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Reel Cinema gets reprieve
posted by
danpetitpas
on
October 10, 2008 at 7:40 am
PLYMOUTH, UK — On the day it was to close, the historic Reel Cinema got a reprieve. The owner wanted to build a 10-screen multiplex on the site. A retired theater operator negotiated a deal to manage the theater, saving it from the wrecking ball.
The 70-year-old art deco Reel is the last survivor of Plymouth’s golden age of movies. In adition to films, the Beatles and other acts played there in the 1960’s. In 1977, it was divided into three auditoriums and a bingo hall.
Recent moviegoers describe the theater as rundown but rich in art deco details. The new manager has said he has no plans to renovate but will just concentrate on running the theater.
Read more in This is Plymouth.
Comments (1)
When I lived in Plymouth 1975-78 I was a regular patron there as this cinema reminded me of its sister-cinema ABC Forum in Southampton -my former home town.
I also have happy radio memories of listening to the morning BBC (West of England Service)to “As Prescribed.” The oh-so-talented Dudley Savage was at the console of the lovely sounding Compton (Melotone) organ.
I also have several recordings of his pretty music, of which he introduces and it still makes me a homesick when listening to here in Oregon.