Not a member yet? Register now.

Love message boards?

Cinema Treasures is looking for a volunteer to help us with our growing community. more
 

Search

Theaters News Links

Advanced search
 
 

Cinema Treasures Poll

What is your favorite use of existing classical music in a movie?

 "Blue Danube" in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
 "Symphony No. 9" in A Clockwork Orange (1971)
 "Rhapsody in Blue" in Manhattan (1979)
 "Barber of Seville" in Breaking Away (1979)
 "Ride of the Valkyries" in Apocalypse Now (1979)
 "Adagio for Strings" in Platoon (1986)
 "Bolero" in Femme Fatale (2002)
 Other

Login to view results and vote
 

News Archive

 

Add Theater News

Got a scoop about your favorite Cinema Treasure?
Tell us about it!
 
  Discover. Preserve. Protect.

Looking for help with Clarendon Cinema

posted by Michael Zoldessy on July 10, 2009 at 7:35am

ASHFORD, SURREY, ENGLAND — Hi, I want to save the Clarendon Cinema on Clarendon Road in Ashford, Middlesex.

It’s now been empty for about a year, after the last tenant left. It was being used for Aircraft spare part storage.

It is thought that it is going to demolished for flats. It’s worth saving as a house at least.

Is there any way of having it saved? I have seen old pictures of it in it’s heyday and it looked fantastic.

Thanks,
Euan McLintock

Email article Printer-friendly version

YOUR COMMENTS

 
Who else is supporting you on this effort? The Fox Theatre in Fullerton, So. California was saved in the last few years. Google them for current means of saving a theatre. Do you have any help via your city council or the government for preservation?

Lorraine Chambers
www.myspace.com/emeraldlorraine
posted by Lorraine Chambers on Jul 11, 2009 at 3:09pm
Start by forming a committee of like-minded people. Then work out some sort of business plan on what you think the theater could be used for. For example, if there are theater groups in the area, approach them to see if they would use the theater for their performances. Look into forming a non-profit corporation so this way you can do fund-raising and accept government grants.

Most theaters have gone out of business because they no longer served a purpose. People moved away, audiences dwindled, a new theater opened up down the street, etc. If you can figure out what it can be used for that will help you create a plan for the theater.
posted by danpetitpas on Jul 13, 2009 at 7:50am
One must bear in mind, too, though, danpetitpas, that there's a whole host of other reasons why most theatres have gone of business due to audiences dwindling:

A) Rude, obnoxious and/or cellphone-using and/or texting patrons

B) Overpriced movie admissions and concessions

C) Theatres not kept very clean (sticky floors, etc.)

posted by MPol on Jul 13, 2009 at 8:16pm
Comment
*


Note: Please read our comment policy before posting. Comments which are off-topic, obscene, spam, or personal attacks will be removed. Help us keep the discussion productive!