Cameo Cinema

I was sent on a two week attachment with the projection staff at the Manchester Film Theatre in 1969 and have fond memories of those couple of weeks. At that time the theatre was equipped with a pair of Philips DB 70s with a custom sound system, which from memory was developed by an engineer at Granada TV. If memory serves there was also a dual head 35mm projector, and a 16mm projector. The auditorium boasted an impressive set of deeply curved curtains that ran from floor to almost the ceiling. Sadly the screen behind them was much smaller, which was a shame. When I arrived they were showing a 35mm optical print of Elvira Madigan, but shortly afterwards the programme changed to a 70mm six track magnetic print of King of Kings. Having only handled 35mm prints, I was surprised how hard it was to turn the machine over manually when lacing up a 70mm print. Happy days. Paul