Palace Cinema

Situated to the west of Smethwick town centre, the Ring Palace opened on Saturday 27th March 1915, offering “Warmth, Comfort and Civility”.

It was owned by George Devey, but was acquired by Edward Hewitson in March 1917. For a short time it was called the Picture Playhouse, but was being advertised as the Palace Cinema by the end of 1917.

Ironically, the Palace Cinema’s finest hours came not long before it closed. In 1930, while the nearby Prince’s Hall (see separate Cinema Treasures entry) was being rebuilt, its orchestra was transferred to the Palace Cinema which, while all the neighbouring cinemas were presenting ‘talkies’, proudly advertised itself as “The only house for silent’s with an orchestra”.

The Palace Cinema closed soon after, on 5th March 1932, with “Motherland”, starring Alec Alexander and Peggy Carlisle.

After standing empty for a while, the building became a warehouse, but has been long since demolished.

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