On location: On the main drag in Cremorne, a well-heeled north shore suburb not far from Sydney harbour.
Crowd scene: Mostly swarms of local teenagers interspersed with comfortably-off retirees, so prepare to feel either decrepit or broke.
Back story: First opened in 1935, the art deco Orpheum remained virtually untouched until its closure in 1979. Re-opened in the mid-80s after a $2.5m makeover (courtesy of local TV personality Mike Walsh), the cinema has grown to six screens, and is a monument to art deco design, both classy and kitsch. Highlights include original glass light fittings and the baby grand in the bar upstairs (complete with ageing pianist).
Show business: Mainstream US, UK and Australian cinema accounts for the bulk of the programming, although arthouse movies get a look in too: Bridesmaids and Hangover II are both currently showing, but so are Cannes prizewinner Of Gods and Men and locally-made documentary Mrs Carey's Concert. Several times a month, the cinema screens performances recorded at the National Theatre, Metropolitan Opera and L'Opéra Nationale de Paris. Screenings tend not to start after 8.30pm, but there are some late morning and lunchtime shows. The main auditorium also boasts a 1925 Wurlitzer organ which rises out of the floor for special musically-accompanied screenings.
Parental guidance: No parent-and-baby showings, although some "movie luncheon" events may be suitable for fairly young children.
Senior service: "Movie luncheons" on the last Wednesday of the month offer a light lunch, coffee and a film with Wurlitzer accompaniment for a mere $13. Tickets are discounted ($11) for New South Wales Senior Card holders.
Tickets: $18.50 adult, $15.50 students/pensioners, $13.50 children. On discount Tuesdays, all tickets are $11.50. 3D screenings range from $17 to $21.50.
Camera fodder: Under the neon sign of the foyer's candy bar, you can buy popcorn, crisps, sweets, chocolate-coated macadamias or coffee beans, and the classic Australian cinema snack, the choc top – a single scoop ice-cream cone (vanilla or boysenberry) dipped in melted chocolate and decorated with a solitary Smartie. Large popcorn and soft drink: $10.
Hot drinks: Coffee or tea also available in the foyer, to be consumed in the cinema or at the Legends Bar – a nook between the kiosk and the toilets, containing half a dozen bar stools beneath portrait photos of Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Deborah Kerr (who has actually signed hers) and the like.
Alcohol: Bottled beers including VB ($6), Cascade and Hahn's ($7.50) and a couple of low-carb options ($6.50). None on tap. Red and white wine is available at $8 a glass. Spirits and mixers also on offer.
Sound and vision: Some cinemas have Dolby surround sound, but sound quality is more than adequate throughout. There are facilities for screening 16mm, 35mm and 70mm films. Visuals are crisp.
Auditorium: The main auditorium seats 714; elsewhere capacity varies from 121 to just over 300. Each cinema has been decorated in its own distinct style, from the art-moderne neon and wall-nymphs of the Walsh auditorium to the golden goddesses and velvet curtains of the main Orpheum theatre. Standard red plush cinema seating features throughout; there are no drinks holders or premium options. Elevation is good, as are sightlines. Incidental piano music plays before curtains are raised.
Disabled access: Five screens (of six) are wheelchair accessible; there's a wheelchair lift and disabled parking is available on nearby Parraween St. Calling ahead is recommended, as is arriving 15 minutes early. No hearing loop.
Events: The cinema hosts Sydney film festival screenings and its own short film festival, as well as some musical performances: July sees a live cabaret act, a 14-piece swing band and a violin recital. There's also the occasional Q&A.
Toilets: Located in the foyer and in each wing of the cinema. Ladies' toilets have an unusually luxurious amount of sink and mirror space. There are two disabled loos, one near the back entrance (which has a ramp) and another inside, on the ground floor.
Facilities: Not exactly well signposted, but there are plenty of places to sit and soak up the atmosphere before the film.
Staff: White shirts and neat maroon waistcoats fit the old-world formality of the place nicely, although the student types and middle-aged ladies wearing them are all pretty relaxed and friendly.
Pros: The period decor really is something special, from the lovely metalwork and light fittings to the vile dirty-salmon walls and headache-inducing carpet. In a city with very few independent cinemas of any sort, this one has the added bonus of character, plus there are a few places to eat nearby.
Cons: Unless you already live in Cremorne or a neighbouring suburb, the location isn't the most convenient and the parking's not great.
Top tips: Come early if you're hoping to get a parking space. Then you'll be in good time to get a seat in the bar to enjoy a few bars on the baby grand.
