Laurence Olivier at Hamlet film premiere in Sydney

This silent newsreel from 30 July 1948 shows Sir Laurence Olivier and his wife Vivien Leigh attending a charity matinee of Hamlet (Laurence Olivier, UK, 1948) at the Embassy Theatre in Sydney.

A crowd gathers outside the theatre in Sydney as Olivier arrives by car to attend the Sydney premiere of his film. The screening is in aid of charity and in the foyer of the theatre, Movietone lights and cameras are set up to record the event. A bearded Chips Rafferty, seen giving a thumbs-up sign, is among the patrons.

Vivien Leigh is accompanied up the theatre steps by Mr Ernest Turnbull, Managing Director of Hoyts Theatres. They are followed by Olivier and the theatre manager.

The Embassy Theatre opened on 1 June 1934. It was located at 97 Castlereagh St, Sydney, and could seat 998 patrons. It closed in 1977.

Notes by Stephen Groenewegen