they built an empire
the story of cinema in the outback
THEY BUILT AN EMPIRE
BY GREG LYNCH
THEY BUILT AN EMPIRE
The Story of Cinema in the Outback
In 1935 two Picture Show Men arrived in the town with a new name called Alice Springs. Over the span of the next50 years the Kenna and Burton families pioneered cinema in the outback communities of Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. In a cinematic sense they built an empire, parks were named and memorialised after them, and an enduring legacy of affection remains for those who fondly recall watching movies under the stars on balmy Territory nights.
They Built an Empire follows the lives of Snowy Kenna & Bill Burton
“who pioneered cinema in Alice Springs & Tennant Creek. This was a time of war, segregation and devastating nitrate fires. Along the way we meet Charles Chauvel who is casting for the role of Jedda. Here we become part of the audition process and witness the casting of Rosie Kunoth in the lead role, while Snowy Kenna is desperate to host the world premiere of Jedda at his theatre in Alice Springs, and goes into battle with Tom Harris of The Star theatre Darwin and Columbia Pictures for the privilege. ”In the wake of Jedda, Chips Rafferty journeys to the outback to find investors for his latest project The Phantom Stockman, while Peter Finch and Nevil Shute arrive in The Alice for the Australian premiere of A Town Like Alice. This is a frontier story, a story of Picture Show Men who built and ran theatres and drive-ins in the outback for over a 50 year period. A saga that ends in the 80s when television and video tape cause a disastrous drop in the available cinema going public." - Author Greg Lynch
the story of cinema in the outback, jedda, and war…
“The invasion by Germany of Poland on 3 September 1939 caused Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany. Australia backed Great Britain and a state of war was declared. An advance party of military personnel arrived in “The Alice” and began to set up a tent city at the foot of Anzac Hill. The population of Alice Springs was now approaching 500 people. Later in 1942 the army built an open-air military camp theatre north of Anzac Hill to cater for the entertainment needs of the troops. This was constructed on a natural slope without walls, and featured what can only be described as less than comfortable seating. The number of soldiers posted in Alice Springs during the war years peaked at around 8,000, and the number of personnel passing through came close to 200,000. It was during this uncertain environment that Snow Kenna decided to build his theatre.” - Author Greg Lynch
They Built an Empire. The story of Cinema in the Outback
REVIEWS
“Good morning Greg, A Great Read and I loved the added extras you have included. A wonderful history of an often forgotten part of our country and its cinema history.”
— Mike Trickett
“G’day Greg. I am writing to say how much I enjoyed your superb book "They built an empire". Having visited all the towns and seen all the movies mentioned, the added details were very much appreciated.”
— Anthony Owen
“What an inspirational and interesting book by Greg Lynch. I couldn't put it down.”
— Issi Dye 60s Showman
@THEY BUILT AN EMPIRE
About
GREG LYNCH
Author of “They Built an Empire”
The story of Cinema in the Outback
Greg Lynch entered the industry in 1954 under the management of Howard Keast, repairing film for 20th Century Fox in Perth, WA, later moving to Bob Yelland’s Consolidated Theatre Group and a position at the Regent Theatre Guildford, WA, as Assistant Projectionist. During 1956, the Lynch family moved to Victoria and a position was taken with Hoyts Theatre, once again as an Assistant Projectionist..
