Nothing beats a night at the movies at an iconic Wallis cinema. The family-owned and operated cinema chain, with theatres at Gepps Cross, Mitcham, Mount Barker, Noarlunga, North Adelaide and Mildura, has been entertaining South Australian audiences for more than 60 years. And while the movie world has changed dramatically in that time — from reel to digital, stereo to surround sound — what hasn’t changed is Wallis Cinemas’ quality customer service and cleanliness, which keeps patrons returning year after year says Wallis matriarch, Lorna Wallis.
Wallis Cinemas began in the 1950s when Lorna’s father-in-law, Hughie Wallis, who had a passion for photography and film, began screening Hollywood films in suburban halls. This led to opening drive-in complexes and theatres across Adelaide and regional SA, with Hughie handing down the business to Lorna and her late husband, Bob.
80-year-old Lorna, who is still very hands-on in the business, says Wallis Cinemas is like one big happy family and many of its 250 employees have been working there for decades.
Despite the influx of streaming services and competition from larger cinema chains, Wallis remains competitive and relevant with offerings such as its popular Girls’ Night Out events. Just last month, Wallis Cinemas unveiled its new canteen and amenities at their Gepps Cross Mainline cinema, Adelaide’s only remaining drive-in complex.
Want to know the most popular film ever screened at Wallis or what the must-watch movies are this summer? Grab your choc-top and popcorn and watch our interview with Lorna Wallis to find out:
