TUMUT’S Montreal Community Theatre will screen a free 2pm matinee of Lindley’s Last Ride this Sunday, 13 April.
The matinee will both welcome back patrons after movies ceased to be screened when the theatre’s projector failed, and also publicly thank the Blakeney Millar trust for its generosity in funding the purchase and installation of the new projector, ensuring a long future for movies at The Montreal.
Tumut’s historic Montreal Theatre had its official opening on Wednesday 2 April 1930.
On 19 April 1995, it was officially re-opened as a community operated theatre, and now, 30 years on, on 13 April 2025, the theatre is again marking a monumental milestone by opening its doors to the wider community with the screening of ‘Lindley’s Last Ride’ on its new projector.
When the movie (by West Wyalong Movies) was screened last year, around 500 patrons packed the theatre with many people asking for it to be shown again.
Lindley’s Last Ride is a story of one family’s enduring reputation for perseverance and sheer bloody resilience set against the history of Alpine grazing in the northern Snowy Mountains.
When the projector at the theatre failed in January the committee was faced with the dilemma of funding around $70,000 to purchase a new projector to enable movie screenings to continue. A daunting task to say the least in these economic times.
Back in 1993, a steering committee was formed, later becoming incorporated and operating as the The Montreal Community Theatre Inc.
At the beginning, the generosity and philanthropy of Aileen Learmont and the Learmont family made the adventurous two years ‘living feasibility study’ possible, while the original Blakeney Millar Foundation trustees provided the financial support required to open the doors, to purchase equipment and demonstrate the community would indeed support the venture.
Over 30 years on and again Blakeney Millar have confirmed their commitment to the community and specifically their understanding of the importance of The Montreal Community Theatre by donating the full cost of the purchase and installation of the new projector. Their support ensured limited downtime for screening movies, which is a major fundraiser for the theatre that is fully managed, run and maintained by volunteers.
While not quite 100 years old yet, the theatre is always in need of work and new equipment and financial support is greatly appreciated to keep the community’s theatre at its best.
So an open invitation is extended to all to be part of another Montreal Community Theatre milestone, to enjoy an amazing movie documentary of a regional family’s history with the High Country and share an afternoon in a part of this community’s history.
Tumut’s Montreal Community Theatre will be the place to be this Sunday, 13 April at 2pm, to watch ‘Lindley’s Last Ride’, a West Wyalong Movies production.
While admission is free, all donations will be gratefully accepted.
