Stage Number: MBSH.03.01.77
Group: Southern
Local Study Area: West End-South Brisbane-North Wolloongabba
Epoch: Early 20th Century
Street Address: 200 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Latitude & Longitude: -27.49438889,153.0415
Time Link: 1921
Map Link: 1923
Image Time Point: 1923
The Renown Theatre, owned by John Lewis, got off to a bad start when a fire broke out there on its opening Saturday night on 19 February 1921. This was caused by the new ‘cinematograph machine’ running hot and setting fire to the film. The damage was contained and the theatre was repaired, but it only survived for five years before a bigger fire destroyed half the building. It was suspected to be arson, and two other cinemas at East Brisbane and Woolloongabba were also hit by fire around this time. A bid to reopen the Renown after this second fire was unsuccessful.
Brisbane Courier, 21 February 1921; 16 April 1926.
Silent movies such as ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ were in circulation when the Renown Picture Theatre opened in early 1921.
QSA. QSA Series ID 2058 Moreton District Maps – A Series. 6 miles to the inch. Moreton District. 6 miles to the inch. Survey Office, Brisbane.. 634900
