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This topic comprises 3 pages: 1 2 3
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Topic: Cinemas on the verge of closure
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Bernard Tonks
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 619
From: Cranleigh, Surrey, England
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 02-14-2003 04:53 AM
Hugh wrote,
quote:
I fear that Allen Eyle's is mistaken. The Odeon, or Regal as it was then, opened in 1933. I have the Architects plate with the date, and some of the original plans dated March 1933.
Allen Eyle’s details however are correct in his Gaumont British Cinemas book. The Regal was opened in 1933 by County Cinemas, taken over by Odeon. Renamed Gaumont in 1949, renamed Odeon in 1962.
I remember going to the King’s Palace a couple of times in 1952, one hell of a dump. I did relief for 2 days at the Elite (ABC) in 1954, tiny box with Ross and RCA equipment. The box at the King’s Palace was larger which I saw empty after closure. The Elite which opened in 1920 was later modernised and renamed ABC, closed in 1983.
Sad to hear recently of problems at Kingston and Wimbledon with staffing and the automation. I was told that Odeon had the best working conditions and wages, a 35 hour week and proper overtime rates.
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Bernard Tonks
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 619
From: Cranleigh, Surrey, England
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 02-15-2003 08:37 AM
Hi Hugh,
I would think if Gaumont British Cinemas had taken over the Regal Wimbledon from the County circuit, they would have renamed it the Gaumont Palace at that time! (2nd word Palace was dropped a few years later by GB). ODEON no doubt retained the Regal name, as their own Odeon Theatre in Worple Road was planned or under construction. Sure this is correct, also there is Alan Eyles account.
In Farnborough Hampshire where I lived for a while, there were two County Theatres, the Rex and the Scala, which retained their names throughout ownership by Odeon Associated Cinemas.
A school friend of mine took up projection at the then Gaumont, Wimbledon in 1952. He often mentioned the chief projectionist, Alf Stagg. I have some knowledge of the original equipment if you have no record.
Regarding pictures of the Elite (ABC) and King’s Palace, perhaps the CTA would be a source if you put an advert in their magazine. I take it that there is nothing available from local newspapers.
BTW enjoying your website with much interest. I must send you some pics!
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Bernard Tonks
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 619
From: Cranleigh, Surrey, England
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 02-17-2003 09:22 AM
Hi Hugh,
I remember the exterior of the old Worple Road; Odeon very well but never went inside that one, maybe because I worked at the Odeon, Shannon Corner (New Malden) on the same release. I much enjoyed visiting the Gaumont many times. From memory the equipment was Super Simplex, Western Electric Mirrophonic sound, Peerless Magnarcs, Stelmar spots. Never noticed that any stage shows run there though.
Unless I’m mistaken I seem to remember seeing a long closed (1940s?) cinema named the Plaza, almost next door to Wimbledon Palais dance hall, later changed to a furniture store.
According to the 1947 Kinematograph Year Book, there was also the Town Hall Kinema. Perhaps this was wartime or earlier use. Might be worth you visiting to see the projection box although changed of use. I wonder if the local library has any history and pictures of cinemas past that you might have missed.
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Bernard Tonks
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 619
From: Cranleigh, Surrey, England
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 02-18-2003 03:46 AM
Leo,
Further to the Town Hall Kinema, Wimbledon. As you say it was a pretty big auditorium. In fact 1,394 seats, with a proscenium width of 35 feet, and stage 35 feet deep.
Pete,
Not sure if I could do that, although my family would like me to. I think I was fortunate to be interested in cinemas at a young age during the 1940s and working in the industry since 1952, and seeing so many changes from the days of nitrate film, fleapits, super cinemas, cine-variety, to name a few!
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