It was then used as a billiard hall before being left vacant until 1921 when Samuel Weisberg purchased the building for $2000.

[1] The cinema was originally known as Carlton Picture Palace and screened silent films with an orchestra.

[2] In 1979, the McClelland family stopped operating it and it was taken over and renamed Carlton Moviehouse,[1][3] though was known to patrons as the Bughouse.

[7] Throughout its history, the cinema retained its original silent screen, thought to be the only one remaining in Melbourne when it closed in 1999.

The building, that occupies the entirety of its 292-square-metre site, retained its original 1909 facade, with minor changes made when it was converted into a cinema.