The opening of the Greater Union Cinema Complex in Westfield Hurstville in June, 1990 breathed life into what was "a ghost town at night".
For movie-lovers, the timing couldn't have been better, coinciding with the release of some truly memorable movies.
The new complex included "eight big screens and an intimate seating arrangement of 200-300 seats in the latest state-of-the-art sound and comfort, along with top quality films", the Leader's long-time entertainment reporter Francis Shoolman wrote.
Hurstville was "following overseas trends in bringing to life shopping centres which once became ghost towns after 5pm".
Movies were screened at Hurstville simultaneously with city theatres and included all the new Hollywood releases.
The opening was scheduled for the school holidays, with the line-up including Dick Tracy, starring Warren Beatty as Tracy and Madonna as Breathless Mahoney.
"The film undoubtedly establishes Madonna as both an excellent singer and actress," the report said.
Other movies screened in the opening weeks included Back to the Future Part III, starring Michael J Fox and Christopher Llloyd, Disney's animated musical The Little Mermaid and Cadillac Man, starring Robin Williams as a used-car salesman.
Mel Gibson teamed up with Goldie Hawn in the comedy Bird on a Wire, Richard Gere and Julia Roberts starred in Pretty Woman and Johnny Dep in Cry Baby.
"During the next few months, top rating movies such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Another 48 Hours and Robocop III will be included in many releases heading for Westfield Hurstville," the report said.
Flashback Friday
Every Friday we delve into the Leader archives to embark on some time travel.
We will bring you photographs of a news event from 59 years of Leader news coverage that you may or may not recall.
Flashback Friday submissions are also welcomed.
Feel free to share your recollections with us on our Facebook page @SutherlandShireStGeorgeNews or email leaderletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au