Empire Cinema

edithapearce on October 11, 2009 at 2:39 am

I can recall the Empire Cinema quite well. It stood on a corner that was close to the roundabout where the famous Houses of Parliament stood. The Parliament being the largest set of public toilets in the Rhondda Valley. Porth being more famous for its Parliament than its coal mining.

The narrow entrance to the hall was in Pontypridd Road opposite the Maerdy direction Western Welsh bus stop. The sign over the hall was a simple board bearing the name Empire Cinema and lit by a small flood light.

I can remember. many years ago, being told that in the days of silent films, there was a Grand Cinema in Porth. I am therefore wondering if the Empire is actually a reincarnation of the vanished Grand?