Tributes for Adelaide’s ‘Mr Movie’ John Cronin: ‘Nicest bloke ever’

Known and loved as Adelaide’s Mr Movies, an Adelaide film legend has suddenly passed away while on holiday.

Marjorie Jackson-Nelson and John Cronin in 2001. Picture: Advertiser Library

Adelaide’s “Mr Movies”, John Cronin, has passed away at age 80.

Contacted by The Advertiser, Mr Cronin’s son Paul confirmed his father, who he described as his “best mate”, died this week while visiting family and friends in Perth.

Born in Adelaide, Mr Cronin was bitten by the film bug as a boy after being captivated by Singin’ in the Rain.

John Cronin at age 7 out the front of his family's South Plympton home. Picture: Supplied

John Cronin at Regent Theatre. Picture: Supplied

Paul said a poster from the 1952 musical, starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, is still on display in his late father’s office.

“Dad never really retired,” Paul said. “He was loved by everyone who ever had anything to do with him … he was the nicest bloke ever,

“He did a lot to help people throughout their careers – he gave people a go in the industry, who went on to bigger things.”

Former Hoyts state manager John Cronin outside the Regent Cinema (formerly Regent Theatre) in 2004. Picture: Advertiser Library

Rubbing shoulders with big names like Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman but also organising charity screenings during his more than 50-year career, Mr Cronin got his start in the entertainment industry as a teen.

Adelaide's Mr Movies John Cronin in a promo outfit. Picture: Supplied

SA radio presenter Bob Byrne with John Cronin broadcasting for Radio 5AU at the opening of the Elvis Presley film Roustabout in 1964. Picture: Advertiser Library

At age 13 he left school to become a cadet at the “picture palace”, Regent Theatre in Rundle St (now Rundle Mall), where his sister Yvonne was an usherette.

Mr Cronin would later become the state manager for Hoyts, but not before making a name for himself in promotions and advertising both here and interstate.

Paul Cronin and his father John Cronin. Picture: Supplied

While he was state manager for Hoyts in the 1980s, Crocodile Dundee ran for a record-breaking 54 weeks at Adelaide’s Regent Theatre.

The success continued when Mr Cronin founded his own business, Showtime Promotions.

He was also a star of the small screen, introducing Channel 9’s weekly television movie program Clapperboard. Hosted by his friend Anne “Willsy” Wills, it won a Logie award for best local show.

John Cronin with Anne Wills and Lehmo in 2006. Picture: Advertiser Library

Kathryn McGowan and John Cronin in 2001. Picture: Advertiser Library

Later in his career, Mr Cronin promoted box office smashes such as Titanic and Avatar.

He and his wife Margaret also managed Goodwood’s not-for-profit Capri Theatre.

While Mr Cronin retired in 2017, after more than 50 years in the movie business, he continued to volunteer at the Capri, and remained active in the industry after Margaret passed away in June 2020.

John Cronin with his wife Margaret. Picture: Advertiser Library

In 2020 Mr Cronin was named The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers’ national cinema pioneer of the year. A past president of the society, he served on other committees, including the South Australian Motion Picture Industry Provident Fund.

Mr Cronin was also a life member of the Motion Picture Industry Club of South Australia and South Adelaide Football Club.

Mr Cronin is survived by his son Paul and granddaughters Charlie, Frankie and Evie.