SA Chapter HALL OF FAME

Web: www.wallis.com.au

Hughie Wallis had a passion for cinema and a vision that he would bring movies to the people of South Australia. As with most family businesses, it had humble beginnings. In 1950, Hughie began operating small, suburban theatres by screening Hollywood movies in community halls in Richmond, Morphett Vale and Reynella.

In 1954, Hughie developed and opened the first drive-in theatre in South Australia – The Blueline at West Beach, soon followed by “Line” theatres at Gepps Cross, Panorama, Mitchell Park, Modbury, Christies Beach and Outer Harbour.

Not content with conquering the urban market, Hughie later expanded his operations to include drive-ins at Barmera, Loxton, Nuriootpa, Clare, Renmark and Berri. This move influenced the leisure aspect of a majority of South Australians.

A man of boundless energy, Hughie passed away in 1994 ‘with his boots on’. And so the second generation management of the business switched suddenly to his son, Bob Wallis, who had been GM for several years while his father was alive. In that time Bob improved the standard of the cinemas. It was his idea to start the Sunday Market at Gepps Cross Drive In. This helped save the last remaining drive in.

Bob was responsible for saving the heritage Piccadilly Cinema, but his greatest achievements were The Mt Barker Complex which includes The Wallis Tavern, the lovingly restored Auchendarroch House and a 7-screen cinema, followed by the building of the 7-screen Mitcham Cinemas. Bob’s vision was to build cinemas that had all the trappings of the multiplexes, but with the class of Piccadilly and Chelsea. He achieved this but sadly never saw his vision come a reality.

In 2006, succession effectively passed on to the third generation, Bob and Lorna’s daughter, Michelle, the current Managing Director. Supported by her mother, and knowing Bob’s wishes, she gave Noarlunga Cinema a $2m refurbishment. Michelle is focused on upgrading assets with more sophisticated seating and decor, as well as guiding the company through the ‘Digital’ age.

Wallis Cinemas has faced significant industry change but has moved with the times. In the face of multi-national competition, the family ownership and management of this local business has seen it become an iconic South Australian brand.

Wallis Cinemas was inducted into the FBA(SA) Hall of Fame in 2008.