Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus.) the cinema; also occas. paintings.

1952		Argus (Melbourne) 13 June 4s/3: I promised the cheese and kisses I’d take the saucepan lids to the fleas and itches.
1967		‘Whisper All Aussie Dict.’ in Kings Cross Whisper (Sydney) xxxiv 4/5: fleas and itches: Movies. Pictures, a hangover from the bughouse days.
1968		D. O’Grady A Bottle of Sandwiches 60: When not too tired, a man was able to visit [...] the open-air fleas-n’-itches.
1972		Dodson & Saczek Dict. of Cockney Rhy. Sl. 27: fleas and itchers. Pictures, cinema. (c. 1945; used by Australian children).
1983		R. Aven-Bray Ridgey-Didge Oz Jack Lang 28: Fleas and Itches Pictures (paintings or movies).
2002		Pete’s Aussie Sl. Home Page 🌐 fleas and itches: the pictures, cinema.