Just come across this. I was general manager here when Star took over in 1972. The screens were interesting in as much as they were the first in the UK to use periscope projection.However the presentation left a lot to be desired and the studios were cramped and hot with awful, but trendy, lighting. The bingo hall was a lot more fun but even after investing in the products from the bar I saw no ghosts.I went on to manage the Curzon in Mayfair which was, and is a
a very different sort of venue.
Andrew.
I have just visited the Gate over Carnival and it brought back some happy memories. I was , between being Assistant and then Manager of the Classic Baker Street, Manager here in 1970. The entrance has changed – the chocolate shop is now a cafe-but the original classic film spool handles remain. So too are the display frames- one of which once had my name on it as ‘your host’ (somewhere I have a picture of me next to it in a very trendy suit).
It was the only cinema to have daily late night screenings. Also an Indian film club on a Sunday Morning. Despite the best efforts of the projectionist the reels often arrived in poor condition and it was not unusual for them to be run out-of-sequence and if it was a particularly long movie missed out completely- to ensure the regular programme run on time. My belated apologies to those concerned!
This Classic really was.I have very fond memories of this cinema having been Manager from 1970. At this time I was the youngest cinema manager in London and probably in the UK. We took great pride in the presentation of our movies and on the auditorium- the brass ash trays were polished on a daily basis! Music was specially selected to time exactly with the tabs opening (no fading of the discs) and the kiosk presentation involved a considerable fine detail. Not least because the company offices were upstairs and the MD, Eric Rhodes, always entered and left the building through the foyer. If a bar of chocolate was upside-down it was duly noted- he also used to run his hand over the picture frames to check for dust. The Commisionaire was briefed to open the door for every patron. I considered it an honour to run the cinema and was very sad when it was redeveloped by which time I was at the Curzon Mayfair.
Just come across this. I was general manager here when Star took over in 1972. The screens were interesting in as much as they were the first in the UK to use periscope projection.However the presentation left a lot to be desired and the studios were cramped and hot with awful, but trendy, lighting. The bingo hall was a lot more fun but even after investing in the products from the bar I saw no ghosts.I went on to manage the Curzon in Mayfair which was, and is a a very different sort of venue. Andrew.
I have just visited the Gate over Carnival and it brought back some happy memories. I was , between being Assistant and then Manager of the Classic Baker Street, Manager here in 1970. The entrance has changed – the chocolate shop is now a cafe-but the original classic film spool handles remain. So too are the display frames- one of which once had my name on it as ‘your host’ (somewhere I have a picture of me next to it in a very trendy suit). It was the only cinema to have daily late night screenings. Also an Indian film club on a Sunday Morning. Despite the best efforts of the projectionist the reels often arrived in poor condition and it was not unusual for them to be run out-of-sequence and if it was a particularly long movie missed out completely- to ensure the regular programme run on time. My belated apologies to those concerned!
This Classic really was.I have very fond memories of this cinema having been Manager from 1970. At this time I was the youngest cinema manager in London and probably in the UK. We took great pride in the presentation of our movies and on the auditorium- the brass ash trays were polished on a daily basis! Music was specially selected to time exactly with the tabs opening (no fading of the discs) and the kiosk presentation involved a considerable fine detail. Not least because the company offices were upstairs and the MD, Eric Rhodes, always entered and left the building through the foyer. If a bar of chocolate was upside-down it was duly noted- he also used to run his hand over the picture frames to check for dust. The Commisionaire was briefed to open the door for every patron. I considered it an honour to run the cinema and was very sad when it was redeveloped by which time I was at the Curzon Mayfair.