METRO
Johnnesburg
CINEMA
SOUVENIRS
The Metro Theatre was situated at the corner of  Bree  and Von Brandis Streets,
Johannesburg and was opened by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on 4th November 1932. It would
become the largest four-wall cinema in South Africa with a seating capacity of 2800. Photo
above was taken in 1934 during the run of 'Treasure Island' starring Wallace Beery and
Jackie Cooper.
Magnificently designed by architect
Thomas Lamb in a French style, the
spacious downstairs foyer  was
luxuriously appointed and  carpeted  
-  with a stunning chandelier forming
the centre showpiece. A sweeping  
staircase led to the upstairs foyer
and even more luxury.
The Metro Theatre became the
leading social gathering place
for Johannesburg cinemagoers
who had never seen such luxury
before. The awesome splendour
and size of the auditorium have
never been equalled in South
African history for a single
screen cinema. The photo on
the right shows  last-minute
preparations to the auditorium
shortly before the cinema
opened in 1932.
Photo showing the Metro during the late 1960s. Sadly, the cinema was
closed and the building totally demolished in the 1970's.

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