State Cinema

Morrison own the whole site and have built a new supermarket in the original State car park. However they are looking after the cinema and I believe plans are being discussed to perhaps re-open it as a film/stage/arts venue in due course.

The organ is still there as are the projectors.

Check out www.pavitt4.fsnet.co.uk/opening_of_the_state_cinema.htm

for some other history and info on the State.

The interior of this theatre viewed from the balcony, showing organ grilles, screen, and an unoccupied but illuminated organ console, was used to play the part of an anonymous LA-area theatre in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" "Grays State Theatre" is listed in the locations in the end credits.

The State Cinema opened in September 1938 with John Ford's "The Hurricane" starring Dorothy Lamour and Jon Hall. The architect was Frederick G.M. Chancellor of the Frank Matcham & Company practice. The organ installed is a Compton.

It closed in September 1988 and was theatened with demolition, but was saved by a Grade II Listing being placed upon it. It re-opened again briefly in 1989, and a few live concerts were held in 1991. The State has remained empty since then.

Here is a fine photo of the console of the State Cinema's Compton organ 3Manual/6Rank with Melotone, with it's illuminated surround.
http://www.decopix.com/stateorga.html

I would like some more info on the State theatre in Grays, Essex, England but it seem very difficult to do that. Can anybody help please? Pieter Hildebrand.

Latest news (as at March 2006)....Quote; 'English Heritage have just published a report entitiled 'Growing Places' in which it has specifically mentioned the potential of investing in the care of the historic enviroment and specifically the State Cinema, Grays, Essex as a means to trigger regeneration of the Thames Gateway area. The Cinema Theatre Association have written to Thurrock Council as an interested party requesting to be consulted regarding the masterplan that is being put together in order to bring the desperately needed regeneration to the area.' (quote from the CTA Bulletin Vol 40 #2 March/April 2006)

As stated in previous posts above, Morrison's supermarket chain now own the building and they have built a supermarket on the State Cinema's car-park. The cinema building is still boarded up-unused since 1991. It is Listed Grade II*.

Here is the link posted by Peter Hammond above on 17th June 2002:
http://www.pavitt4.fsnet.co.uk/
Scroll down on the side-bar on the left and click on State Cinema. When the page has loaded, click the main picture for a history and photos of the State Cinema.

A fairly recent photograph of the shuttered(15years now) State Cinema:
http://www.moviebunker.com/state_cinema_grays.htm

Two vintage photographs of the former State Cinema, courtesy of the Cinema Theatre Association archives:
http://www.cinema-theatre.org.uk/atrisk/state_grays.htm

A few more photographs of the State, from circa 1988, before it closed. Interiors and exterior and organ.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/2081691170/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/2080905199/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/2080904843/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/2081689930/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/2081689544/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/2080903537/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/2081688676/

I have sent an e-mail to Thurrock Council asking for info and/or help with an idea I had.

There is a cinema museum currently based in London that has to move home and could well cease to be if it can not find suitable new premises. The State Cinema building would be an ideal location. I have e-mailed the museum to confirm that they are still looking for a new home but so far that is it. This would be an ideal opportunity for both parties ( OK, Grays isn't London but it has a good rail link to and from London).

This would fit in nicely with the planned (if Thurrock Council keep their promise) Thurrock Film Network.

If anyone is interested in helping me with trying to get these and other local projects started, please e-mail me on infernalaffairs@blueyonder.co.uk Thanks.

Anyone interested in helping save this lovely old building please visit my website. www.statecinema.co.uk

There is now an online petition at www.statecinema.co.uk

Please sign if you would like to see one of Englands last fully original picture palaces saved from being turned into a health club or some sort or residential property.

Here is another photo of the State Cinema.

Up to date photos

http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=40206

http://www.flickr.com/photos/slaterspeed/3834648045/