The Ranch Night expeditions continued unabated but, just to confuse everything, there were sometimes westerns to be seen on those Saturday nights when the whole family went to the movies. These outings often took us to the Astor Theatre in Chapel Street Windsor, which, unlike the Empress, is still there. What’s more, it is maintained in its 1936 décor although the seats have been switched to more comfortable modern types and the screen and projector technology updated to state of the art. In fact it boasts the largest screen in the city.
    But this place is what going to the pictures is all about. You are not herded like cattle past the over-priced concessions but instead able to roam free-ranged about the downstairs and upstairs lobbies, when superb couches are provided for the leg-weary and old posters for the nostalgic. They usually show double features, vintage films early in the week where Judy Garland, Bing Crosby and Clark Gable can often be seen, ranging through the decades and genres to latest releases on Saturdays. The program changes every day. Now that’s the way to run a movie-house.
    Moreover, there’s a balcony! From this lofty domain you can indeed throw Jaffas on the mortals seated down below if you’ve a mind to. The balcony is favoured by all patrons, despite the fact that is vibrates rather scarily when the train from Windsor station passes through the tunnel underneath the building, or the Chapel Street tram decides to try and run the red light on Dandenong Road. All of it is a true wonder.