The Curtains May Have Closed on Launch Day… But the Memories Are Just Beginning
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the launch of Looking Back – South Australian Picture Theatres & Drive-Ins at the beautiful Piccadilly Cinema.
To see so many people come together to celebrate the history, nostalgia and magic of South Australia’s cinemas and drive-ins was truly something special. From lifelong movie lovers and former theatre staff, to collectors, historians, friends and families — thank you for being part of such a memorable afternoon.
A special thank you to our wonderful guest speakers and supporters who helped make the event such a success, and to everyone who purchased a book, shared stories, contributed memories or simply came along to experience the occasion.
This project has been built on community memories, passion and preservation, and your support means more than words can say.
Books are currently available at:
- Dillions Bookstore Norwood
- Page & Turner
- Dymocks Hyde Park
- Dymocks Glenelg
- Dymocks Rundle Mall
Thank you for helping keep these stories alive.
Scott
When the lights went down...
The quick dash to the counter for a drink or a hotdog, the familiar smells in the foyer, the quiet panic of getting back to your seat (or car!) before the movie began. Those moments – small but unforgettable – were part of the magic.
It’s about how it felt to go to the movies in South Australia. The anticipation, the shared laughter, the glow of the screen, and the sense that, for a little while, everyone in the room was experiencing the same story together.
Through photographs, memories, and personal recollections, I invite you back to a time when going to the cinema was an event – and the memories stayed long after the credits rolled.
Ozone Theatre, Mount Gambier
Reel Memories
Before streaming, before smartphones, there were evenings when the whole town gathered at the pictures.
This book is a tribute to those treasured times – the drive-ins, the theatres, and the memories woven through them – capturing the heart and history of South Australia’s cinema life
Behind The Screen
Every glowing screen relied on a world of hard work and quiet dedication. Projectionists, managers, ushers and kiosk workers each played their part—mostly unseen, always vital.
Inside these pages are their stories: the good, the bad, and the everyday realities.
From The Seats
The laughter, the gasps, and the shared moments that made movie night special. Families, couples, teenagers, and regulars all brought the cinemas and drive-ins to life. Their memories live on — first dates, favourite films, and the simple joy of sitting in the dark as the screen flickered to life.
Reel Memories
Before streaming, before smartphones, there were evenings when the whole town gathered at the pictures.
This book is a tribute to those treasured times – the drive-ins, the theatres, and the memories woven through them – capturing the heart and history of South Australia’s cinema life
Behind The Screen
Every glowing screen relied on a world of hard work and quiet dedication. Projectionists, managers, ushers and kiosk workers each played their part -mostly unseen, always vital.
Inside these pages are their stories: the good, the bad, and the everyday realities.
From The Seats
The laughter, the gasps, and the shared moments that made movie night special. Families, couples, teenagers, and regulars all brought the cinemas and drive-ins to life. Within these pages are their memories – of first dates, favourite films, and the simple joy of sitting in the dark as the screen flickered to life.
For The Love Of ... Movies
For The Love Of ... Movies
Hi, I’m Scott Smith – author and designer of the book
Looking Back: South Australian Picture Theatres and Drive-Ins.
This book is a reminder of the places that shaped my childhood, my imagination, and some of my favourite memories.
Growing up, I absolutely lived for a night at the movies. I remember the smell of popcorn drifting through the foyer, the sticky floors, the glow of the kiosk lights, and the excitement of clutching a ticket to a film I’d been waiting weeks to see.
Whether it was the magic of heading to the Plaza to see a movie with the family or the fun of piling into the car to see a double at the Valleyline at Modbury with the mates (and the ones in the boot who didn’t get caught), those moments stay with you forever.
And I’ll admit it – I even wagged school a few times just to head into the Academy Cinema so I could play the arcade games long before the first session began. (Sorry Mum!)
The movies were more than entertainment; they were freedom, adventure, escape… and sometimes the perfect excuse to take a date to the picture show – including the girl who later became my wife.
Order Your Copy !
Relive the golden age of South Australian cinemas and drive-ins in this nostalgic tribute to a much-loved part of our shared history.
From country picture theatres to drive-ins under the stars, these are the stories and places that shaped generations of movie-goers — the nights out, the rituals, the people behind the scenes, and the memories that still linger long after the lights came up.
Filled with photographs, personal recollections and moments both big and small, this book celebrates the magic of going to the movies and the role these venues played in communities across the state.
Going, Going, Gone...
As the years passed, many of South Australia’s most iconic cinemas and drive-ins closed their doors. Some disappeared quietly, while others live on in the memories of the people who grew up with them.
That is why this book was created.
Looking Back – South Australian Picture Theatres and Drive-Ins brings together photographs, memories and stories from an era when going to the movies was an event – not just something you did at home on the couch. It celebrates the picture theatres and drive-ins that once formed the beating heart of towns across South Australia; places where families gathered, friends met, teenagers flirted, and communities came alive beneath the soft flicker of the projector.
More than a collection of buildings and dates, this book captures the feeling of moviegoing. From the anticipation as the lights dimmed, to the familiar sounds of the foyer and kiosk, these pages reflect the shared experiences that made each cinema unique. The stories come from people who were there, remembered with honesty, warmth and affection.
This book also serves as a way of preserving places that have largely disappeared from our streetscapes but not from our lives. While many of the screens have gone dark, the memories remain – carried through photographs, personal stories, and the emotions tied to those moments in time.
This is a tribute to every cinema usher, projectionist, kiosk worker, film lover, and daydreamer who knows the quiet magic of watching the screen light up in the dark.
Above: 19-08-2020, 7News Adelaide “Flashback” segment with Michael Smyth
Remember this TV advertisement for Wallis?
Stories Worth Telling
Simple outings at the movies with stories that are still told decades later. From the man who tried to save his hero, John Wayne, during a western at the drive-ins, to the night a former US President had a private screening at a local theatre.
These pages are filled with tales that are remarkable because they’re true!
With stories shared from those who were there, they reflect the humour, drama and unpredictability that surrounded life at the movies.
From The Seats
South Australian cinemas and drive-ins were the heart of community life, where movie nights were shared experiences and familiar faces filled the rows.
From small country picture theatres to open-air screens beneath the stars, this book brings together the stories, places, and memories that shaped generations of moviegoers.
This book captures the moments that made these places more than just a place to watch a film.
The Books
- Over 400 pages
- 60+ One-on-One Interviews
- Stories, memories & behind-the-scenes
- 1000 photos (some never seen before)
- Hard cover book with ribbon bookmark, all wrapped up in a colourful slipcase
- Just $85.00 + postage
As a thank you for your support, you’ll also receive a vintage-style accordion postcard featuring images from the book – a small keepsake celebrating the memories held within its pages.
Stories Worth Telling
Simple outings at the movies with stories that are still told decades later. From the man who tried to save his hero, John Wayne, during a western at the drive-ins, to the night a former US President had a private screening at a local theatre.
These pages are filled with tales that are remarkable because they’re true!
With stories shared from those who were there, they reflect the humour, drama and unpredictability that surrounded life at the movies.
From The Seats
South Australian cinemas and drive-ins were the heart of community life, where movie nights were shared experiences and familiar faces filled the rows.
From small country picture theatres to open-air screens beneath the stars, this book brings together the stories, places, and memories that shaped generations of moviegoers.
This book captures the moments that made these places more than just a place to watch a film.
The Books
- Over 400 pages
- 60+ One-on-One Interviews
- Stories, memories & behind-the-scenes
- 1000 photos (some never seen before)
- Hard cover book with ribbon bookmark all wrapped up in a colourful slipcase
- Just $85.00 + postage & handling
As a thank you for your support, you’ll also receive a vintage-style accordion postcard featuring images from the book — a small keepsake celebrating the memories held within its pages.
Relive The Memories
The “please turn off your lights” tractor tyre sign is up at the drive-ins, the choc-tops are frozen and there’s just enough dew on the windscreen of the HR Holden!
Or maybe the pictures are more your scene? Throw on your best attire and head for the city as the usher throws open the doors to the pictures once again at South Australia’s iconic theatres!
Re-live a time when South Australians love for theatre exploded in the late 1800’s with the advent of picture theatres right across the city. And later, in the 1950’s when American born drive-in theatre culture really took hold in our great state. Take a look behind (and in front of) the screen at what went on just to be able to bring you that latest release for your viewing pleasure!
Author Scott Smith has interviewed some of the many people involved, from the ushers to the cafeteria workers, the projectionists to the owners and those in between in the many chapters of this great story. Together with over 1000 (some unseen and rarely seen) photos, their tales are told in a fascinating look at an important part of the history of our state.
So put the speaker in the window and recline that seat as you go looking back through the history of South Australian Picture Theatres & Drive-Ins.
The majestic York Theatre approx. 1936
In The Media
Channel 7
Flashback with Michael Smyth 12th April 2026Scott features on “Flashback” with Michael Smyth.
5AA
Michael Smyth with David and Will 5AA BreakfastMichael talks about the upcoming episode of “Flashback” which features the book.
5aa Radio
With Graeme Goodings 1st April 2026Scott has a chat to Graeme Goodings about the book, the stories and the people.
5PBA-FM Interiew
Snippet of Interview on 31st March 2026Scott chats about the book and the stories it contains.
ABC Adelaide
With Rory McClaren 12th January 2026Scott discusses the book with Rory on the Mornings across Adelaide and South Australia show
5PBA-FM
Bruce Richmond 8th October 2025Bruce lets listeners know to expect a book based around “movies” will be coming out in 2026
Join Coming Attractions!
Join us where the story continues long after the final credits roll. Receive fresh stories, hidden archival gems, and behind-the-scenes insights – and if you have a memory of your own, you’ll have the chance to share it too. With more Looking Back Drive-Ins and Picture Theatre Books in the pipeline, this is your chance not to miss out!
Grab your seat — the next feature’s about to begin…
Hardcover 400+ Page Book with Slip Case
Inside these pages History unfolds
Free Accordian Retro Style Postcard
A must-have for movie historians and cinema lovers alike.
Order Your Copy Now!
As a special thank you, every online order includes a FREE accordion postcard, presented with its own envelope and featuring a carefully selected collection of images from the book. It’s a charming keepsake that captures the spirit of the era and makes a perfect display piece or gift for fellow cinema lovers.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Rolling
Got something on your mind or a reason to reach out? We’re always glad to hear from you.
Whether it’s about the project, upcoming events, partnerships, media, or a general enquiry, every message matters and helps keep the conversation going.
You can send us a note using the form below, or connect with us on social media where we share updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and what’s happening next. It’s also the best place to stay in the loop between announcements.
We may not be able to reply instantly, but we do read every message and appreciate you taking the time to get in touch.