is no more. It has been demolished and another building is being constructed on the site.

If you want to see the Metro Cinema in all its Art Deco glory have a look at the Cinema Treasures website.

On a happy note. Happy 70th Birthday to the Sun Theatre, Yarraville which opened on 30th April 1938 with a screening of the film Maytime.