Grand Theatre

The Grand Theatre was situated in Wanchai on the Hong Kong Island. It was a neighbourhood cinema mainly for the Chinese residents and opened at an unknown date in the 1910’s.

From 31th October, 1923, through 11th January, 1924, there was a new arrangement for the 9.15pm shows. An article published by the English language The China Mail on 29th October, 1923 said that:"An interesting innovation is announced beginning Wednesday,October 31,at the Grand Theatre, Queen’s Road East. This theatre, which up to now has been catering more especially to Chinese patronage, will remodel the 9.15 show specially to appeal to Europeans. With this end in view, an orchestra will be installed upstairs, and a special ticket office be provided for circle seats. The films will be of the best class, and the house itself will be artistically decorated. We understand that the charge for admission will be 60 cents, which compares favourably with any picture show in town. Happy Valley residents will be partically interested in this announcement, as the location of the Grand Theatre is very convenient for them. Wednesday’s programme includes " The Kentucky Derby" and the J.C.Williams Variety Company."
The films shown at the 9.15 pm shows included White Hands, Little Lord Fauntlerov, Doctor Jack, The Nut, Through the Back Door,The Love Letter, The Prodigal Judge, Fools and Riches, Way Down East, God’s Man and Buster Keaton’s The Boat.

The Grand Theatre was advertised as The Grand in the English language newspapers for the 9.15pm shows, and the last special 9.15 pm show was on 11th January, 1924 with Jackie Coogan’s “The Trouble”.
The theatre closed after the outbreak of war on 8th December, 1941 and re-opened at an unknown date in 1942. The theatre was in business as of 17th October, 1943. During the war years, only films censored by the Japanese Armies could be shown at the theatre.

The theatre re-opened after the end of WWII, and closed for demolition on 10th July, 1956.

The Hong Kong Grand Theatre was built on the site of the theatre and four adjacent old buildings.

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