Apollo Cinema
3 Newport Road,
Stafford,
ST16 2HH
3 Newport Road,
Stafford,
ST16 2HH
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The late Ray Faulkner ‘Mr Odeon’ was a trainee projectionist in 1944 working his way to Chief Projectionist where he spent the next 37 years at this unique Cinema.For the last seven he moved up the road to The Picture House. Ray was everything which this industry has lost,a total and absolute Professional and to see him work in the'box'was a fascinating experience. Brother Eric and Son Ray also lent a hand and Mary was one of the usherettes a position Ray always politely referred to as a pusher. His wicked sense of humour and acerbic wit made Ray one of the nicest persons you could wish to meet and I’m proud to have known and gained so much knowledge from him over the years. You are not forgotton Ray. CHRISINGRAM
This is a 1936 photo.
A June 2008 of the Apollo Cinemas:–
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A fish & chip shop was allowed to open in one of the retail units. Normally this use for not allowed as the smell of cooking managed to get into the cinema. However, here at Stafford, I believe one of the businesses demolished when the theatre was built, was a fish & chip shop, and the proviso for demolition rested on a ‘new home’ when the Odeon was built.
exterior shot taken 1991
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2121470428/
1986 view here – note where the ODEON letters have been removed from the facade:–
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Charles Chaplin WAS “Modern Times.” Besides starring in the movie, he wrote, produced, and directed it, composed the musical score, and devised the sound effects. No doubt he had his fingers in other pies as well.
Doolally; That is correct. The plot of land was small and was restricted by other adjacent buildings who’s owners were not willing to sell, and be demolished to build a new cinema.
The projection booth was located on the rear stalls level, as this allowed for a maximum seating capacity. The circle seating went to the rear internal wall, which externally is the front wall of the cinema where the large Odeon sign is located on the vintage photographs I posted above.
Is this the Cinema that Oscar Deutsch referred to as ‘our Drawing Room Cinema’, due to it’s size?
Three vintage exterior views of the Odeon:
In October 1949, playing the Odeon release:
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In April 1952, playing the Odeon release:
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In 1969, playing a ‘popular’ release:
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Google gives an address of 3 Newport Road.