My wife and I were most fortunate in having a personal tour of the, then closed, entire theater before it reopened as a church. We saw the beautiful curtains and a colored lighting display in the dome, plus, plus, plus!!!
Hey… not bad for a “beginner” -just joking! Rosa Rio makes my version of “Chopsticks” sound absolutely pathetic.
Well done, young lady. So good to see and hear you at the organ.
I thought I’d gone to heaven while watching and listening to this video.
What an awesome auditorium with wonderful acoustics… and the organist was also very talented, too. More please?!
“Go ahead, CT, make my day”… with another always helpful update. My morning tea is MUCH more enjoyable with the latest news from CT!
My only disappointment is when I up/download older dated articles, to view a photograph, it’s “oops, no longer available”. Am I correct in assuming it would take a great deal of time to delete these?
Any how, thanks to everyone for their consummate inputs. YOU “make my day”!!!
Terry Wade… I’ve often read some of your other sensible comments but with what you state above, running the world’s most famous theater as a “nightclub”… That’s like converting a church into a brothel or the White House as a Motel-6.
This takeover needs to be urgently presented before a court judge with some serious clout!!!
The photograph of the Compton is quite similar to Southampton’s ABC Forum… so pretty with the coloured lights inside and such a unique “Melotone” sound.
Many thanks Al…
I bet myself $100, and won… so now I’m ordering some old classics from TCM. Standby in projection and roll the film… and don’t forget to open the curtains!!!
FYI… “The Ghost Goes West”, Starring Robert Donat was a 3-Star picture directed by M. Rene Clair, 85 minutes, released by London Films in 1935.
Considering England was smack-bang in the middle of WW2, the Halliwell’s Film Directory makes mention that the renowned director was brought to America. ENJOY!!!
I understand some (unmentionable) cinema chains charge patrons extra for using their 3D glasses, then they politely request us to place them into collection boxes when exiting the auditoriums… for recycling and resale -some nerve, eh?
Was this multiplex opened in the former Zayre’s store?
In 1967-72 I worked at Palm Springs Music which was located next to Ekert Drug Store in the original 1960’s Palm Springs Shopping Center.
The huge Palm Springs Theater, operated by Wometco, a division of CBS-TV ch4) was next to Shell Liquor, then another multiplex opened way down 49th Street by the Palmetto Expressway.
A mid 1950’s school chum of mine, John Bettinson, recently e-mailed me with some of his memories of the Plaza… which he “loved”. He and hundreds of other kids, who attended the Saturday morning programmes, for an admission charge of (6d) sixpence, often swapped popular American comics with each other after the show.
John also stated that he thought the Plaza had the biggest cinema screen (not London?) on England’s south coast.
I would personally appreciate anyone who could verify that with factual information as well as auditorium photos.
When living in L.A. during the 1990’s my wife and I often went to the Conservancy screenings and particularly remember the “Sunset Boulevard” screening at the State Theatre. The live orchestra really added a touch of class to the evening.
Now in Washington, we’re not be able to attend this years screening but will be there in spirit. May the “Last Seats” series run forever! And, when will other cities adopt such an educational classic film program???????
Ken… The news I learned of, back in January, was of a multi-story parking garage complete with a numerous screen cinema complex plus assorted eateries, all to be located on the roof of the garage.
Bremerton does have parking issues but people should make more of an effort to cruise the block for a stall. I always did this in San Francisco!
With a massive US Navy audience residing in Bremerton and Port Orchard, I feel there should be more of an effort to offer our Armed Forces a discounted admission.
I feel it’s a shame about the now closed Port Orchard twin cinemas but much of their programming lacked motion pictures of interest and/or notable star quality. They should have brought back a variety of movies from previous decades, especially those we missed or want to see again when formerly on general release.
Yes, “Trousercowboy”… This poor old lady looks as though she’s way beyond help.
The owners should remove what is salvageable before the building collapses and destroys the remaining items which could be displayed in a museum.
David… So many thanks for your excellent and colourful description of a beautiful cinema/theatre. Here’s hoping it wasn’t altered beyond recognition, as is the case so often.
I can immagine the live stage shows and the beautiful ‘frilly’ curtain. I truly believe that the use of multiple curtains, as in “The Great Ziegfeld” (Best Film 1936), added charm to the presentation of live shows. Here’s hoping a CT fan is able to locate a photograph.
Incidentally, Bournemouth’s ABC Westover Cinema had a glorious ‘frilly’ curtain to compliment their art deco surroundings!
About three-plus years ago, the Mayor of L.A. launched a huge effort to clean up the terribly rundown Broadway area and to encourage the restoration of the many closed theaters.
It’s so good to see that the Belasco, Palace and Million Dollar have been saved. what is happening to the Los Angeles Theatre?
If you are ever visiting L.A., CT members should NOT miss the interesting Saturday tours of the numerous open/closed theaters, offered for about $5 by the L.A. Conservancy!!!!!!!
Just about every day on TV we see a commercial which was filmed in or outside of a classic movie house or theater.
And now, with the constantly vanishing theatrical palaces across America, and businesses who want to shoot their film in or around these historic facilities, then my idea and strong suggestion to theater owners is to charge a substantial fee for the filming rights.
This will certainly help keep these struggling houses restored and open for all to enjoy. What say you?
Bob… THANK YOU for a wonderfully entertaining video. I so enjoyed your comments about the News and Trailers etc, but you forgot about how the projectionists use of curtains in between each segment.
Also, THANK YOU for the Kate Smith segment of “God Bless America” -I still have tears in my eyes!
And THANK YOU for your service to our country!!!
My late American stepfather was stationed in Bristol with the U.S. Navy during WW2 and wanted to remain there after the war but was refused permission to stay. He was, like me, a movie fan and told me that he went to the local cinemas when time allowed.
Tell us that that “sudden closure” was not just thought of at a moments notice, eh? And management expect employees to hang around for a possible return to work in a month or two AND remain loyal to the company? Dream on CineMagic!!!
My wife and I were most fortunate in having a personal tour of the, then closed, entire theater before it reopened as a church. We saw the beautiful curtains and a colored lighting display in the dome, plus, plus, plus!!!
Hey… not bad for a “beginner” -just joking! Rosa Rio makes my version of “Chopsticks” sound absolutely pathetic. Well done, young lady. So good to see and hear you at the organ.
I thought I’d gone to heaven while watching and listening to this video. What an awesome auditorium with wonderful acoustics… and the organist was also very talented, too. More please?!
This was most enjoyable to watch, as was the factual commentary and fascinating photographs. I’ll let my old Army buddy in N.J. know about this.
“Go ahead, CT, make my day”… with another always helpful update. My morning tea is MUCH more enjoyable with the latest news from CT!
My only disappointment is when I up/download older dated articles, to view a photograph, it’s “oops, no longer available”. Am I correct in assuming it would take a great deal of time to delete these?
Any how, thanks to everyone for their consummate inputs. YOU “make my day”!!!
Terry Wade… I’ve often read some of your other sensible comments but with what you state above, running the world’s most famous theater as a “nightclub”… That’s like converting a church into a brothel or the White House as a Motel-6.
This takeover needs to be urgently presented before a court judge with some serious clout!!!
The photograph of the Compton is quite similar to Southampton’s ABC Forum… so pretty with the coloured lights inside and such a unique “Melotone” sound.
Ctaig… Check with you local Public Library" archives, especially the “opening day” shots, or perhaps Odeon themselves.
Many thanks Al…
I bet myself $100, and won… so now I’m ordering some old classics from TCM. Standby in projection and roll the film… and don’t forget to open the curtains!!!
Congratulations and Happy 75th Birthday to you…
FYI… “The Ghost Goes West”, Starring Robert Donat was a 3-Star picture directed by M. Rene Clair, 85 minutes, released by London Films in 1935.
Considering England was smack-bang in the middle of WW2, the Halliwell’s Film Directory makes mention that the renowned director was brought to America. ENJOY!!!
I understand some (unmentionable) cinema chains charge patrons extra for using their 3D glasses, then they politely request us to place them into collection boxes when exiting the auditoriums… for recycling and resale -some nerve, eh?
Was this multiplex opened in the former Zayre’s store?
In 1967-72 I worked at Palm Springs Music which was located next to Ekert Drug Store in the original 1960’s Palm Springs Shopping Center.
The huge Palm Springs Theater, operated by Wometco, a division of CBS-TV ch4) was next to Shell Liquor, then another multiplex opened way down 49th Street by the Palmetto Expressway.
A mid 1950’s school chum of mine, John Bettinson, recently e-mailed me with some of his memories of the Plaza… which he “loved”. He and hundreds of other kids, who attended the Saturday morning programmes, for an admission charge of (6d) sixpence, often swapped popular American comics with each other after the show.
John also stated that he thought the Plaza had the biggest cinema screen (not London?) on England’s south coast.
I would personally appreciate anyone who could verify that with factual information as well as auditorium photos.
When living in L.A. during the 1990’s my wife and I often went to the Conservancy screenings and particularly remember the “Sunset Boulevard” screening at the State Theatre. The live orchestra really added a touch of class to the evening.
Now in Washington, we’re not be able to attend this years screening but will be there in spirit. May the “Last Seats” series run forever! And, when will other cities adopt such an educational classic film program???????
Ken… The news I learned of, back in January, was of a multi-story parking garage complete with a numerous screen cinema complex plus assorted eateries, all to be located on the roof of the garage.
Bremerton does have parking issues but people should make more of an effort to cruise the block for a stall. I always did this in San Francisco!
With a massive US Navy audience residing in Bremerton and Port Orchard, I feel there should be more of an effort to offer our Armed Forces a discounted admission.
I feel it’s a shame about the now closed Port Orchard twin cinemas but much of their programming lacked motion pictures of interest and/or notable star quality. They should have brought back a variety of movies from previous decades, especially those we missed or want to see again when formerly on general release.
What say you folks?
Having clicked on the cinema link, I get the Regent in its sister city of Christchurch, ENGLAND, not New Zealand. Hmmmmm?
Yes, “Trousercowboy”… This poor old lady looks as though she’s way beyond help.
The owners should remove what is salvageable before the building collapses and destroys the remaining items which could be displayed in a museum.
Don, thanks for the info-to-know. Ah yes… the Last Remaining Seats… what an awesome event to attend at any one of these historic theaters.
This must-see event title reminds me of one of my favorite theater books “The Best Remaining Seats”.
David… So many thanks for your excellent and colourful description of a beautiful cinema/theatre. Here’s hoping it wasn’t altered beyond recognition, as is the case so often.
I can immagine the live stage shows and the beautiful ‘frilly’ curtain. I truly believe that the use of multiple curtains, as in “The Great Ziegfeld” (Best Film 1936), added charm to the presentation of live shows. Here’s hoping a CT fan is able to locate a photograph.
Incidentally, Bournemouth’s ABC Westover Cinema had a glorious ‘frilly’ curtain to compliment their art deco surroundings!
About three-plus years ago, the Mayor of L.A. launched a huge effort to clean up the terribly rundown Broadway area and to encourage the restoration of the many closed theaters.
It’s so good to see that the Belasco, Palace and Million Dollar have been saved. what is happening to the Los Angeles Theatre?
If you are ever visiting L.A., CT members should NOT miss the interesting Saturday tours of the numerous open/closed theaters, offered for about $5 by the L.A. Conservancy!!!!!!!
When I worked for Regal, our multiplex offered Freschetta brand mini pizza and were simply delicious.
Just about every day on TV we see a commercial which was filmed in or outside of a classic movie house or theater.
And now, with the constantly vanishing theatrical palaces across America, and businesses who want to shoot their film in or around these historic facilities, then my idea and strong suggestion to theater owners is to charge a substantial fee for the filming rights.
This will certainly help keep these struggling houses restored and open for all to enjoy. What say you?
Bob… THANK YOU for a wonderfully entertaining video. I so enjoyed your comments about the News and Trailers etc, but you forgot about how the projectionists use of curtains in between each segment.
Also, THANK YOU for the Kate Smith segment of “God Bless America” -I still have tears in my eyes!
And THANK YOU for your service to our country!!!
My late American stepfather was stationed in Bristol with the U.S. Navy during WW2 and wanted to remain there after the war but was refused permission to stay. He was, like me, a movie fan and told me that he went to the local cinemas when time allowed.
Tell us that that “sudden closure” was not just thought of at a moments notice, eh? And management expect employees to hang around for a possible return to work in a month or two AND remain loyal to the company? Dream on CineMagic!!!