Ben De Luca, who has been at the helm of the Summergarden cinema for over six decades, is now preparing to sell the beloved theater located in Bowen, as he approaches his 90th birthday. The cinema, which opened its doors in 1948, featured classic films such as Mary Poppins, Goldfinger, My Fair Lady, and The Sound of Music during its long history.
The Summergarden has also been the site of significant events, including the world premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s 2008 film Australia, which starred renowned Australian actors Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. However, it is De Luca’s friendly presence at the ticket booth that has made a lasting impression on the local community.
De Luca, who took over the family-run cinema at the age of 28 in 1964, developed his passion for films during his childhood. He recalled creating homemade movies using a simple projector made from a box, drawings, cellophane, and a flashlight, charging friends and family a small fee to watch his creations. “The seed was sown at a very young age,” he reflected.
Initially designed as an open-air venue, the cinema has seen many changes over the years. De Luca reminisced about the early days when patrons would dash to the rear of the theater during rainstorms. He noted that in the 1960s, going to the movies was a popular weekend pastime, particularly with audiences flocking to Westerns featuring stars like John Wayne.
However, with the rise of streaming services, De Luca has observed a decline in cinema attendance. “The industry is not what it used to be,” he remarked, acknowledging that fewer people are choosing to visit theaters nowadays.
Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann first visited Bowen to scout locations for Australia, which went on to become one of the highest-grossing Australian films, earning $211 million globally. During the filming, the Summergarden served as a hub for the stars, with Luhrmann utilizing the venue to review raw footage. “He was very impressed with what we had to offer,” De Luca said.
The cinema still showcases memorabilia from the film, including signed posters from Kidman, with whom De Luca has maintained a connection over the years. “Some of those posters are very dear to my heart because of the people that have signed them,” he added.
Steve Snell, owner of the Tors Drive In cinema in Charters Towers, credited De Luca with playing a vital role in sustaining the cinema industry in North Queensland. Snell, who was introduced to the projection room at Summergarden by De Luca when he was just eight years old, described the experience as transformative. “It was just beautiful,” he recalled, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
After 64 years of service, De Luca has become a reliable source of guidance for others in the film industry, with many reaching out to him for advice on various matters. He stated, “A lot of exhibitors contact Ben for help, whether it’s business-related or technical issues, he has the knowledge to assist.”
Despite the cinema’s connection to high-profile figures, De Luca shared that his greatest joy comes from welcoming local residents and visitors for regular screenings. “That has always made me very happy, and I still enjoy it,” he noted. As he prepares to pass on the Summergarden’s legacy, he hopes to find someone who will honor its rich history. “We are the longest continuously running cinema in North Queensland,” he concluded. “I’m optimistic that it will continue.”
